Chicken Street Tacos

My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Chicken Street Tacos

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, after-school activities, and the never-ending to-do list, the last thing I want to spend my precious evening hours doing is slaving over a hot stove. That’s why I've become a huge fan of quick, easy, and satisfying recipes – and these chicken street tacos have become a weekly staple in our household. They're incredibly versatile, allowing for customization based on everyone's preferences, and the entire process, from start to finish, takes less than an hour. Plus, cleanup is a breeze!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. I use pre-cooked shredded chicken breast to save time, and a can of fat-free refried beans provides a creamy, flavorful base. I often use La Preferida or Trader Joe's – both brands offer excellent quality and taste. The taco seasoning is a quick shortcut, but feel free to experiment with your own blend of spices if you’re feeling adventurous. I typically go for a low-sodium option to keep the sodium content in check, but that’s a personal preference. The secret ingredient, in my opinion, is the generous amount of fresh cilantro. It adds a brightness and freshness that perfectly complements the other flavors. The assembly is a breeze; I usually involve the kids in this part, which makes it a fun family activity.

What truly sets these tacos apart, however, is their adaptability. The topping options are endless! We’re big fans of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, shredded cabbage, and crunchy carrots. But sometimes, we'll switch things up with some diced onions, extra cilantro, or even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. The possibilities are as limitless as your imagination (and your refrigerator!). My children love to customize their own tacos, creating mini culinary masterpieces with their favorite toppings. One might go for a classic combination of lettuce, tomato, and cheese, while another will pile on the vibrant colors of cabbage and carrots. It’s a fun and engaging way to get them involved in the meal preparation process, and it teaches them about healthy eating habits in a playful manner.

On busy weeknights, these tacos are my saving grace. They're a delicious, nutritious, and convenient option that the whole family enjoys. The ease of preparation, combined with the ability to personalize the toppings, makes it a recipe I’ll be making for years to come. The leftover chicken can also be used in salads or soups, ensuring minimal food waste – another win for the busy mom trying to juggle everything! So, the next time you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner that satisfies everyone's cravings, give these chicken street tacos a try. You won't be disappointed.

Beyond the Weeknight: These tacos are not limited to just weeknight dinners. They are fantastic for potlucks, casual gatherings, and even lunchboxes. The portability and adaptability make them perfect for picnics, outdoor events, or even a quick and easy lunch at the office. Prepare a large batch on the weekend, and you’ll have a delicious and convenient meal readily available throughout the week. The combination of flavors and textures is surprisingly satisfying, and the vibrant colors always make a beautiful presentation, whether it's for a casual lunch or a more formal gathering.

Tips for Success:

• Prep ahead: Chop the vegetables and prepare the chicken ahead of time to save time during the week.
• Spice it up: Experiment with different taco seasonings or add a pinch of your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Get creative with toppings: Don’t be afraid to try new and exciting toppings. Black beans, roasted corn, avocado, or even a drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add a delicious twist.
• Make it a meal: Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.

These Chicken Street Tacos are more than just a recipe; they’re a testament to the simple joys of good food and family time. They're a quick, easy, and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights, and adaptable enough to become a family favorite. So, get cooking and enjoy!

Step-by-step

• Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
• In a large pan heat the chicken, onion, taco seasoning, and cilantro together over medium-high heat until the onions are tender.
• Add the refried beans, mix thoroughly and then add the sour cream, cheese, and salsa.
• Mix together and cook for a few more minutes.
• Set aside.
• In another pan lightly spray with cooking spray and place tortilla cook for about 30 seconds, lightly spray top side of tortilla, flip, and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Repeat this step until you are done cooking the tortillas.
• When the tortillas are finished evenly distribute and spread the chicken and bean mixture on each tortilla.
• Fold the tortillas in half and place on to a cookie sheet.
• You will most likely need two cookie sheets to fit all of them on.
• Bake for about 8 minutes.
• Let cool for a few minutes and top with lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, cilantro, carrots. Whatever you fancy.
• Enjoy!