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!
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.