I love Mexican food. There's no secret about that. Tacos, to me, are the epitome of deliciousness. Any flavour, any combo, any day. So when I find a combination of taco-ness that makes my mouth EXPLODE with excitement, I know it's one to share. Enter: chopped chicken tacos with warm cilantro black bean salsa. These bad boys will have you reaching for "just one more", and the best part is that you can enjoy them on whatever taco base you like - soft tortilla, hard shell, lettuce boat, etc. My only disclaimer is to be aware of how much of this delicious black bean salsa you enjoy in one sitting. Beans are the magical fruit after all...
INGREDIENTS:
(For Chopped Chicken):
2 lbs chicken thighs
1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 1/2 tsp chili powder
sea salt (to taste)
pepper (to taste)
2 tbsp minced garlic
3 tbsp olive oil
(For Black Bean Salsa): 1/2 jalapeno, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro 1/2 sweet yellow onion, chopped
1/2 cup green onion, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, chopped
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
sea salt (to taste)
pepper (to taste)
1 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp minced garlic
(For Topping): Your choice of taco (hardshell, soft, lettuce boat, etc.)
shredded lettuce (optional, for topping)
1 avocado, chopped
1/2 lime (for fresh juice) extra cilantro, chopped (optional) Tomato Salsa (I love Pace or Restaurante)
Sriracha
HOW-TO:
1) Preheat oven to 375
2) Slice chicken into tenders and put in a bowl to the side
3) In smaller bowl, combine paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, cayenne and chili powder
4) Add 3 tbsp olive oil to the spice mix, as well as the chopped sweet onion and minced garlic
5) Pour spice/oil mixture over chicken and mix together well
6) Spread chicken mixture on a baking sheet (use parchment paper for easy clean up)
7) Bake chicken in oven for 20-25 minutes
8) While chicken is cooking, heat large skillet with olive oil
9) Add 2 tbsp minced garlic and other half of chopped sweet onion to the heated oil. Cook until fragrant and slightly browned.
10) Add in chopped tomatoes, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin and sea salt
11) Add in black beans, green onion, cilantro and lime juice
12) Cook together on stovetop until chicken is done. Remove from oven and chop up or use fork to "shred" chicken
13) Assemble tacos with chicken mixture, black bean salsa, avocado, lettuce and fresh lime juice! If you're feeling frisky, add some chopped cilantro and Sriracha and prepare to have your taste buds BLOWN!!
xo Marie