Chicken and Beef Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
293 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Chicken and Beef Tacos
Description
This recipe starts with a spice blend including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This mix is split in two; half seasons the ground beef cooked with diced red onion and tomato sauce, and half seasons chicken breasts marinated briefly with lime juice, olive oil, and minced garlic.
The chicken is pan-cooked until golden and thoroughly done while the beef is browned and combined with tomato sauce for a saucy filling. Both proteins carry the same aromatic and mildly spicy seasoning profile ensuring cohesive flavors.
The tacos are assembled with flour or corn tortillas and a variety of commonly paired toppings such as onion, lettuce, black olives, jalapeño, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tomato, providing crunchy, creamy, fresh, and spicy contrasts with the seasoned meat fillings.
By making your own chili powder, you manage the heat and flavor intensity. Marinating chicken briefly brightens its flavor while cooking ensures juiciness. Prepare spice blend in advance for convenience, and adjust toppings per taste to customize each taco.
Ingredients
For the spice mix:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder see notes, not cayenne pepper
- 1.5 teaspoon cumin powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1.5 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the beef:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion diced
- 500 g ground beef 1 - 1.5 lb, lean
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
For the chicken:
- 500 g chicken breast 4 chicken breasts, 1 -1.5 lb, whole and cleaned
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lime juiced
For serving:
- flour tortilla or corn; soft or crunchy
- tomato diced, shredded, sliced, or sliced; includes guacamole
- onion
- lettuce
- black olives
- jalapeño
- cheese
- sour cream
- salsa
- avocado
Instructions
For the spice mix:
- Mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, salt and pepper until well combined. See notes if you want to make your own chili powder! Divide spice mix in to two halves (half for chicken and half for beef)
For the chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss together the chicken breasts with the lime juice,olive oil, minced garlic and the spices. Toss until well combined. Either cook immediately or place in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to marinade while making the beef tacos.
- To cook the chicken, heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts all at once, spacing them out. There should be enough oil in the marinade, but if you feel you need it you can add a little olive oil before adding the chicken to the pan.
- Cook for a good 5-6 minutes or until golden brown on one side, then flip and continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until golden brown on both sides and completely cooked through.
- Let chicken breasts rest for 5 minutes, then slice. This is your taco chicken ready!
For the beef:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat, then add the onions and cook until softened. Add the ground beef and continue to cook, stirring all the while and breaking pieces apart with a wooden spoon.
- When all the beef has browned and cooked through, drain all the extra fat out of the skillet. Return skillet to the heat, and add the remaining half of the spices. Stir through, and add th tomato sauce. Cook a further minute or so until warmed through, then remove from the heat. Beef taco mix is done
To serve:
- Serve with tortillas or base of your choice and toppings of your choice. It's fun to do a little DIY taco counter so everyone can top however they like.
Notes
- To make chili powder, combine paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional cayenne pepper for controlled heat.
- Marinate chicken briefly with lime juice and seasonings to enhance flavor before cooking.
- Use flour or corn tortillas and include toppings like onion, lettuce, olives, jalapeño, cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado, and tomato to customize tacos.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 293 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 293kcal | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.