Thai Chicken Tacos Recipe

This recipe is a fusion of the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine with the comfort and simplicity of tacos. The succulent chicken is marinated in a mixture of coconut milk, soy sauce, lime juice, and exotic spices, then cooked to perfection. Combined with fresh, crunchy vegetables and a creamy, homemade peanut sauce, these tacos offer a truly unique and delicious dining experience.

Photos of Thai Chicken Tacos Recipe

While most of the ingredients may be readily available in your pantry, such as chicken breasts, soy sauce, and lime, some elements might need a special trip to your local grocery store. Coconut milk and fresh ginger, key ingredients in this recipe, can usually be found in the Asian section of most supermarkets. The peanut butter and flour tortillas are also typically in the international food aisle. As for the fresh produce like red cabbage, carrots, and cilantro, these are usually readily available in the fresh produce section.

Thai Chicken Tacos Ingredients

Chicken breasts: The star of this dish, lean and protein-rich.

Coconut milk: Adds a nutty flavor and creamy texture to the chicken marinade.

Soy sauce: An Asian condiment that adds saltiness and depth of flavor.

Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds a tangy flavor.

Fresh garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic flavor to the dish.

Fresh ginger: Gives a sweet and spicy flavor.

Red cabbage: Adds crunch and color to the tacos.

Carrots: Adds sweetness and crunch.

Cucumber: Adds a refreshing taste and crunch.

Cilantro leaves: Provides a fresh, citrusy note.

Flour tortillas: The vessel for your taco filling.

Peanut butter: The base for the homemade peanut sauce.

Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to both the marinade and peanut sauce.

One reader, Gwyneth Utley says:

This Thai chicken tacos recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are out of this world, and the peanut sauce is to die for. The combination of coconut milk, soy sauce, and lime juice creates a perfect harmony of flavors. It's a must-try for anyone who loves Thai cuisine with a twist!

Gwyneth Utley

Key Techniques for Crafting Delicious Thai Chicken Tacos

Marinating the chicken: Combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger in a large resealable bag. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, up to 8 hours.

Cooking the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, place on the skillet, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until done.

Making the peanut sauce: Combine all of the ingredients in the food processor and process until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Assembling the tacos: Warm the tortillas in the microwave. Place the tortillas in a row. To each tortilla, add shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber, and chicken. Top with a generous drizzle of peanut sauce and a few cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

How To Make Thai Chicken Tacos

Craving for a delicious fusion dish? Try these Thai chicken tacos. The earthy flavors of Thai cuisine in one crunchy corn taco and topped with peanut sauce.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 15 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

Chicken Taco

4chicken breastsboneless, skinless
1 ½cupscoconut milklight is fine
¼cupsoy sauce
1tbspbrown sugar
1tbsplime juice
2tspfresh garlicminced
2tspfresh gingerminced
1cupred cabbageshredded
½cupcarrotsshredded
½cupcucumberthinly sliced
½cupcilantro leaves
8smallflour tortillas
salt and pepper
lime wedgesfor garnish

Peanut Sauce:

½cuppeanut buttersmooth
¼cupcoconut milk
2tspLime Juice
1tbspsoy sauce
2tspbrown sugar
2tspwater

Instructions

For Chicken

Combine the coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger in a large resealable bag.
Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, up to 8 hours.
Heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper, place on the skillet, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until done.
Cut the cooked chicken into cubes.

For Peanut Sauce

Combine all of the ingredients in the food processor and process until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste.

For Assembly

Warm the tortillas in the microwave. Place the tortillas in a row.
To each tortilla add shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, cucumber, and chicken.
Top with a generous drizzle of peanut sauce and a few cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 2923.18kcal
Fat: 241.89g
Saturated Fat: 115.24g
Trans Fat: 0.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 76.07g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 36.81g
Carbohydrates: 123.84g
Fiber: 21.76g
Sugar: 39.22g
Protein: 111.30g
Cholesterol: 55.68mg
Sodium: 14645.56mg
Calcium: 458.92mg
Potassium: 4519.84mg
Iron: 26.50mg
Vitamin A: 1106.26µg
Vitamin C: 28.93mg

Expert Tip for Perfecting Thai Chicken Tacos

When marinating the chicken, ensure to evenly distribute the marinade for optimal flavor absorption. Also, marinating for a longer period will result in a more flavorful and tender chicken. However, be careful not to marinate for too long as the acidity from the lime juice can start to break down the chicken, making it mushy. A good rule of thumb is to marinate for at least one hour but not more than 8 hours.

Time-Saving Tips for Thai Chicken Tacos Recipe

Plan ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Prep in advance: Chop the vegetables and make the peanut sauce a day ahead and store them in the refrigerator.

Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken to cut down on cooking time.

Multi-task: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the peanut sauce and chop the vegetables to maximize efficiency.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of the chicken and freeze the extra for future quick and easy meals.

Efficient assembly: Set up a taco assembly line with all the ingredients ready for quick and easy taco making.

Substitute Ingredients For Thai Chicken Tacos Recipe

Chicken breasts - Substitute with tofu or tempeh: Tofu or tempeh can be used as a plant-based alternative to chicken for a vegetarian version of the recipe.
Coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free alternative to coconut milk, providing a similar creamy texture and nutty flavor.
Soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative to soy sauce, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
Brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar can be used as a natural alternative to brown sugar, providing a slightly caramel-like flavor.
Flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option or to add a different texture and flavor to the tacos.
Peanut butter - Substitute with almond butter: Almond butter can be used as a substitute for peanut butter for those with peanut allergies or for a different nutty flavor profile.

Presentation Ideas for Flavorful Thai Chicken Tacos

Elevate the plating: Arrange the tacos on a large platter, ensuring that each component is meticulously placed for visual appeal. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the succulent chicken should be showcased to entice the senses.
Incorporate artistic drizzling: Skillfully drizzle the peanut sauce over the tacos in an artistic manner, creating a visually appealing pattern that complements the overall presentation.
Garnish with precision: Add a final touch of sophistication by garnishing the tacos with delicate cilantro leaves and strategically positioned lime wedges to add a pop of color and freshness.
Utilize high-quality serveware: Choose elegant and refined serveware that complements the vibrant colors of the dish, enhancing the overall visual impact.
Create a harmonious composition: Ensure that the arrangement of the tacos and accompanying elements creates a balanced and harmonious composition, capturing the attention of the esteemed culinary professionals.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Thai Chicken Tacos

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and grinding nuts or seeds.
Skillet: A skillet, also known as a frying pan, is a flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and browning foods. It's an essential tool for cooking the marinated chicken in this recipe.
Microwave: A microwave is a kitchen appliance that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat and cook food quickly. It's used to warm the tortillas in this recipe.
Resealable bag: A resealable bag is a plastic bag with a seal that can be opened and closed multiple times. It's used for marinating the chicken in the refrigerator.
Knife: A knife is a cutting tool used for slicing and dicing ingredients. It's essential for cutting the cooked chicken into cubes and for various other prep tasks.
Cutting board: A cutting board provides a stable surface for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients. It's used in conjunction with a knife for food preparation.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is a deep bowl used for combining ingredients. It's essential for mixing the marinade for the chicken and for preparing various components of the dish.
Lime squeezer: A lime squeezer is a handheld tool used to extract juice from limes. It's used to obtain fresh lime juice for the marinade and for serving with the tacos.
Spatula: A spatula is a kitchen tool with a broad, flat, flexible blade used for lifting and flipping foods. It's useful for handling the cooked chicken and assembling the tacos.
Measuring cups and spoons: Measuring cups and spoons are used to accurately measure and portion ingredients. They are essential for achieving the right balance of flavors in the recipe.

Storing and Freezing Guidelines for Thai Chicken Tacos

To store leftover thai chicken tacos, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store the components separately, keep the cooked chicken, vegetables, and peanut sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To freeze the chicken, place the cooked and cooled chicken cubes in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
The peanut sauce can also be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and give it a good stir before using.
It's not recommended to freeze the assembled tacos or the fresh vegetables as they may become soggy and lose their texture upon thawing.
When ready to enjoy the frozen chicken, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
To reheat the peanut sauce, microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches the desired temperature and consistency.

How To Reheat Leftover Thai Chicken Tacos

To reheat leftover thai chicken tacos, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the tacos are heated evenly throughout.
Wrap the tacos loosely in aluminum foil. This will help to prevent them from drying out while they reheat. If you have any leftover peanut sauce, you can add a small amount to each taco before wrapping it up.
Place the wrapped tacos on a baking sheet and put them in the preheated oven. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until the tacos are heated through and the tortillas are crispy.
Alternatively, you can reheat the tacos in a skillet on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil in the skillet over medium heat. Add the tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are heated through and the tortillas are crispy.
If you have any leftover cabbage slaw or cilantro, you can reheat them separately in the microwave or on the stovetop. This will help to keep them fresh and crisp.
Once the tacos are heated through, remove them from the oven or skillet and let them cool for a minute or two before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and prevent you from burning your mouth on the hot filling.
Serve the reheated tacos with any leftover toppings, such as lime wedges, extra cilantro, or a drizzle of peanut sauce. Enjoy your delicious leftover thai chicken tacos!

Interesting Trivia About Thai Chicken Tacos

Thai chicken tacos are a fusion of Thai and Mexican cuisines, combining the flavors of coconut milk, soy sauce, and peanut sauce with the traditional taco ingredients. This unique combination creates a delicious and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your taste buds.

Is Making Thai Chicken Tacos at Home Cost-Effective?

This Thai chicken tacos recipe offers a great balance of cost-effectiveness and flavor. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken, cabbage, and carrots keeps the overall cost reasonable. The addition of coconut milk and peanut butter may slightly increase the cost, but these ingredients are versatile and can be used in various other recipes. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. The overall verdict rates this recipe at 8 out of 10 for its affordability and delicious taste.

Are Thai Chicken Tacos Healthy or Unhealthy?

This Thai chicken tacos recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. Let's break it down:

Healthy aspects:

Chicken breast is a lean protein source
Coconut milk provides healthy fats
Fresh vegetables like red cabbage, carrots, cucumber, and cilantro add fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Lime juice and fresh ginger offer antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties

Unhealthy aspects:

Soy sauce is high in sodium
Brown sugar adds extra calories and sugar
Flour tortillas are made from refined carbohydrates
Peanut butter, while nutritious, is calorie-dense

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Opt for low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos to reduce the salt content
Replace brown sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or omit it altogether
Use whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for added fiber and nutrients
Limit the amount of peanut sauce used, or replace it with a lighter, yogurt-based sauce
Add more vegetables to the tacos, such as bell peppers, onions, or lettuce, to increase the nutrient density
Serve the tacos with a side salad or roasted vegetables to create a more balanced meal
Use a leaner cut of chicken, such as chicken tenderloins, to reduce the fat content further
Grill or bake the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet to minimize added oils

Editor's Opinion: Why Thai Chicken Tacos Are a Must-Try

The Thai chicken tacos recipe is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, while the peanut sauce adds a creamy and nutty element. The fresh crunch of the vegetables and the fragrant cilantro complement the tender chicken beautifully. The combination of Thai-inspired ingredients and the familiar comfort of tacos makes this recipe a unique and exciting dish that will surely impress your guests.

Enhance Your Thai Chicken Tacos Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Guacamole: Create a zesty guacamole with a hint of lime and cilantro to add a refreshing kick to your Thai chicken tacos.

Mango salsa: Whip up a vibrant mango salsa with red onion and jalapeno for a sweet and spicy contrast to the savory chicken and peanut sauce.

Coconut rice: Serve a side of fragrant coconut rice to complement the creamy coconut milk marinade used for the chicken, tying the flavors together in every bite.

Delicious Alternatives to Thai Chicken Tacos

Spicy Beef Stir-Fry: This spicy beef stir-fry is a quick and easy dish that's packed with flavor. The tender beef is cooked with a mix of colorful vegetables and a spicy sauce, making it a perfect weeknight meal.

Mango Salsa Chicken: This mango salsa chicken is a refreshing and tropical twist on traditional chicken dishes. The juicy mango salsa adds a burst of sweetness and tanginess to the tender chicken, creating a delicious and vibrant meal.

Coconut Curry Shrimp: This coconut curry shrimp is a creamy and aromatic dish that's perfect for seafood lovers. The succulent shrimp is cooked in a rich coconut curry sauce with a blend of spices, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Thai Chicken Tacos

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Whip up a tropical-inspired appetizer by coating shrimp in a crispy coconut breading. Fry until golden brown and serve with a tangy dipping sauce for a delightful burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth and decadent texture will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and luscious strawberry cheesecake, with a buttery graham cracker crust and a sweet strawberry topping. Each bite is a delightful combination of tangy and sweet flavors that will leave you wanting another slice.

Why trust this Thai Chicken Tacos Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors, combining succulent chicken with a rich and creamy coconut milk marinade. The addition of soy sauce and lime juice infuses the dish with a tantalizing tanginess, while the aromatic blend of garlic and ginger adds depth to the marinade. The vibrant crunch of red cabbage, carrots, and cucumber provides a refreshing contrast, complemented by the zesty peanut sauce. With a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, this recipe promises a delightful culinary experience.

Share your thoughts on this delicious Thai Chicken Tacos recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to suggest!

FAQ:

What is the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

The best way to cook the chicken for this recipe is to marinate it in a mixture of coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lime juice, garlic, and ginger for at least an hour, then cook it in a skillet over medium-high heat for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until it's done. Once cooked, cut the chicken into cubes for the tacos.

Can I use something else instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely substitute the chicken with other proteins such as tofu, shrimp, or even beef if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.

How can I make the peanut sauce if I don't have a food processor?

If you don't have a food processor, you can make the peanut sauce by whisking together the peanut butter, coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, and water in a bowl until smooth and well combined.

Can I prepare any part of this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken marinade and the peanut sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you're ready to use them. You can also chop the vegetables ahead of time to save some prep work.

What are some good side dishes to serve with these Thai chicken tacos?

Some good side dishes to serve with these Thai chicken tacos include jasmine rice, a fresh fruit salad, or a side of steamed vegetables. These sides complement the flavors of the tacos and make for a well-rounded meal.