Easy Bacon Chicken Tacos Recipe
Serve these smoky tacos topped with your favorite toppings. We love something bright and fresh like lime, onion, and cilantro. We've given a list of suggested toppings, but add what you love.
Serve these smoky tacos topped with your favorite toppings. We love something bright and fresh like lime, onion, and cilantro. We've given a list of suggested toppings, but add what you love.
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 3 slices bacon
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- juice of half a lime
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder see our homemade chili powder recipe
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper or more to taste
- 1/4 cup chicken stock vegetable stock or water, see our homemade stock recipe
- tortillas warmed
- optional taco toppings: onions pickled red onions, cheese, sour cream or crema, avocado or gua
- Carbohydrate 259.862468364747 g
- Cholesterol 113.749948422127 mg
- Fat 28.4833968649818 g
- Fiber 36.6531636055331 g
- Protein 75.5634349950245 g
- Saturated Fat 6.42397200560136 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (805g)
- Sodium 631.207837566586 mg
- Sugar 223.209304759214 g
- Trans Fat 3.30272402203665 g
- Calories 1556 calories
Step-by-step
- Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, turning as necessary until fat has rendered and bacon is crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain bacon on paper towels and set aside for later. Discard all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat.
- Season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Add oil to hot pot. Add chicken to the skillet with bacon fat and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is well browned on all sides, about 8 minutes. Turn heat to low then transfer chicken to a cutting board and cut into small pieces. (It may not be fully cooked).
- Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and garlic to the pan. Cook, while stirring, for 1 minute.
- Add the chopped chicken back to the pan. Pour stock over chicken then use a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Cook until stock has thickened and coated the chicken. Stir in lime juice.
- Serve chicken next to warm tortillas and your favorite taco toppings. Don't forget to crumble the bacon from earlier and add to the tops of the tacos.
Easy Bacon Chicken Tacos: My Go-To Weeknight Meal
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and managing a household, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often feels overwhelming. But I refuse to let my family settle for bland, processed food. I’ve learned that quick doesn’t have to mean boring, and this Easy Bacon Chicken Tacos recipe is a testament to that. This recipe is my secret weapon for a flavorful, family-pleasing dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. Seriously!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The smoky flavor of the bacon perfectly complements the savory chicken, and the spice blend adds a delightful kick. But the best part? It's incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different toppings to suit your taste buds – everything from fresh cilantro and diced onions to creamy avocado and tangy salsa. One of my favorite combinations is a vibrant pico de gallo with a dollop of sour cream – the bright, fresh flavors cut through the richness of the bacon and chicken beautifully. I also occasionally use shredded cheese and even a few pickled onions, for an extra pop.
This recipe isn't just a quick weeknight meal; it's a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or bacon. If I've got some cooked chicken already in the fridge, I can usually whip up this taco dish even faster. Sometimes I even make extra chicken and bacon, specifically to have on hand for quick meals like this throughout the week. This way, I always have something quick and healthy ready for my family, regardless of how hectic my schedule is.
Beyond the ease and deliciousness, this recipe offers a great opportunity to get the kids involved in the kitchen. My kids love helping to assemble the tacos, and it's a fun way to get them excited about trying new flavors and foods. They often enjoy learning how to prepare toppings. Teaching my kids about healthy cooking and meal preparation has become a central part of my family's routine, and this recipe has been a wonderful tool for this. The feeling of accomplishment of building your own taco always makes meal time fun and collaborative.
Beyond the Taco Shell: The cooked chicken, seasoned perfectly with the spice blend, is just as delicious on its own, and it can be used for so many other dishes. I've used it to make chicken salads, quesadillas, or even added it to rice bowls for a quick and filling lunch. The possibilities are endless!
The Secret Ingredient: The secret to these incredibly flavorful tacos isn't some exotic spice or hidden ingredient – it’s the bacon! The rendered bacon fat adds a depth of flavor that you just can't replicate any other way. It's what brings everything together into a truly satisfying dish. Also, feel free to experiment with the spices! If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. If you want a smokier taste, try using chipotle powder.
A Few Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken. This will ensure it browns properly and doesn't steam.
- Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor.
- Warm the tortillas gently – either in a dry skillet or microwave – to prevent them from cracking.
- Prepare your toppings in advance to make assembly a breeze.
So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and satisfying dinner, remember this Easy Bacon Chicken Tacos recipe. It’s my go-to weeknight winner, and I'm confident it will become one of your favorites too. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily customize it to your preferences. Here are a few ideas for variations and substitutions:
- Chicken Breast: Feel free to substitute boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the thighs. Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit faster.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with firm tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. Season the tofu or mushrooms generously with the same spice blend.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. For a milder flavor, reduce the amount; for a spicier kick, add more.
- Tortillas: Use corn, flour, or gluten-free tortillas, depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
- Toppings: The topping possibilities are endless! Get creative and use whatever you have on hand or what you're craving.
