Southwest Chicken Tacos

Southwest chicken tacos are a delicious and flavorful option for a summertime BBQ. The combination of tender grilled chicken, zesty spices, and fresh toppings makes them a crowd-pleaser. Here's a detailed recipe for preparing Southwest Chicken Tacos:

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for added heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the tacos:

• 8-10 small corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup diced red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese blend
• Sour cream and/or salsa for topping
• Lime wedges for serving

How To Make Southwest Chicken Tacos

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chopped cilantro, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
• Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into small, bite-sized pieces.
• Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it's well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or place the chicken and marinade in a resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate the marinated chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours) to let the flavors develop.

2. Prepare the Toppings:

• While the chicken is marinating, prepare the toppings.
• Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and red onion, chop the cilantro, and set aside.
• Grate the cheese and keep it ready in a separate bowl.
• Arrange the toppings on a serving platter for easy assembly during the BBQ.

3. Grill the Chicken:

• Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
• Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers or use a grill basket to prevent them from falling through the grates.
• Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side or until it's cooked through and has a slightly charred appearance.
• Remove the chicken from the grill and transfer it to a plate. Cover with foil to keep it warm.

4. Warm the Tortillas:

• Wrap the corn tortillas in aluminum foil and place them on the grill for a few minutes to warm them up. Alternatively, you can warm them in a pan on the stove.

5. Assemble the Southwest Chicken Tacos:

• Take a warm tortilla and place some of the grilled chicken pieces in the center.
• Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, and shredded cheese.
• Add a dollop of sour cream and/or salsa on top of the toppings.
• Squeeze some fresh lime juice over the taco for added zing.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Arrange the prepared Southwest Chicken Tacos on a serving platter or taco holder.
• Serve them alongside extra lime wedges and any additional condiments you prefer.
• Let your guests build their own tacos according to their taste preferences.