Spicy Cider Beer Braised Chicken Enchilada Tacos with Sweet Chili Apple-Pomegranate Salsa
To make these in the crockpot, add all the ingredients for the tacos (minus the cheese and tortillas) to the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or low 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken and return to the crockpot. If needed, cook the chicken on high for 30 minutes with the lid off to help thin the sauce.
To make these in the crockpot, add all the ingredients for the tacos (minus the cheese and tortillas) to the bowl of your crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or low 4-6 hours. Shred the chicken and return to the crockpot. If needed, cook the chicken on high for 30 minutes with the lid off to help thin the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- juice from 1 lime
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced or grated)
- salt and peper
- 2 in chipotle chilies adobo (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne (or more or less to taste)
- 1 (8 ounce) beer
- 1/2 cup apple cider (plus more if needed)
- 1/2 -3/4 cup enchilada sauce
- 8 warmed flour or corn tortillas (for serving)
- sharp cheddar cheese + cotija cheese (for serving
- 2 honeycrisp apples (finely chopped)
- arils from one small pomegranate
- 1 jalapeã±o (seeded (if desired) + chopped)
- 2-4 tablespoons sweet thai chili sauce (i used 3
- Carbohydrate 16.9598433189778 g
- Cholesterol 526.1671492 mg
- Fat 19.2485857788991 g
- Fiber 2.77425008609278 g
- Protein 210.811741466 g
- Saturated Fat 4.11050514239982 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (986g)
- Sodium 778.195747663007 mg
- Sugar 14.185593232885 g
- Trans Fat 3.35466764208 g
- Calories 1128 calories
Step-by-step
- Add the chicken to a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Add the garlic, minced chipotle chilies in adobo, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, brown sugar and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Toss well to combine, making sure all the chicken gets coated in seasonings.
- Heat a large brasier or dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and sear on both sides, about 2-4 minutes per side.
- Reduce the heat slightly and pour in the beer + apple cider. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, make the salsa. Add the chopped apple, pomegranate arils, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice and sweet thai chili sauce to a bowl. Toss well to combine, taste and adjust if needed. Cover and store in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the pot and shred with two forks. Meanwhile reduce the sauce that is left in the pot down to about 3/4 of a cup.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the sauce in the pot and toss. Now add the enchilada sauce and continue to cook about 2 minutes or until warmed through. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of apple cider.
- To serve, add the shredded chicken to a warmed taco shell. Top with cheddar, avocado and then the apple salsa. Sprinkle with cotija cheese and chopped cilantro. Happy taco eating!
A Culinary Adventure: Spicy Cider Beer Braised Chicken Enchilada Tacos
As a busy professional, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. But believe me, even amidst the whirlwind of deadlines and meetings, creating a truly memorable meal is possible. And this recipe for Spicy Cider Beer Braised Chicken Enchilada Tacos with a vibrant Sweet Chili Apple-Pomegranate Salsa is my go-to for impressing myself and my guests.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. It’s a beautiful fusion of flavors, a delightful dance between savory and sweet, spicy and refreshing. The tender chicken, braised to perfection in a rich beer and cider broth, is infused with a smoky depth that elevates this taco far beyond the ordinary. The secret weapon? A homemade sweet chili apple-pomegranate salsa that adds a surprising and incredibly delicious twist. Forget the store-bought stuff, the homemade salsa adds incredible freshness and a beautiful pop of color.
This recipe is not just about throwing ingredients together; it's about creating a culinary experience. The aroma that wafts through your kitchen as the chicken simmers in its flavorful broth is irresistible, a siren song calling you back to the warmth and comfort of home cooking. The satisfying crunch of the tortillas, the creamy melt of the cheese, the tangy zest of the salsa - it’s a symphony of textures and tastes. Each bite is a celebration of flavors, a journey for your palate.
The best part? This dish is incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different types of beer and cider, or adjust the spice level to your liking. The beauty of cooking is in the ability to personalize, to create a dish that reflects your own unique tastes. Whether you're serving this to family, friends, or simply indulging yourself after a long day, these tacos are guaranteed to be a hit.
Beyond the Recipe: A Reflection on Time and Taste
In the fast-paced world we live in, taking the time to cook a meal from scratch can feel like a luxury. Yet, it's in these moments of mindful creation that we truly connect with ourselves and with our food. This recipe isn't just about the delicious end result; it's about the process, the journey of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
The act of chopping vegetables, measuring spices, and carefully tending to the simmering chicken allows for a mindful pause in the day, a moment of quiet amidst the chaos. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with the basics of nourishing ourselves, to find solace in the rhythm of culinary creation. This is more than just a meal; it’s a meditation in flavors, a reflection on the simple joys of life, and a reminder of the importance of savoring each bite.
I encourage you to embrace the process, to relish in the aromas, and to savor the end result. These aren't just tacos; they're a testament to the power of creating something beautiful and delicious, even amidst the most demanding schedules. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and embark on this culinary adventure. You won't be disappointed.
Tips for Success:
- Prep Ahead: The salsa can be made a day ahead of time, which makes preparation on the day of serving much smoother.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference. For a milder dish, use less; for a spicier kick, add more.
- Embrace the Crockpot: For an even easier approach, adapt this recipe to your slow cooker for hands-off cooking.
- Creative Toppings: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding pickled onions, shredded lettuce, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Enjoy!
