This oven-roasted chicken tacos recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Juicy, fragrant chicken thighs are marinated in a rich blend of spices, then roasted to golden perfection before being nestled inside a warm tortilla and topped with your favorite fixings. It's a versatile meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
Most of the ingredients for this recipe are common pantry staples, but there are a few you might need to look out for at the supermarket. Ancho chili powder, a type of dried chili, has a deep, rich flavor that's less spicy than traditional chili powder. It's often found in the International or Mexican food aisle. Mexican cream, also known as crema, is a thick, tangy cream that's a common topping for Mexican dishes. If you can't find it, sour cream makes a good substitute.
Ingredients for Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
Chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, they are a great choice for this recipe due to their higher fat content, which makes them less prone to drying out.
Olive oil: Used in the marinade and for brushing the baking sheet, it adds a hint of richness.
Fresh lime juice: Adds a tangy brightness that balances the rich, savory flavors.
Garlic: Provides a depth of flavor.
Ancho chili powder: Gives a smoky, subtly sweet heat.
Ground cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Ground coriander: Complements the other spices with its citrusy, slightly sweet taste.
Cayenne pepper: Provides a kick of heat.
Cilantro: Lends a fresh, herbal note.
Corn tortillas: The vehicle for the flavorful chicken and toppings.
Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture.
Mexican cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, salty component.
Tomatoes: Brings a juicy, fresh element.
Avocados: Creamy and rich, they balance the spices nicely.
Mexican cream: Drizzled on top for a tangy, creamy finish.
One reader, Anissa Smart says:
The oven-roasted chicken tacos recipe was a game-changer! The chicken was juicy and flavorful, and the spices were perfectly balanced. The tacos were a hit with my family, and the leftovers were just as delicious. I'll definitely be making this recipe again. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
How to marinate the chicken: Mix the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Place the chicken in a resealable bag, pour the marinade over it, add cilantro, and seal the bag. Rub the marinade over the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
How to roast the chicken: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Brush a baking sheet with olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven until golden brown and cooked through, about 30 to 40 minutes.
How to serve the tacos: Cut the roasted chicken into small strips or cubes. Serve in tortillas with shredded lettuce, Mexican cheese, tomatoes, avocados, and Mexican cream.
How To Make Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos
Thinking of the perfect filling for Taco Tuesday? Here’s a simple and easy-to-follow chicken tacos recipe with a generous amount of roasted chicken bits
Serves:
Ingredients
- 2lbchicken thighs,skinless, trimmed, large, boneless
- ⅓cupolive oil,plus more for baking sheet
- 3tbspfresh lime juice
- 1tbspgarlic,(about 3 cloves) minced
- 2tspancho chili powder
- 1½tspground cumin
- ½tspground coriander
- pinchcayenne pepper,to taste
- ½tspsalt
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ½cupcilantro,slightly packed, roughly chopped
For Serving:
- 10pcscorn tortillas,6-inch, warmed
- shredded lettuce
- Mexican cheese,shredded blend, cotija, queso fresco
- tomatoes,or pico de gallo, diced
- avocados,or guacamole, diced
- Mexican cream,or sour cream, to serve
Instructions
-
In a mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
-
Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag, pour olive oil mixture over chicken. Add cilantro then seal bag while pressing out excess air.
-
Rub marinade over chicken well. Transfer to refrigerator and allow to marinate at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
-
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Brush a rimmed, preferably dark coated, 18×13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
-
Remove chicken from marinade and transfer to baking sheet spacing chicken evenly apart. Roast in preheated oven until bottom side is golden brown and crisp and chicken is cooked through, about 30 to 40 minutes.
-
Let chicken rest 2 minutes then cut into small strips or cubes. Serve in tortillas with desired toppings.
Nutrition
- Calories: 671.46kcal
- Fat: 49.14g
- Saturated Fat: 12.25g
- Trans Fat: 0.15g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 24.42g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.71g
- Carbohydrates: 24.56g
- Fiber: 3.72g
- Sugar: 0.92g
- Protein: 33.35g
- Cholesterol: 188.46mg
- Sodium: 437.69mg
- Calcium: 74.09mg
- Potassium: 529.06mg
- Iron: 2.63mg
- Vitamin A: 95.74µg
- Vitamin C: 3.87mg
Technique Tip for Perfect Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
When marinating the chicken, ensure that all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade. This will not only ensure that the flavor is well-distributed, but also that the chicken cooks evenly. To achieve this, you can massage the bag once the chicken and marinade are inside, making sure the marinade reaches every nook and cranny. Additionally, allowing the chicken to marinate for a longer period will result in a deeper and more robust flavor. However, avoid marinating for more than 6 hours as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken and make it mushy.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
Marinate efficiently: To save time, marinate the chicken the night before or in the morning before starting your day. This allows the flavors to develop while you go about your other tasks.
Prep in advance: Chop and prepare all the toppings and garnishes ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will streamline the taco assembly process.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Consider using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative. Simply shred the chicken and toss it with the marinade for a quick and easy option.
Opt for pre-made tortillas: Save time by using store-bought pre-made tortillas instead of making them from scratch. Look for high-quality corn tortillas for an authentic touch.
Efficient assembly: Set up a taco assembly line with all the toppings and fillings laid out for easy access. This makes it convenient for everyone to customize their tacos quickly and efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos Recipe
chicken thighs - Substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster than thighs, making them a suitable substitute for a healthier option.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
ancho chili powder - Substitute with regular chili powder: Regular chili powder can be used as a substitute for ancho chili powder, although it may have a slightly different flavor profile.
ground cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander can be used as a substitute for cumin, providing a similar earthy and citrusy flavor to the dish.
corn tortillas - Substitute with flour tortillas: Flour tortillas can be used as a substitute for corn tortillas, offering a different texture and flavor to the tacos.
mexican cheese - Substitute with cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese can be used as a substitute for Mexican cheese, providing a similar creamy and slightly sharp flavor to the dish.
mexican cream - Substitute with sour cream: Sour cream can be used as a substitute for Mexican cream, offering a similar tangy and creamy element to the tacos.
Presentation Ideas for Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the tacos on a beautiful serving platter, ensuring they are neatly presented and visually appealing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the tacos with freshly chopped cilantro to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Incorporate vibrant colors: Integrate colorful ingredients such as ripe tomatoes, vibrant lettuce, and creamy avocados to create an eye-catching presentation.
- Utilize elegant serving ware: Serve the tacos on elegant, high-quality plates or platters to enhance the dining experience.
- Create a visually appealing taco assembly: Carefully arrange the toppings and chicken on the tortillas, ensuring each component is thoughtfully placed for an aesthetically pleasing presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
- Oven: An essential appliance for roasting the chicken to perfection.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining the marinade ingredients and coating the chicken.
- Liquid measuring cup: Ideal for accurately measuring and mixing the marinade.
- Gallon size resealable bag: Used for marinating the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated.
- Rimmed baking sheet: Provides a surface for roasting the chicken in the oven.
- Brush: Used for greasing the baking sheet with olive oil.
- Knife: Essential for cutting the cooked chicken into small strips or cubes.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe and clean surface for cutting the cooked chicken.
- Tongs: Useful for transferring the cooked chicken from the baking sheet to a serving plate.
- Serving plate: Used for presenting the cooked chicken before assembling the tacos.
How To Store and Freeze Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
- To store leftover chicken tacos, place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- If you want to store the components separately, keep the roasted chicken, tortillas, and toppings in separate containers in the refrigerator. This will help maintain their freshness and prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the roasted chicken for up to 2-3 months. Let the chicken cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
- To freeze the entire assembled tacos, wrap each taco individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. They will keep in the freezer for up to 1-2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw the frozen chicken or tacos overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. If reheating assembled tacos, unwrap them and place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Note that the texture of the tortillas and toppings may change slightly after freezing and reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
How To Reheat Leftover Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
To reheat leftover oven-roasted chicken tacos, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the tacos loosely in aluminum foil and place them on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the tortillas are crispy again.
Another option is to reheat the chicken and tortillas separately. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until soft and pliable.
For a quick and easy reheat, you can also use a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the tacos and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until the tortillas are crispy and the chicken is heated through.
If you have an air fryer, you can use it to reheat your tacos for a crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the tacos in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the chicken is heated through and the tortillas are crispy.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure not to overheat the tacos as this can cause the tortillas to become tough and the chicken to dry out. If you have any toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or avocado, it's best to remove them before reheating and add them back once the tacos are heated through for optimal freshness and texture.
Random Fact About Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
The oven-roasted chicken tacos recipe is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit different tastes and preferences.
Is Making Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos Economical for Home Cooking?
This oven-roasted chicken tacos recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The use of chicken thighs and simple spices keeps the cost down while delivering great flavor. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly meal option. As a culinary chef, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious outcome.
Are Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos Healthy or Unhealthy?
This oven-roasted chicken tacos recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side, chicken thighs are a good source of protein, and the recipe includes healthy ingredients like olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro. The spices used, such as ancho chili powder, cumin, and coriander, add flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar. However, the recipe also has some drawbacks. The use of Mexican cheese and Mexican cream can add significant amounts of saturated fat and calories to the dish. Additionally, the recipe doesn't include a significant amount of vegetables, which are essential for a balanced meal.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use low-fat or fat-free Mexican cheese and cream to reduce the saturated fat content
- Add more vegetables to the tacos, such as grilled bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Opt for whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of refined flour tortillas to increase the fiber content
- Reduce the amount of olive oil used in the marinade to lower the overall calorie count
- Serve the tacos with a side salad or a serving of black beans to add more nutrients and fiber to the meal
Editor's Thoughts on This Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos Recipe
This oven-roasted chicken tacos recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with a zesty and aromatic essence, while the roasting process adds a delightful crispness. The combination of fresh lime juice, ancho chili powder, and cumin creates a harmonious blend of savory and tangy notes. Serving the succulent chicken in warm corn tortillas with shredded lettuce, Mexican cheese, tomatoes, avocados, and a dollop of Mexican cream adds a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It's a perfect dish for a casual gathering or a cozy family dinner.
Enhance Your Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Alternative Recipes Similar to Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Oven-Roasted Chicken Tacos
Why trust this Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a flavorful and succulent outcome, as the chicken thighs are marinated in a blend of olive oil, fresh lime juice, and aromatic spices. The use of ancho chili powder, cumin, and coriander infuses the chicken with a rich and complex flavor profile. The cooking process ensures a crispy and golden-brown exterior, while maintaining juicy and tender meat. The inclusion of cilantro adds a refreshing herbal note. Trust in the combination of these high-quality ingredients to deliver a delicious and satisfying taco experience.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Easy Chicken Tacos Recipe
Easy Steak Tacos Recipe
Pull-Apart Jewish Challah Recipe
Thai Coconut Curry Chicken Soup Recipe
Grilled Bruschetta Portobello Mushrooms Recipe
Grilled Chicken Caprese With Mozzarella Recipe
Shrimp & Mexican Corn Foil Packets Recipe
Praline Pumpkin Mousse Recipe
Frozen Spinach Cubes Recipe
Creamy Shrimp Florentine Pasta Recipe
