Boldly seasoned blackened chicken, seasoned to perfection, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with fresh toppings. These blackened chicken tacos have an explosion of flavors in each bite.
Spice up your taco game with these mouthwatering blackened chicken tacos! Tender, juicy chicken breasts seasoned with a bold blend of blackened spices, and wrapped in warm tortillas. These tacos take Taco Tuesday to a whole new level with a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Topped with onion, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a drizzle of tangy lime juice, these tacos are a delicious balance of heat and coolness. I love making these with Quick Air Fryer Blackened Chicken and topping them with Blackened Corn.
Reasons You'll Love This Blackened Chicken Tacos Recipe
Bursting with Flavor: Blackened chicken tacos are flavor-packed delight, with the bold spices and seasonings imparting a smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy taste that elevates the dish to new heights.
Juicy and Tender: The cooking technique used for blackened chicken ensures that the meat remains juicy and tender, creating a satisfying texture that perfectly complements the crispness of the tortillas and the freshness of the toppings.
Versatility: Blackened chicken tacos can be customized by adding a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, guacamole, or even pickled onions, allowing for endless flavor combinations and adaptations.
Quick and Easy: These easy chicken tacos can be whipped up in a relatively short amount of time, making them a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or impromptu gatherings with friends and family.
Healthier Option: Using lean chicken breast and incorporating fresh ingredients like veggies and herbs in the toppings makes blackened chicken tacos a healthier alternative to heavier, calorie-laden meals without compromising on taste.
Ingredients
1lb boneless skinless chicken breasts - chicken tenderloins can be substituted
1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt - regular salt can be used but I find that seasoned salt has much more flavor
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons cooking oil or enough to cover the bottom of your skillet - I typically use vegetable or canola oil
6 street taco shells - these are going to be around 5 inches in size, I prefer to use soft flour tortillas because they taste light and delicious. Corn tortillas can be used as a gluten free option.
2 roma tomatoes chopped - perfect for tacos because they're meaty and contain fewer seeds than other tomato varieties
1 jalapeno chopped - adds a little bit of heat and freshness. This ingredient can be omitted if you're sensitive to spicy foods.
1/2 onion chopped - yellow or white are go-to's for this recipe, however, red onion would bring beautiful color to the taco
Cilantro - for freshness and a burst of flavor
2 avocado peeled, cored, and cut into bite sized pieces - for creaminess
1 lime squeezed - for added tanginess, lemon juice can be substituted
How to Make Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Step 1. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the blackened seasoning blend.
Step 2. Preheat a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with cooking oil.
Step 3. Sprinkle the blackened seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to adhere.
Step 4. Place the chicken breasts in the preheated skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure the chicken has a dark golden brown crust before flipping. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and place chicken on a cutting board to let rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips.
Step 5. Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
Step 6. In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
Step 7. Assemble the tacos by placing the a few pieces of the thin sliced chicken breast on each tortilla. Add the avocado pico de gallo mixture and anything else you have on hand. Serve the blackened chicken tacos immediately and enjoy!
Ways to Top The Best Blackened Chicken Tacos
Fresh Salsa: Add a vibrant and tangy element to your tacos by topping them with a homemade salsa made from diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of jalapeno for some heat. Try my delicious smoky chipotle salsa, it's sweet and savory with a kick from the smoked jalapeños. I think it's the best salsa for chicken tacos. You can also get creative and try a corn salsa or mango salsa instead.
Guacamole: Creamy and rich guacamole pairs exceptionally well with blackened chicken. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro for a delightful topping. Yes, this recipe already calls for avocado but why not take it a step further and make this healthy guacamole recipe without onion.
Shredded Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, shredded lettuce provides a nice crunch and a cool contrast to the warm, seasoned chicken. Use iceberg, romaine, or any lettuce of your choice.
Cotija Cheese: This crumbly Mexican cheese adds a salty and tangy flavor to your tacos. Sprinkle some cotija cheese on the chicken for an extra savory touch.
Sour Cream or Crema: Creamy and cooling, a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema adds richness and helps balance the spices. Drizzle it over the chicken or serve it on the side.
Hot Sauce or Salsa Verde: If you enjoy extra heat, add your favorite hot sauce or salsa verde for some fiery flavor. Adjust the spiciness according to your preference. You can even by a store bought taco sauce for blackened chicken tacos.
Pickled Jalapenos: For those who love a spicy kick, top your tacos with pickled jalapenos. They bring tanginess and heat to each bite.
Blackened Corn: There's nothing better than some fresh sweet corn on the cob cooked in the leftover blackened seasoning mix.
Pineapple: Turn the blackened chicken tacos into hawaiian pineapple chicken tacos this summer by adding pineapple. It makes them sweet and bursting with flavor. Consider grilling or pan frying the pineapple in the cast iron skillet to take the pineapple chicken tacos recipe to the next level. Chicken tacos with pineapple is probably the most popular variation in the summer.
Tips and Tricks
Season the Chicken Well: Generously coat the chicken with the blackened seasoning mixture, making sure to cover all sides. This will infuse the chicken with flavor and create a tasty crust when cooked.
Preheat the Pan or Grill: Make sure your pan or grill is preheated to medium-high heat before cooking the chicken. This will help create a nicely seared exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Having the right heat is essential for the blackening technique. If your heat isn't hot enough you'll have greasy seasoned chicken without a crispy exterior.
Use Thinly Sliced Chicken: For easier and faster cooking, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips before seasoning and cooking. Thinner slices also provide better flavor distribution and texture in each taco.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken while cooking to avoid overcooking. Since chicken breasts can dry out quickly, it's essential to cook them until just cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Rest the Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.
Customize with Creative Toppings: Feel free to get creative with additional toppings such as pickled onions, crumbled cheese, diced mango, or sliced radishes. These extras can elevate the taste and provide unique flavor profiles.
Serve and Eat Fresh: Blackened chicken tacos are best enjoyed immediately after assembling to maintain the textures and flavors. Serve them promptly, allowing everyone to savor the deliciousness while the ingredients are still fresh and vibrant.
What to Serve with Blackened Chicken Tacos
There are endless ways to serve the blackened chicken tacos. Below are just a few of my favorite ways.
Mexican or Spanish Rice: Serve your tacos with a side of fluffy and flavorful Mexican or Spanish rice. The rice can be seasoned with tomatoes, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and paprika for an authentic taste. Try my gluten free spanish rice for an easy, healthy side!
Refried Beans: A classic Mexican side dish, refried beans make a hearty and satisfying accompaniment to blackened chicken tacos. You can use canned refried beans or make them from scratch for a homemade touch.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or roasted corn on the cob complements the smoky flavors of blackened chicken tacos. Brush the corn with melted butter and sprinkle with chili powder or cotija cheese for extra flavor.
Fresh Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad can provide a nice contrast to the warm and flavorful tacos. Consider a side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing.
Grilled Vegetables: Fire up the grill and cook a medley of colorful vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions. Season them with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a tasty and healthy side dish.
Cilantro Lime Coleslaw: Prepare a zesty and tangy cilantro lime coleslaw to serve alongside the tacos. The bright flavors of cilantro and lime will complement the blackened chicken perfectly.
Fresh Fruit Salsa: Create a refreshing fruit salsa with diced mango, pineapple, red onions, jalapenos, and lime juice. This vibrant and sweet salsa will add a burst of flavor and a tropical touch to your meal.
Tortilla Chips and Salsa: Set out a bowl of crispy tortilla chips with your favorite salsa for a simple and satisfying side snack that pairs well with the tacos.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: Transform traditional Mexican street corn into a flavorful salad by mixing grilled corn kernels with mayo, lime juice, cotija cheese, and spices like chili powder and cayenne.
Churros: End the meal on a sweet note with some homemade or store-bought churros. These cinnamon-sugar coated treats are a delightful and indulgent dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between blackened chicken and regular chicken?
The main difference between blackened chicken and regular chicken lies in the cooking technique and flavor profile. Blackening is a cooking method that involves seasoning the chicken with a combination of spices and then cooking it in a hot skillet or grill until the spices create a dark, flavorful crust. It's typically seasoned with a specific blend of spices, including paprika, chili powder, black pepper, garlic powder, and other seasonings. These spices give the chicken a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor.
Regular chicken can be cooked using various methods such as grilling, baking, sautéing, or boiling, depending on the recipe or desired outcome. It can be seasoned with a wide range of herbs, spices, marinades, or sauces based on personal preference or the intended flavor profile of the dish. Regular cooked chicken may have a more uniform, golden-brown color without the distinctive charred appearance associated with blackened chicken. The flavor profile can be diverse, depending on the seasoning and cooking method used. It can range from mild and subtle to savory and robust, depending on the desired outcome and accompanying ingredients.
How spicy is this blackened chicken taco recipe?
The spiciness of blackened chicken can vary depending on the specific recipe and personal preference. Traditionally, the cayenne pepper is what adds the heat to the dish. If prepared according to this recipe, you're not going to have any heat because I wanted it to be kid friendly. However, traditional seasoning has a moderate level of spiciness. If you like a little spiciness I suggest adding some cayenne pepper. This will provide a noticeable kick, but it is typically balanced by other flavors in the spice blend.
Can I substitute cajun seasoning for blackened seasoning?
Yes, you can substitute Cajun seasoning for blackened seasoning in this authentic chicken street tacos recipe. While blackened seasoning and Cajun seasoning share some similar flavors and ingredients, they do have some differences in their specific spice blends. Cajun seasoning is a versatile blend of spices commonly used in Louisiana cuisine. It typically includes a combination of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, thyme, and sometimes additional spices like black pepper, white pepper, or red pepper flakes. Cajun seasoning adds a robust and slightly spicy flavor to dishes. The resulting cajun chicken tacos may have a slightly different taste profile than if you were to use a traditional blackened seasoning, but it can still offer a similar level of spiciness and depth of flavor. Keep in mind that if you use a store bought spice mixture you may end up with spicy chicken since most spice blends contain cayenne pepper.
Storing
Blackened chicken tacos are best enjoyed fresh and immediately after assembling to maintain their textures and flavors. However, if you have leftovers or need to store them for a short period you can. If possible, store the components of the tacos separately. Keep the blackened chicken, tortillas, and toppings in separate airtight containers. Place the containers in the refrigerator promptly after serving. The chicken should be stored in a sealed container to maintain its moisture.
When ready to eat, reheat the chicken separately in a skillet or oven until warmed through. Heating the tortillas can be done by wrapping them in foil and warming them in the oven or briefly in the microwave. Once the chicken and tortillas are warmed, assemble the tacos by adding the desired toppings. This will help maintain the textures and flavors of the fresh components.
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Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil or enough to cover the bottom of your skillet
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 6 street taco shells
Blackened Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Avocado Pico De Gallo
- 2 roma tomatoes chopped
- 1 jalapeno chopped
- 1/2 onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- 2 avocado peeled, cored, and cut into bite sized pieces
- 1 lime squeezed
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to create the blackened seasoning blend.
- Preheat a large skillet or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat with cooking oil.
- Sprinkle the blackened seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts, pressing it gently to adhere.
- Place the chicken breasts in the preheated skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Make sure the chicken has a dark golden brown crust before flipping. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and place chicken on a cutting board to let rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into thin strips.
- Warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
- In a small bowl combine the tomatoes, jalapeno, onion, cilantro, avocado, and lime juice. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the tacos by placing the a few pieces of the thin sliced chicken breast on each tortilla. Add the avocado pico de gallo mixture and anything else you have on hand. Serve the blackened chicken tacos immediately and enjoy!
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