Taco Tuesday Made Easy with Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix
Are you tired of the same old chicken tacos with store-bought seasoning? Do you want to impress your friends and family with a homemade chicken taco seasoning that will elevate your dish to the next level? Look no further, because I have the perfect recipe for you.
I’m here to share my recipe for homemade chicken taco seasoning that will make your taste buds dance with joy. This is not your ordinary taco seasoning mix, as it boasts a perfect blend of mixed spice, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, and chili powder. It’s easy to make and doesn’t require any special tools or equipment.
As a foodie myself, I can attest that this recipe has all the potential to be one of the best chicken taco seasoning mixes ever. It’s not just about adding different spices together; it’s about combining ingredients that complement each other perfectly.
So let’s get started on making this fantastic seasoning mix that will change your taco game forever.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a quick and easy way to make delicious chicken tacos that will satisfy both your taste buds and cravings for something spicy? Look no further than this homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe! Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out, this recipe is perfect for you.
It’s incredibly flavorful, with a blend of different spices coming together to create a truly unique and addictive mixture. The combination of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes gives it just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
The best part? This homemade chicken taco seasoning mix is super easy to make. Just combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and you’re good to go. Plus, it’s flexible enough that you can tweak it slightly to suit your own preferences. Want more garlic? Add more garlic powder. Prefer a smoother texture? Use less dried oregano.
And let’s not forget about how versatile this recipe is. You can use it as a seasoning for all sorts of different dishes beyond tacos too! Try adding it to chili, grilled chicken, or even roasted vegetables for a little extra kick.
Overall, this homemade chicken taco seasoning mix is the perfect addition to your spice rack. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and endlessly versatile. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try and see why everyone is raving about its deliciousness!
Ingredient List
Let’s review the ingredients necessary for making this Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix and Add Ins Recipe.
Main Ingredients:
- Chili Powder: 1 tablespoon.
- Ground Cumin: 2 teaspoons.
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon.
- Sugar: ½ teaspoon.
- Chicken Bouillon: 1 tablespoon.
- Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon.
Optional Ingredients:
- Red Pepper Flakes
- Ground Coriander
- Dried Oregano
Vegetables:
- Onions
- Bell Peppers
- Mixed Spice
Chicken:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: can be cooked and shredded, or diced and sautéed.
All ingredients listed are readily available in grocery stores.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the recipe how-to!
Step 1: Mix the Spices
The first step is to mix all the spices together in a small bowl until they are fully combined. In this recipe, we use chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, chicken bouillon powder and salt. These ingredients will give our homemade chicken taco seasoning its unique and flavorful taste.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet or pot, add boneless skinless chicken breasts with some oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with taco seasoning until fully coated. Cover and cook for around 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and let it cool for a few minutes on a cutting board.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once cooled enough to handle, shred the chicken using your hands or two forks.
Step 4: Add Ins
This is where you can get creative! Some of my favorite add-ins for homemade chicken tacos are sautéed onions and red bell pepper, canned black beans or corn. Be sure to use cornstarch when adding them to create a slightly thickened sauce.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add seasoned shredded chicken back to the skillet. Add all add-ins including 2 tablespoons of water and stir over medium heat until everything is heated through.
That’s it! Your easy homemade chicken taco filling is ready!
Pro Tip: Double or even triple this recipe to batch cook cooked shredded chicken for meal prep during the week.
Substitutions and Variations
Hey there, foodie lovers! The best part about cooking is making it yours. So, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations you can make to this chicken taco seasoning recipe so you can customize it to your taste.
First, if you want to make it vegetarian, simply swap the chicken bouillon for vegetable bouillon to keep the same base flavour. Alternatively, use diced tofu, tempeh or cooked lentils in place of chicken for a plant-based protein option.
For those who crave spiciness, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend. You could also substitute some of the chili powder for hot smoked paprika if you want a nice smoky kick. On the other hand, if spice isn’t your thing or serves a younger crowd, use less chili powder and more smoked paprika for mild flavour options.
Don’t have all the spices on hand? Use ready-made taco seasoning instead of making your own from scratch. We recommend Old El Paso or McCormick brand seasonings which provide a great combination of flavours already blended together for easy use on taco fillings.
You can also change up the type of meat used in this recipe! Swap boneless skinless chicken breasts with ground chicken or beef. Try shredded pork or beef taco fillings–or mix things up and try seafood tacos with shrimp.
Lastly, add some extra veggies to your taco mix. Green onions or scallions add depth and crunch to the filling. Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C–red bell peppers even more nutritionally dense than green ones–plus a sweet flavour that highlights the salty spices well when sautéed. Tomatoes add both sweetness and moisture while cilantro provides a bit of acidity & tang perfect for spicing up this yummy dish .
Mix and match ingredients to create your perfect homemade chicken taco seasoning recipe or even a whole new culinary creation—with our guidance be bold and get creative!
Serving and Pairing
It’s time for the main event – serving up your homemade chicken taco seasoning mix with some delicious add-ins! Once you have cooked up your chicken to perfection with that irresistible seasoning, you can start by pairing it with some soft or crunchy tortillas. I recommend warming them up on a skillet for that extra touch of crispiness.
For toppings, you can go all-out with fresh ingredients like chopped tomatoes, sliced onions, and diced avocado. A handful of shredded cheese can also take your tacos to the next level. And speaking of levels, if you are feeling brave, take a pass at a couple of drops of hot sauce or sprinkle some red pepper flakes for an added kick.
When it comes to pairings, there are many options available depending on your personal taste preferences. A simple serving of cilantro rice or black beans is always a reliable choice. You could even swap out the chicken and make beef tacos or veggie tacos using roasted cauliflower.
To cool down your taste buds after enjoying the tangy flavors of your tacos, consider serving up a refreshing jicama salad or some freshly made salsa. The possibilities here are endless!
Overall, the combinations of flavors and textures presented by this recipe make it an incredibly flexible choice for home cooks of all levels to get creative with their own unique serving twists.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you’ve made your mouth-watering chicken taco seasoning mix and add-ins, you may want to plan for any leftover or make extra for later use. The good news is that this recipe is excellent for making ahead of time, storing, and reheating.
To store your homemade chicken taco seasoning mix and add-ins, place them in an airtight container and store them in a cool, dry place. That way, you can use it anytime while retaining its freshness and flavor. You can even layer them in individual containers so that you can easily grab one for a quick meal on the go.
In terms of reheating, the best way to do so depends on the recipe it is used in. For example, if you’re reheating a chicken taco filling, cook it slowly over low heat until heated through. If you’re using the seasoning mix as a rub on grilled chicken, a quick sear on high heat will do the trick.
Alternatively, if you want an even quicker approach to preparation, you can always pre-cook your chicken and add the seasoning mix when ready to serve. This saves time and also guarantees that each piece of chicken is coated with equal amounts of seasoning.
You may also use up any leftover cooked chicken by shredding it for future use as a taco filling or as an addition to salads or burritos. So, embrace the simplicity of this homemade chicken taco seasoning mix and never let any leftover cooked chicken go to waste again!
Tips for Perfect Results
When it comes to making homemade chicken tacos, achieving the perfect seasoning is the key to success. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chicken taco seasoning mix is flavorful and delicious every time:
– Use fresh spices: Make sure your spices are not expired and have a strong aroma. Fresh spices will lend a vibrant flavor to your seasoning mix.
– Combine ingredients well: Use a mixing bowl or a food processor to thoroughly combine the spices and herbs. This way, each bite of chicken will have an equal amount of flavor.
– Taste as you go: Sample the seasoning mixture as you add each spice. This will help you adjust the flavor according to your preference.
– Use boneless skinless chicken breasts: Boneless skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe as they cook faster and are easier to shred.
– Season the chicken before cooking: Rub the seasoning mix onto the chicken before cooking it. This will allow the flavors to deepen and penetrate into the meat.
– Let seasoning sit on chicken: After rubbing the seasoning onto the chicken, let it sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate overnight to allow for deeper penetration of flavors.
– Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tasteless. Make sure you cook it just until no longer pink in the middle to keep it juicy and tender.
– Pair perfectly with toppings: Top your homemade chicken tacos with fresh toppings such as diced onions, bell peppers, and shredded lettuce for added texture and flavor.
By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating some of the best homemade chicken tacos that will leave your taste buds craving for more!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this chicken taco seasoning mix and add-ins recipe is the perfect addition to your culinary arsenal. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing main course at your next gathering, this seasoning mix has got you covered.
By combining a variety of delicious spices such as cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder, you can create the best chicken tacos ever. You can easily adjust the spice level to your liking by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
Additionally, this homemade chicken taco seasoning mix is customizable and versatile. You can substitute or add different spices to make it suit your taste preferences. With its simplicity and ease of use, it’s perfect for seasoned cooks and beginner chefs alike.
To sum up, with this recipe in hand, you can create an endless number of delicious and healthy meals that deliver the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine. So why not ditch those store-bought seasoning packets and try this homemade chicken taco seasoning mix instead? Your taste buds will thank you for it.
Chicken Taco Seasoning Mix and Add Ins Recipe
Ingredients
seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, plus
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 teaspoon lawrys garlic salt)
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chili pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
Taco Filling
- 1 lb ground meat
- 1 -2 bell pepper (red is great)
- 2 onions, chopped
- 1/2 mixed spice, from above (or to taste)
- 1/3 cup water
Instructions
- cook and stir ground meat til opaque, add in onion and then bell pepper with 1/2 seasoning mix, when slightly carmelized (bell peppers not soggy).
- add 1/3 cup water and cook til veggies are tender.
- serve with corn tortillas prepared as follows.
- dampen tortilla with water then rub with lime juice or 1/2 lime sprinkle with kosher salt and place in hot skillet (spray only once with Pam or use basting brush with 1/2 teas oil) turn when golden on bottom. outside will be crispy but inside will be tender, chewy and moist).
- serve with green sauce, shredded lettuce, or cabbage sprinkled with lime and salt,chopped tomato or pico de gallo, chopped onion and cilantro, finely grated cotija (or other cheese), sour cream etc.
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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.