Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos

There’s something magical about preparing a meal that brings friends and family together, and my Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos are just that! I remember the first time I decided to tackle a taco night; it was a spontaneous decision spurred by a craving for something hearty yet fresh. The smell of the spices wafted through my kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that made everyone eager to join in. As I shredded the tender chicken and assembled the tacos, I felt a wave of warmth knowing that my loved ones were about to enjoy something truly special. The combination of smoky, tender chicken, spicy goat cheese queso, and all the fresh toppings is pure bliss, and it’s a dish that never fails to impress!

What Goes Into Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos

When it comes to crafting the perfect taco, the ingredients play a pivotal role. Each one contributes to the overall taste and texture of the dish, creating a harmonious balance. The star players here are the tender chicken thighs, which absorb the bold flavors of the spices, coupled with the creamy and spicy goat cheese queso that elevates the entire taco experience.

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs: The main protein for this dish, these chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for shredding after roasting.
• 1 sweet onion, sliced: Adds a touch of sweetness and depth of flavor when roasted.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Provides a rich, smoky flavor that complements the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the spices.
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy flavor to the mix.
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder: Infuses a hint of heat and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a savory note that enhances the overall flavor.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to keep the chicken moist and adds richness.
• 2 limes, sliced into wedges: Fresh lime adds brightness and acidity.
• Corn or flour tortillas for serving: The perfect vessel for holding all the delicious fillings.
• Chopped tomatoes: Adds freshness and juiciness.
• Sliced avocado: Creamy and rich, it complements the chicken perfectly.
• Sliced red onion: Provides a sharp contrast to the creamy toppings.
• Extra goat cheese for topping: A must for those who love a bit more creaminess and flavor.
• Lime wedges: For squeezing over the tacos before devouring.
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter: Adds richness to the queso.
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, diced: For those who like a bit of heat.
• 1 garlic clove, minced: Enhances the flavor of the queso.
• 1 tablespoon flour: Used to thicken the queso.
• 1/2 cup milk: Creates a creamy base for the queso.
• 6 ounces goat cheese, crumbled: The star of the queso, providing creaminess and tang.

Directions for Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos

Making Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos is a fun and interactive cooking experience. You’ll love how simple it is to bring everything together for a delicious meal. Follow these steps for taco perfection!

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This is important to ensure your chicken cooks perfectly. While the oven heats up, grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Make sure to mix them well; this spice rub is what will flavor your chicken.
3. Once the oven is ready, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it allows the spice rub to adhere better. After drying, take the spice mix and cover the chicken evenly.
4. Next, take the sliced onion and spread it all over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will not only add flavor but also create a lovely bed for your chicken.
5. Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions, and tuck the lime wedges in between the pieces of chicken. This will infuse the chicken with a zesty flavor as it cooks.
6. Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in while baking. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
7. While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the goat cheese queso. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is sizzling.
8. Next, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes until it turns golden and bubbly. This will help thicken your queso.
9. Pour in the milk gradually, whisking well to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
10. Once the queso has thickened, add in the goat cheese and stir until it melts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep it warm on low heat.
11. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks.
12. To assemble your tacos, warm the tortillas and place some shredded chicken on each one. Top with a generous amount of the goat cheese queso, followed by chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, sliced red onion, and extra goat cheese crumbles. Squeeze lime juice on top for that extra zing!
13. Serve your delicious tacos immediately and enjoy!

Ways to Adapt This Recipe

One of the best parts of cooking is getting to tailor recipes to fit your preferences. Here are some tips to help you make Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos your own!

• Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.
• Freezing: If you have extra chicken, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container!
• Pairing: Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
• Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian taco.
• Make it spicy: Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the goat cheese queso if you love heat.
• Experiment with tortillas: Try using corn tortillas for a more authentic feel or flour tortillas for a softer texture.

Pairing Suggestions for Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos

When it comes to serving Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos, the possibilities are endless! Here are some fantastic pairing suggestions to round out your meal:

• Chips and salsa: A classic starter that everyone loves. Serve with fresh guacamole for extra flavor.
• Mexican street corn: Often referred to as elote, this grilled corn topped with mayo, cheese, and spices makes a great side.
• Fresh salads: A light, fresh salad, such as a cilantro-lime salad, complements the richness of the tacos beautifully.
• Rice and beans: Both options are traditional staples that pair perfectly with tacos.
• Drinks: Consider serving with refreshing beverages like limeade or a light Mexican beer for adults.
• Seasonal fruits: Fresh watermelon or mango slices can be a refreshing dessert to finish off your meal.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and easy way to bring everyone to the table for a delicious meal. The combination of smoky chicken and creamy goat cheese queso is simply irresistible. I encourage you to try making these tacos for your next dinner party or family night; I’m sure they’ll become a beloved favorite!

Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos

The ultimate comfort food, Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos are a flavor-packed delight that combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy goat cheese queso. Perfect for a fun weeknight dinner or gathering, these tacos will leave everyone craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 45 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 7 servings

Calories 480 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Chef's Knife
• Whisk
• Cutting Board
• Baking Sheet
• Oven

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 Sweet onion, sliced
• 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 Limes, sliced into wedges
• 1 package Corn or flour tortillas for serving
• 1 Chopped tomatoes
• 1 Sliced avocado
• 1 Sliced red onion
• 1 Extra goat cheese for topping
• 1 Lime wedges
• 1 tablespoon Unsalted butter
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, diced Jalapeño pepper, diced
• 1 clove Garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon Flour
• 1/2 cup Milk
• 6 ounces Goat cheese, crumbled

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This is important to ensure your chicken cooks perfectly. While the oven heats up, grab a baking dish and spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
• In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder. Make sure to mix them well; this spice rub is what will flavor your chicken.
• Once the oven is ready, pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. This step is crucial as it allows the spice rub to adhere better. After drying, take the spice mix and cover the chicken evenly.
• Next, take the sliced onion and spread it all over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This will not only add flavor but also create a lovely bed for your chicken.
• Place the seasoned chicken thighs on top of the onions, and tuck the lime wedges in between the pieces of chicken. This will infuse the chicken with a zesty flavor as it cooks.
• Cover the baking dish with foil to keep the moisture in while baking. Pop the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 60 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and tender.
• While the chicken is baking, you can prepare the goat cheese queso. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add butter, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until everything is sizzling.
• Next, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook this mixture for another 1 to 2 minutes until it turns golden and bubbly. This will help thicken your queso.
• Pour in the milk gradually, whisking well to avoid lumps. Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to thicken slightly.
• Once the queso has thickened, add in the goat cheese and stir until it melts completely. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Keep it warm on low heat.
• Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Shred the chicken using two forks.
• To assemble your tacos, warm the tortillas and place some shredded chicken on each one. Top with a generous amount of the goat cheese queso, followed by chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, sliced red onion, and extra goat cheese crumbles. Squeeze lime juice on top for that extra zing!
• Serve your delicious tacos immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently before serving.

If you have extra chicken, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container!

Serve with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.

Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian taco.

Add more jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the goat cheese queso if you love heat.

Try using corn tortillas for a more authentic feel or flour tortillas for a softer texture.

Keyword Easy Chicken Tacos, Goat Cheese Queso, Smoky Chicken Recipe, Taco Night Ideas