Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa
Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa are the perfect fusion of vibrant flavors and effortless cooking. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a zesty, satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners or lively gatherings with friends and family.
The tender spiced chicken, combined with the crunch of fresh veggies and warm taco shells, creates an irresistible bite. The creamy salsa, bursting with fresh herbs, tangy lime, and a hint of heat, adds the ultimate finishing touch.
Whether you’re a taco aficionado or new to taco night, this recipe is approachable, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. Prepare to savor every bite of these bold and flavorful tacos!
Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa: Ingredients
- Ground Chicken: The heart of these tacos, bringing a tender and savory base that absorbs the bold spices beautifully.
- Bell Peppers: Vibrant red and green peppers add a sweet crunch and a pop of color to every bite.
- Onion and Garlic: Aromatic essentials that infuse the dish with depth and warmth.
- Cumin and Coriander: Earthy spices that create a robust and smoky flavor profile.
- Sazon Seasoning: A secret weapon for adding a burst of savory, Latin-inspired flavor.
- Chicken Stock: The backbone of the filling, ensuring a moist and rich consistency.
- Creamy Salsa: A tangy, herbaceous topper with a hint of heat that elevates the tacos to restaurant-quality.
Recipe Tips
- Enhance the Flavor with Fresh Ingredients: For a vibrant and fresh Creamy Salsa, use ripe Roma tomatoes and freshly chopped cilantro. The brightness of these ingredients amplifies the salsa’s flavor, making every bite of the taco irresistibly fresh and tangy.
- Perfectly Brown the Ground Chicken: To achieve a richly flavored taco filling, break up the ground chicken into small pieces while cooking. Ensure it browns evenly to deepen its flavor and blend seamlessly with the spices.
- Customize the Heat: Tailor the spice level by adjusting the cayenne pepper and hot sauce. For a milder taco, reduce these ingredients, or add an extra dash for heat lovers. The spice balance ensures every palate can enjoy this dish.
What to Serve with Ground Chicken Tacos
- Mexican Rice: A classic side that complements the bold flavors of the tacos. The fluffy rice, cooked with tomato, garlic, and spices, balances the heat of the Creamy Salsa.
- Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob, slathered with butter, mayo, chili powder, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese, adds a smoky and creamy element to your taco spread.
- Fresh Guacamole and Tortilla Chips: A creamy and crunchy pairing, guacamole brings a rich avocado touch, while chips provide the perfect vehicle for scooping up extra salsa.
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or pork work well as substitutes. Each offers a unique flavor profile while maintaining the taco’s deliciousness.
2. How can I make the recipe dairy-free?
Replace the sour cream in the Creamy Salsa with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut yogurt, and ensure your hot sauce is dairy-free.
3. Can the filling be made ahead of time?
Yes, the filling can be prepared up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
4. Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground chicken with cooked lentils, crumbled tofu, or seasoned plant-based crumbles. These alternatives hold the spices well and provide a satisfying texture.
Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa
Ingredients
- For the Tacos:
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic grated or finely minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon sazon seasoning 1 packet
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 12 taco shells kept warm in a 200°F oven
- For Serving:
- Shredded lettuce
- Creamy Salsa recipe below
- For the Creamy Salsa:
- 4 Roma tomatoes seeded and chopped
- 1/2 cup freshly chopped cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño seeded and minced
- 1 scallion finely chopped
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce e.g., Frank’s Red Hot
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- To Prepare the Tacos:
- Heat the olive oil in a large sauté pan with straight sides over medium-high heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers and chopped onion. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Stir in the grated garlic, ground cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, and sazon seasoning. Cook for 1 minute, allowing the spices to release their aromas. Add the ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon while stirring. Ensure there are no large chunks by thoroughly crumbling the chicken as it cooks.
- When the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Stir continuously to incorporate the flour and allow it to cook for 2 minutes. Gradually pour in the chicken stock, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens slightly.
- Serve the chicken mixture in warm taco shells. Top each taco with shredded lettuce and a generous dollop of Creamy Salsa.
- To Prepare the Creamy Salsa:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped Roma tomatoes, cilantro, red onion, jalapeño, and scallion. Add the sour cream, hot sauce, garlic powder, and fresh lime juice. Stir until well combined.
- Season the salsa to taste with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Yield: Approximately 1 1/2 cups of Creamy Salsa.
