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Spicy Chicken Tacos & Serrano Pepper: A Fiery Feast

Spicy Chicken Tacos & Serrano Pepper
Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses ,
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Total Time: 40 mins
Servings 4
Calories 380
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Spicy Chicken Tacos & Serrano Pepper: Sizzling Sensation

Spicy Chicken Tacos & Serrano Pepper

Spicy Chicken Tacos with Serrano Pepper Salsa are a delicious and vibrant dish that brings together the bold flavors of seasoned chicken, a fresh, spicy salsa, and soft tortillas. These tacos are perfect for anyone who enjoys a little heat in their meals, with the serrano peppers adding a zesty kick to the already flavorful chicken.

The chicken is seasoned with a mix of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper, giving it a smoky and spicy profile. When grilled or cooked in a skillet, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, absorbing all the wonderful spices. The real highlight of this dish, however, is the homemade serrano pepper salsa. The combination of chopped serrano peppers, fresh tomato, red onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice creates a refreshing and fiery topping for the chicken, balancing out the richness of the meat.

Spicy Chicken Tacos & Serrano Pepper

The tacos are assembled with warm tortillas, a layer of crisp lettuce, and the deliciously seasoned chicken. For extra creaminess, a dollop of sour cream and some crumbled queso fresco can be added, offering a delightful contrast to the heat from the salsa. The result is a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and texture, making each bite an explosion of flavors.

These tacos are an excellent choice for a weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or even a weekend barbecue. They can be easily customized to suit your spice tolerance, and they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Related

Salsa Verde with serrano pepper
Salsa Verde with serrano pepper
Ingredients
    For the Chicken:
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
    • For the Serrano Pepper Salsa:
  • 3 serrano peppers, chopped (adjust based on spice preference)
  • 1/2 red onion, diced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Salt to taste
    • For the Tacos:
  • 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco (optional)
  • ¼ cup sour cream (optional)
Instructions

    1. Prepare the Chicken:

      • Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat.
      • In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
      • Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning mixture.
      • Drizzle olive oil on the grill or skillet and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
      • Once cooked, remove from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips.

    2. Make the Serrano Pepper Salsa:

      • In a bowl, combine the chopped serrano peppers, red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and set aside for the flavors to meld together.

    3. Assemble the Tacos:

      • Heat the tortillas using a dry skillet or pop them in the microwave for half a minute.
      • Place a handful of shredded lettuce on each tortilla.
      • Layer the sliced chicken over the bed of lettuce.
      • Spoon the serrano pepper salsa over the chicken.
      • Optional: Top with crumbled queso fresco and a dollop of sour cream for added richness.

    4. Serve and Enjoy:

      • Serve the tacos immediately while they are warm and enjoy the spicy, flavorful combination!

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Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 380kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 18g28%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Cholesterol 60mg20%
Sodium 350mg15%
Total Carbohydrate 26g9%
Dietary Fiber 3g12%
Sugars 4g
Protein 28g57%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Adjust the number of serrano peppers in the salsa based on how spicy you want the tacos.
  • You can marinate the chicken in the seasoning mix for 30 minutes before cooking for extra flavor.
  • For a smoky flavor, you can grill the chicken on an outdoor grill.
  • If you prefer a milder salsa, you can substitute serrano peppers with jalapeños.

FAQ

1. How can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?

  • You can adjust the spice level by adding or reducing the number of serrano peppers in the salsa. If you prefer less heat, you can replace the serrano peppers with milder peppers like jalapeños or bell peppers.

2. Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?

  • Yes! You can substitute the chicken with other meats like beef, pork, or even shrimp. Make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the meat you choose.

3. Can I make the salsa ahead of time?

  • Yes, the serrano pepper salsa can be made a few hours ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. The tastes will blend harmoniously, enhancing the overall deliciousness.

4. What can I serve with these tacos?

  • These tacos pair wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, grilled vegetables, or a simple avocado salad. You can also serve them with a cold beer or margarita.

5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

  • Yes, simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas. Most of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so this dish can easily be adapted for a gluten-free diet.

6. Can I make the chicken in advance?

  • Absolutely! You can grill or cook the chicken ahead of time, slice it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just warm it up before assembling the tacos.

7. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

  • To make the recipe vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables, tofu, or even beans. The salsa and toppings will still complement the dish beautifully.

8. Can I use a store-bought salsa?

  • While homemade salsa is best for this recipe, you can use a store-bought salsa if you’re short on time. Just try to choose a salsa that complements the heat of the serrano peppers.

9. How do I store leftovers?

  • If you have leftovers, store the chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will last for 2-3 days, while the salsa is best consumed within 1-2 days.

10. Can I freeze the chicken for later use?

  • Yes, you can freeze the seasoned cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let it cool before freezing, and reheat thoroughly before using in your tacos.
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