Description
Sizzling Baja chicken tacos bring Mexican coastal flavors right to your kitchen, blending zesty spices and fresh ingredients. Crispy tortillas, tender grilled chicken, and tangy salsa create an irresistible meal that transports you to sunny Baja California.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquid and Oil Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lime
Slaw Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Baja Sauce Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Serving Components:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Extra chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Create a vibrant marinade by combining zesty olive oil, tangy lime juice, and aromatic spices in a mixing vessel. Immerse chicken pieces thoroughly, ensuring complete coating, and allow flavors to meld for 20-120 minutes in the refrigerator.
- Prepare crisp slaw by combining shredded cabbage, herbs, and complementary seasonings in a medium mixing bowl. Refrigerate to maintain freshness and allow flavors to develop.
- Craft smooth Baja sauce by whisking together creamy ingredients until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Chill sauce to enhance flavor melding and maintain ideal temperature.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating ideal searing conditions. Cook marinated chicken for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, achieving perfect char marks and ensuring complete internal cooking. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing into delicate strips.
- Gently warm tortillas using skillet or microwave method, creating pliable and inviting wrappers for the filling.
- Artfully construct tacos by layering thinly sliced chicken onto warm tortillas. Crown with prepared slaw, generously drizzle signature Baja sauce, then garnish with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro. Serve alongside bright lime wedges for an extra flavor burst.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that penetrate the meat completely.
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in Baja sauce to reduce calories and boost protein content.
- Grill chicken over direct flame for beautiful char marks and smoky undertones that elevate overall taste experience.
- Swap corn tortillas with lettuce wraps for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg