Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure with these mouthwatering Smoky Chicken Tacos! Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with a smoky kick, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with a vibrant, fresh mango pico de gallo that will transport you straight to a sunny Mexican street market. This recipe is not just a meal; it's a flavor journey that combines bold spices, juicy chicken, and a tropical twist that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Smoked paprika
- Cumin
- Olive oil
- Tortillas
- Mango
- Red onion
- Cilantro
- Lime
- Salt
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil to create a spice rub.
- Generously coat each chicken breast with the spice mixture, ensuring even coverage on all sides. Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the mango pico de gallo. Dice ripe mango, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Combine in a bowl and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Season with a pinch of salt and gently toss.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips against the grain.
- Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for about 30 seconds on each side to create a slight char.
- Assemble the tacos by placing sliced smoky chicken in each tortilla and topping generously with the fresh mango pico de gallo.
- Serve immediately, with extra lime wedges on the side for squeezing. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Spice Rub Secrets: Let the spice mixture sit on the chicken for 10 minutes to allow deeper flavor penetration.
- Mango Matters: Choose ripe, slightly soft mangoes for the most flavorful pico de gallo.
- Tortilla Technique: Warming tortillas briefly adds a delicious char and makes them more pliable.
- Prep Ahead: You can marinate the chicken and chop the pico ingredients in advance to speed up cooking.
- Customize Your Taco: Feel free to add additional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or a spicy hot sauce to suit your taste.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
