Delicious Chicken Taco Bowls Recipe for Family Dinner
Attention all food lovers! Are you searching for an easy-to-cook and fulfilling meal? Look no further than this delicious and healthy Chicken Taco Bowls recipe. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is full of exciting flavors that will leave you craving more. From tender chicken to zesty seasonings, every ingredient works together to create a dish that’s both hearty and mouthwatering.
This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to simplify their cuisine routine without sacrificing quality or taste. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef, this recipe is easy to make and is sure to impress your friends and family.
You may be asking yourself: “Why should I choose this Chicken Taco Bowls recipe over other recipes out there?” Well, let me tell you why! Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also features easily accessible ingredients without compromising on taste. Plus, it can be customized to fit any dietary restrictions or preferences by using substitutions as needed.
So, join me on this culinary journey and indulge in the goodness of tender chicken, tangy salsa, and fresh vegetables – all in one satisfying bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Calling all taco lovers! This chicken taco bowl recipe is the perfect combination of tangy and savory flavors all mixed together in a bowl. You won’t be able to resist the juicy and tender boneless chicken breasts combined with black beans, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, cheddar cheese, and crunchy corn tortilla strips.
Not only is this recipe easy to make, but it is also versatile as it can be cooked using a pressure cooker, slow cooker or instant pot depending on your time constraints. Plus, it doesn’t get any healthier than this as you can use reduced-fat sour cream and olive oil to cook the chicken.
If you’re someone who loves meal prepping, this recipe is also the perfect fit for you because it can easily be stored in the fridge for up to four days. Simply heat it up before serving and enjoy a delicious meal throughout the week.
Looking for that extra kick of smoky flavors? Try adding some chipotle seasoning to spice things up in your kitchen. And if you love guac and lime like I do, these ingredients are definitely going to take this southwest inspired dish to the next level.
Whether you’re a taco fanatic or just looking for a quick and simple dinner option, give this smoky chicken taco bowl recipe a try. Trust me when I say that once you savor these flavors, you’ll completely fall in love with this dish.
Ingredient List
Before we go into the step-by-step guide on how to create this delicious chicken taco bowl recipe, we will give you a comprehensive list of all the ingredients that you need.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 cup corn
- 1/2 cup green chili salsa
- 6 inch corn tortillas (cut into 1/2 inch pieces), 6 pieces
- Cooking spray
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Tomatoes, diced (as desired)
- Black olives, sliced (as desired)
- Lettuce, chopped (as desired)
- Reduced-fat sour cream (as desired)
These ingredients make enough for four servings. However, you can always adjust the number of ingredients according to your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to put them together and make some delicious chicken taco bowls. Follow the steps below to make your easy chicken taco bowls.
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
First, heat up a skillet with 1 tablespoon of canola oil on medium-high heat. Cut the 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1/2 inch pieces and season them with 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Once heated, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook until browned.
Step 2: Prepare the Bowls
Cut 4 corn tortillas into small pieces and spray cooking spray onto a baking sheet. Place the tortilla pieces onto the sheet and then sprinkle some salt and garlic powder on top. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the tortilla pieces for approximately 10 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 3: Assemble the Bowls
Add approximately 1 cup of cooked jasmine rice to each bowl. Top off each bowl with equal parts of cooked black beans, cooked chicken pieces, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives. Add a tablespoon of guacamole or reduced-fat sour cream on top along with some shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Add Some Flavor
Drizzle some lime juice or green chili salsa over the top for some added flavor before serving.
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own delicious chicken taco bowls at home!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch things up and put your own spin on these delicious chicken taco bowls? There are endless possibilities for substitutions and variations to make the recipe your own.
First, let’s talk about the chicken. While boneless, skinless chicken breast is recommended, you can use chicken thighs or even ground chicken for a different texture and flavor. If you’re short on time, grilled chicken from a previous meal could be a great substitute as well.
Next, let’s talk about the toppings. If black olives and tomatoes aren’t your thing, feel free to mix it up with guacamole or roasted corn salsa. You could also add sliced avocados or jalapenos to spice things up. Instead of lettuce, try using shredded cabbage or kale for an extra crunch.
For those looking to make a healthier version, swap out the corn tortillas for lettuce cups to make it low-carb and keto-friendly. You could also remove the cheese and replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt or avocado crema.
If you’re looking to add some smoky flavor to your chicken taco bowls, try adding chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your seasoning mix or even using a smoky flavored salsa instead of green chili salsa.
Finally, if you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or feeding a large crowd, consider using a slow cooker or instant pot to make larger batches with ease.
The options are endless when it comes to customizing this easy and flavorful recipe. So go ahead and get creative – there’s no wrong way to enjoy these Southwest-inspired chicken taco bowls!
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving chicken taco bowls, you have a variety of options to choose from. These hearty and filling bowls have a southwestern flair that is best complemented by some classic Mexican toppings. I like to serve mine with sliced black olives, juicy tomatoes, and crispy lettuce. Other tasty toppings that pair well with chicken taco bowls include reduced-fat sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green chili salsa.
To make the most of the flavors in the chicken taco bowls, I recommend pairing this dish with a refreshing beverage. A nice cold beer or sparkling water infused with lime juice works perfectly to balance out the heat from the spices in the chicken. Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try whipping up some homemade guacamole or salsa to complete your meal.
Another great feature of chicken taco bowls is that they are versatile when it comes to serving sizes. You can serve heartier portions for dinner, or smaller portions for lunch or meal prep. They also make a great party dish for any game day or potluck gathering with friends and family.
In conclusion, chicken taco bowls are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served in many ways. They pair well with classic Mexican toppings and beverages like beer or lime-infused sparkling water. Additionally, they are perfect for any meal size and occasion from simple lunches to big parties!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to meal prep or planning ahead for gatherings, the make-ahead option is a real life-saver. Luckily, this Chicken Taco Bowls Recipe is perfect for making ahead of time. The key is to store each component separately in airtight containers and then assemble right before serving.
For example, the chicken can be pre-cooked a day or two in advance and kept refrigerated until ready to use. Both the corn tortillas and the lettuce can be stored separately as well. To prevent the tortillas from sticking together, add parchment paper in between them.
The toppings like chopped tomatoes, black olives, and shredded cheddar cheese can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in different containers. And what’s taco without the salsa? Green chili salsa and reduced-fat sour cream should be put in separate containers too.
If you are storing leftover chicken taco bowls, make sure to divide them into individual portions that will fit your storage container. These bowls will last you up to three days when stored in the fridge.
Reheating leftovers is equally hassle-free with this recipe. Simply microwave each portion for two minutes or until heated through. You may also reheat the chicken in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F, however make sure to cover your dish with foil to prevent drying out.
Overall, this Chicken Taco Bowl Recipe is a simple and delicious meal prep option that will save you time without sacrificing quality taste!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the most delicious chicken taco bowls, there are some tips and tricks to consider. First off, seasoning is crucial in achieving an authentic Mexican flavor. Don’t skimp on the taco seasoning, garlic powder or salt when preparing the chicken.
Furthermore, it is essential to use fresh ingredients to bring out the flavors of veggies like black olives, tomatoes, lettuce and cheddar cheese. The freshness adds more depth to your chicken taco bowls and makes them taste even better.
Another great tip for this recipe is to avoid overcooking the chicken breasts. They should be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F but do not let them dry out or become tough. You can use a meat thermometer or cut through its thickest part gently to ensure they are done right.
Making chicken breasts juicy and tender can be a challenge sometimes, so here’s a secret method that works wonders. Marinating it in olive oil and lime juice for a few hours before cooking infuses more flavor into the meat while keeping it moist and tender.
If you enjoy spicy or smoky flavors in your meals, try adding some chipotle seasoning or green chili salsa for some heat. It gives a delicious smokiness that complements the chicken taco bowl dish perfectly.
Last but not least, if you plan to store your meal prep ahead or have leftovers from your chicken taco bowls recipe; make sure to store them properly using good storage containers that fit well in your fridge. Use air-tight glass containers to avoid oxidation or freezer burn.
Follow these tips, and you will surely end up with the tastiest Chicken Taco Bowls worthy of any instagram post!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, these chicken taco bowls are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to make. With a variety of options for cooking, seasonings, and toppings, this recipe is easily customizable to match your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Plus, the meal prep and storage options make it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or weekends when you want to enjoy a healthy meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
So whether you’re a fan of southwest flavors or simply love a good bowl meal, these chicken taco bowls are definitely worth a try. So head to the grocery store, stock up on ingredients from the list, and give this recipe a shot. I guarantee you’ll be hooked on this smoky and tangy dish in no time!
Ingredients
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 ounce canola oil
- 12 ounces boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup green chili salsa
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
- 1 cup lettuce, sliced
- 1 medium tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons black olives, sliced
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Heat tortillas until warm according to Taco Bowl instructions. Coat each side of 4 tortillas with cooking spray. Keep remaining 4 tortillas covered. Turn a 12-cup muffin tin upside down. Nestle a tortilla in the space between 4 cups to form a "bowl". Repeat with 4 more tortillas making 8 bowls total.
- Meanwhile, toss chicken with garlic powder and salt in a bowl. Heat oil in a lg skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring, until the chicken is no longer pink in the middle, about 3 minutes more. Cover and remove from the heat.
- Fit each tortilla bowl with about 1/4 cup of chicken mixture. Top with 1 TBS each of cheese, sour cream, 2 TBS each of lettuce and tomato and a few olives.
Your own notes
Nutrition
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Tony is an experienced chef, crafting delicious comfort food. He’s also an influential blogger, providing helpful recipes and tips on his website, taosburgersandbeer.com. As an expert in his field, he offers valuable advice to readers. His knowledge and creative recipes make it easy to cook exciting, flavorful dishes.