Rotisserie Chicken Taco Recipe – Quick Delicious Meals
It’s a weeknight, and hunger strikes. You want something fun, flavorful, and—dare I say—effortless. Enter the rotisserie chicken taco.
This dish is a game changer. Using already-cooked rotisserie chicken means you can skip the long prep times and still serve something that dazzles your taste buds.
When I first stumbled upon the idea of rotisserie chicken tacos, I was that recipe skeptic. I thought, "Can pulled chicken really hold its own against the classics?"
Spoiler alert: it sure can! Let’s embark on this flavorful journey together, diving deep into what makes rotisserie chicken tacos a must-try.
What is Rotisserie Chicken Taco?
Rotisserie chicken tacos are, essentially, soft tortillas filled with juicy, shredded rotisserie chicken, mixed with spices, fresh veggies, cheese, and a splash of lime. For many, tacos represent freedom on a plate.
You can customize to your heart’s content! Use different toppings, spices, and flavors. The rotisserie chicken acts as a baseline that helps showcase these ingredients rather than overpowering them.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine biting into a taco where the tender chicken melds with creamy cheese, zesty lime, and the crunch of fresh cabbage. It’s a burst of flavor.
The spices can be tailored from mild to wild—tailored to match your mood or the heat of the day. I often joke that these tacos remind me of a beach party in my mouth, with each flavor dancing around like surfers on the waves.
Whether you taste hints of garlic or the tang of fresh lime juice, there’s little chance of becoming bored.
Why You’ll Love This
For busy folks, rotisserie chicken tacos hit all the right notes:
- Convenience: You can whip these up in minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
- Customizable: Everyone can top their tacos as they like.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of seasoning, fresh ingredients, and chicken creates a masterpiece.
- Texture Contrast: Crispy toppings, creamy sauces, and soft tortillas make each bite delightful.
- Healthier Choice: The use of fresh veggies adds nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
Here's what you need to create these scrumptious tacos:
- 1/2 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 (10-ounce) wheel of queso fresco or another crumbled Mexican cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa of your choice
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 12 to 16 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon chili powder or ground cumin for milder flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 (10-ounce) bag of tri-color cabbage slaw
- 2 medium limes, juiced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium avocados, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for added freshness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken. You can use a fork for this—but honestly, your hands work best when the chicken is warm. Just remember to wash them afterward! Feel free to save some darker meat if you like the richer flavor.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the chili powder, half the salt (1/2 teaspoon), garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. The spices will add depth to your tacos.
Step 3: Prepare the Veggies
Chop the yellow onion, slice the avocados, and set aside. The crunch of the onion and creaminess of the avocado will balance the tacos perfectly.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a smaller bowl, combine the sour cream, lime juice, and salsa. Stir until thoroughly mixed. This will be your creamy sauce that pulls it all together.
Step 5: Heat the Tortillas
In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds per side. This step makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
On each tortilla, layer shredded chicken, a generous spoonful of the sauce, a few pieces of onion, and a handful of slaw. Top with crumbled cheese and slices of avocado.
Step 7: Garnish
Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for that extra touch of flavor. If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Tips on Making Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
- Don’t Skip the Tortilla Warming: The flavor and texture of fresh, warm tortillas cannot be underestimated. This simple step transforms the entire taco experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce makes a noticeable difference in taste. Seek out the freshest avocados and tomatoes.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference. It’s your taco, after all!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add sliced jalapeños, fresh corn, or pickled onions for an extra zing.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain texture.
Nutrition Information
Each serving of these rotisserie chicken tacos contains:
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 (depending on the toppings)
- Protein: 20 grams
- Carbohydrates: 25 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 5 grams
- Fat: 15 grams (with healthy fats from avocado)
How Do You Store This Rotisserie Chicken Taco?
To store leftovers, keep the components separate. Place any remaining chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the tortillas separately in a ziplock bag. Any untouched toppings and sauces will also last well in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the chicken and tortillas, and assemble as before.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Rotisserie Chicken Tacos?
1. Ground Turkey or Beef: Use ground turkey or beef seasoned with taco spices for a meatier option. This swap provides a heartier taco experience.
2. Shrimp: For a seafood twist, sauté shrimp with taco seasonings. This adds an exciting flavor profile and delightful texture.
3. Black Beans: If you want a vegetarian option, black beans are a perfect substitute. They provide protein and a rich flavor.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms offer a smokey flavor that pairs excellently with tortillas.
5. Tofu: For a vegan take, seasoned grilled or sautéed tofu can mimic the texture of chicken while absorbing all the taco flavors.
Conclusion
Rotisserie chicken tacos are more than just a meal. They’re a solution for those busy days. With their unique flavors, textures, and ease of preparation, they’re sure to become a staple in your household.
Customize, experiment, and enjoy the true beauty of tacos. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll return to it again and again. Grab those ingredients and let your taco creation begin! Happy cooking!
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Before diving into the deliciousness of rotisserie chicken tacos, let’s talk about some ideal pairings. These tacos can shine even brighter when matched with the right sides and drinks. Here are a few options to consider: Fresh Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, Mexican Rice, Black Beans or Margaritas.
- 1/2 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1/2 wheel of queso fresco or another crumbled Mexican cheese (10-ounce)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup salsa of your choice
- Hot sauce, to taste
- 12-16 corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder, or ground cumin for a milder flavor
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 bag of tri-color cabbage slaw (10-ounce)
- 2 medium limes, juiced
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 medium avocados, sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (for added freshness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for extra flavor)
- Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken. You can use a fork for this—but honestly, your hands work best when the chicken is warm. Just remember to wash them afterward! Feel free to save some darker meat if you like the richer flavor.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the chili powder, half the salt (1/2 teaspoon), garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. The spices will add depth to your tacos.
- Chop the yellow onion, slice the avocados, and set aside. The crunch of the onion and creaminess of the avocado will balance the tacos perfectly.
- In a smaller bowl, combine the sour cream, lime juice, and salsa. Stir until thoroughly mixed. This will be your creamy sauce that pulls it all together.
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, warm each corn tortilla for about 30 seconds per side. This step makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.
- On each tortilla, layer shredded chicken, a generous spoonful of the sauce, a few pieces of onion, and a handful of slaw. Top with crumbled cheese and slices of avocado.
- Finally, sprinkle fresh cilantro on top for that extra touch of flavor. If desired, add a few drops of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
- Don’t Skip the Tortilla Warming: The flavor and texture of fresh, warm tortillas cannot be underestimated. This simple step transforms the entire taco experience.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh produce makes a noticeable difference in taste. Seek out the freshest avocados and tomatoes.
- Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference. It’s your taco, after all!
- Experiment with Toppings: Feel free to add sliced jalapeños, fresh corn, or pickled onions for an extra zing.
- Serve Immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh. If you have leftovers, store the components separately to maintain texture.
I'm Rachel Garland, a registered dietitian and passionate home cook from Fairfield, California. My goal is to help busy people create quick, flavorful, and nutritious meals that fit into their hectic lives. Through my blog, I share simple, delicious recipes that make healthy eating easy and enjoyable!