Ortega Chicken Tacos
Juicy chicken tacos with vibrant green peppers, scallions, and melted Cheddar cheese, perfect for a quick, flavorful Mexican-inspired meal enjoyed by the whole family.
Ingredients
- 3/4 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cooking oil ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped scallions ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) jar Ortega mild thick and chunky salsa
- 1 1/2 c. Sargento fancy shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (11 oz.) can corn with red and green pepper ⓘ
- 1 (4.8 oz.) pkg. Ortega taco shells
Instructions
- In a large skillet, over medium heat, cook chicken in hot oil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add scallions and green pepper; cook for 5 minutes more or until chicken is no longer pink and vegetables are tender.
- Drain mixture and set aside.
- Warm taco shells according to package instructions.
- Fill each shell with the chicken mixture, then top with salsa and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer a spicier kick, consider adding jalapeños to the mixture or using a spicier salsa. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also enhance the dish's flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these chicken tacos with sides like Refried Pinto Beans or a fresh Guacamole Dip(Avocado Dip) for a complete meal. A light salad or Mexican street corn would also pair nicely. For a fun twist, set up a taco bar with additional toppings like diced tomatoes, lettuce, and various salsas including Penny'S Salsa.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken mixture and taco shells separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. For the taco shells, a quick 5-10 minutes in the oven at 350°F will restore their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ortega Chicken Tacos contains roughly 346 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. It also contributes 4g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use tortillas instead of taco shells?
Absolutely! If you prefer tortillas, either flour or corn will work well. Simply fill them with the chicken mixture and toppings as you would with taco shells. You can even lightly grill the tortillas for added flavor and texture.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the chicken with black beans or sautéed mushrooms. You can also use a mix of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers for a hearty filling. This way, you can enjoy a delicious vegetarian option without sacrificing flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken mixture?
Yes, you can freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet. This makes for a quick meal option on busy days!
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).