Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos A Flavorful Fiesta

Elevate your Taco Tuesday experience with the fiery and robust flavors of these Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos! This simple yet sensational recipe is quick to whip up, satisfyingly filling, and ideal for meal prep. Whether you're feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these tacos are sure to impress with their bold taste and versatility. Plus, they're budget-friendly at just over a dollar per serving!

Exploring Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos

At the heart of this delectable taco recipe lies tender pulled chicken infused with a zesty chipotle adobo sauce. Chipotle peppers, known for their smoky and spicy profile, add depth and complexity to the dish. Paired with vibrant Pineapple Salsa, these tacos offer a harmonious balance of flavors, combining heat with a refreshing hint of sweetness. And the versatility of the chipotle chicken extends beyond tacos, making it a versatile ingredient for various culinary creations.

Ingredients for a Flavor Fiesta

Gather the following ingredients to embark on your Smoky Chipotle Chicken Taco adventure:

• Chicken Thighs: Opt for flavorful and forgiving chicken thighs, although chicken breasts can be substituted with the addition of butter to prevent dryness.
• Garlic and Onion: Aromatic garlic and onion enhance the savory essence of the chicken. Alternatively, garlic powder and onion powder/flakes can be used as substitutes.
• Bay Leaf: Adds depth to the braising broth, although it can be omitted if unavailable.
• Chipotles in Adobo: Infuse the sauce with spicy and smoky notes, providing a robust kick to the chicken.
• Corn Tortillas: Serve as the perfect vessel for the flavorful chipotle chicken. Flour tortillas or pitas can be used as alternatives.
• Pineapple Salsa: This tangy and refreshing salsa complements the smoky chicken, adding vibrant color and texture to the tacos.

Serving Suggestions for a Festive Feast

Host a memorable taco night by setting up a taco bar with warm tortillas, a generous serving of pulled chipotle chicken, and an array of garnishes such as fresh cilantro, radish slices, Sour Cream, Guacamole, and Pineapple Salsa. Enhance the meal with sides like Pico De Gallo, Cowboy Caviar, Tomato Rice, and Quick Seasoned Black Beans for a truly hearty and satisfying feast.

Storage Tips for Taco Delights

Store leftover pulled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze it for up to three months. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a microwave or a pan over medium heat until heated through.

Fiery Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa

Embrace the bold and spicy flavors of these Chipotle Chicken Tacos, perfectly complemented by a zesty Pineapple Salsa. This quick and easy recipe is a surefire way to spice up your weeknight dinner routine. Bursting with vibrant ingredients and savory goodness, these tacos are a delightful fusion of smoky chipotle peppers, tender chicken, and tangy pineapple salsa. Let's dive into this flavor-packed culinary adventure!

Ingredients

For Chipotle Chicken

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, divided
• 1 yellow onion, divided
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 peppercorns
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 oz. chipotle peppers in adobo

For Pineapple Salsa (optional)

• 2 cups chopped pineapple (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeño
• 1 lime
• 1/4 bunch cilantro (about ¼ cup)
• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

1. In a pan, combine chicken thighs, 2 cloves of garlic, half of the onion (roughly chopped), bay leaf, peppercorns, and salt. Cover with water and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 160°F and is fork-tender.
2. Remove chicken from the broth, reserving the broth for later use. Shred the chicken using two forks.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Dice the remaining half of the onion and add it to the pan along with the minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
4. Chop the chipotle peppers in adobo and add them to the pan with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine. Then add the shredded chicken and 1/4 cup of the reserved broth. Adjust the heat level by adding more adobo sauce as desired. Cook until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency.
5. For the pineapple salsa, finely chop pineapple, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Combine in a bowl with lime juice and salt to taste.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing a quarter cup of the chipotle chicken onto each corn tortilla and topping it with pineapple salsa.
7. Serve and enjoy these irresistible Chipotle Chicken Tacos with a refreshing twist!

Notes

• If using a pepper grinder, retrieve individual peppercorns, or substitute with 1/8 tsp cracked pepper.
• The amount of chipotle peppers in adobo used is about 1/3 of a 7 oz. can.

Nutrition Serving Size: 2 tacos

• Calories: 186 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 11 g
• Sodium: 433 mg
• Fiber: 2 g

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of these Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa for a weeknight dinner that's sure to impress!