Soft Chicken Tacos
Soft chicken tacos feature tender shredded chicken seasoned with tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, and herbs, wrapped in warm tortillas—perfect for flavorful, quick, and versatile meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet; add chopped tomatoes, onions, and jalapeno peppers.
- Cook for 3 minutes.
- Stir in cooked shredded chicken, thyme, cumin, and chicken broth.
- Add salt and pepper to taste; simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
- Heat tortillas according to package directions; keep warm.
- Fill tortillas with the chicken mixture and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the shredded chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you prefer a milder taco, remove the seeds from the jalapenos. You can also substitute the chicken with shredded beef or a vegetarian option like black beans for a different twist. Make sure to use fresh herbs for the best taste.
Serving Suggestions
These soft chicken tacos are perfect served with a side of Southwestern Corn Salad or Cris Wolfe'S Spanish Rice for a complete meal. Add toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cheese for extra flavor. They also pair beautifully with a refreshing margarita or a light beer, making them ideal for casual gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover taco filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep it moist. Heat tortillas separately to maintain their softness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Soft Chicken Tacos contains roughly 510 calories, with 11g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 34g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (279% of the Daily Value), iron (141% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (81% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2726mg per serving (119% of the Daily Value).
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 store-bought rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a delicious flavor to your tacos. Just shred the chicken off the bone and proceed with the recipe as directed. It’s a convenient option that works well for quick weeknight meals.
What can I substitute for the tortillas?
If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, corn tortillas work well. Alternatively, lettuce wraps can be used for a low-carb option. If you prefer a crunchier texture, consider using taco shells or even homemade baked tortilla chips.
How spicy are these tacos?
The heat level of these tacos largely depends on the jalapenos. If you prefer a milder dish, you can reduce the amount of jalapenos or remove the seeds before chopping. For extra spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or using spicy salsa as a topping.
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).