Introduction
Tacos have always been a beloved meal across the world, and chicken tacos with rotisserie chicken are no exception. They’re quick, easy to prepare, and endlessly customizable. But what if you could make them even easier without sacrificing flavor? Enter the rotisserie chicken.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to prepare chicken tacos using rotisserie chicken for the ultimate in ease and taste. Perfect for busy weeknights, these tacos can be whipped up in under 30 minutes. You’ll also learn about different taco seasoning options, taco toppings, and how to use leftover rotisserie chicken in creative ways.
You can easily find rotisserie chickens at stores like Costco or Trader Joe’s, making this recipe not just tasty, but super convenient for weeknight dinners.
Why Use Rotisserie Chicken for Tacos?
Speed and Convenience
Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver when it comes to quick meals. You don’t need to spend time cooking the meat from scratch—just shred it and season it for your tacos. It’s readily available at grocery stores, already cooked and seasoned, saving you prep time.
Flavor Benefits
Rotisserie chicken comes with built-in flavor, thanks to the way it’s cooked slowly on a spit, allowing its natural juices to infuse the meat. This means that when you use it in chicken tacos, you’re already starting with a flavorful base, and you only need to add a few spices to elevate it.
Cost Efficiency
You can purchase a whole rotisserie chicken for around the same price as raw chicken breasts or thighs, and it often yields more meat. Many stores also sell pre-shredded rotisserie chicken, such as Costco or Trader Joe’s, making it even more convenient.
For even more recipes using rotisserie chicken, check out this Rotisserie Chicken Pasta dish that also highlights the convenience of this versatile protein.
Ingredients Needed for Chicken Tacos
To make chicken tacos with rotisserie chicken, you only need a handful of ingredients. Below is a list of everything you’ll need, broken down into categories:
- Main Ingredients:
- 1 rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 cup chicken stock or water
- Optional Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Fresh lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
You can also explore this unique Chicken Enchiladas with Rotisserie Chicken recipe to try another rotisserie chicken-based dish.
These ingredients can be easily customized. For example, if you like your chicken tacos with a kick, you can add jalapeños or a spicy salsa.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Tacos with Rotisserie Chicken
1. Shredding the Rotisserie Chicken
Start by shredding your rotisserie chicken. You can use your hands, or for a cleaner and faster method, two forks work great. Make sure to remove any skin and bones if you haven’t purchased pre-shredded meat.
- Pro Tip: One whole rotisserie chicken yields approximately 3-4 cups of shredded meat, enough for about 12 tacos.
2. Preparing the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Set this seasoning mixture aside.
3. Cooking the Chicken with Seasoning
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and let it cook for about 1 minute. Then, pour in 1 cup of chicken stock (or water) and stir. This will create a sauce that will coat the shredded chicken.
Add your shredded rotisserie chicken to the skillet, followed by the prepared seasoning mix. Stir everything together until the chicken is well-coated with the sauce and seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to ensure the flavors are absorbed.
Assembling Your Chicken Tacos
Now that your shredded chicken is cooked and seasoned, it’s time to assemble the tacos.
- Warm the tortillas: You can either microwave them wrapped in a damp towel for 30 seconds or lightly toast them in a skillet.
- Add the chicken: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned chicken onto each tortilla.
- Add toppings: Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings. Some popular choices include:
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheddar cheese
- Avocado slices
- Pico de gallo or salsa
- A dollop of sour cream
- A squeeze of fresh lime juice
Popular Variations of Chicken Tacos
Spicy Chicken Tacos
For those who like their tacos with a kick:
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the taco fillings.
- Use a spicier salsa like salsa roja or chipotle salsa.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes into your taco seasoning for extra heat.
BBQ Chicken Tacos
If you’re craving something sweet and savory:
- Replace the taco seasoning with your favorite BBQ sauce.
- Top the tacos with coleslaw for a crunchy texture that complements the BBQ flavor.
This variation works particularly well with Chicken and Yellow Rice for a complete Southern-inspired meal.
Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Avocado crema is a fantastic addition to these tacos:
- Blend 1 avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, juice of 1 lime, and a pinch of salt for a smooth crema.
- Drizzle it over your tacos for a creamy, tangy topping.
Best Toppings for Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
The possibilities for taco toppings are endless, but some of the best combinations include:
- Cheese:
- Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Queso fresco add a creamy, salty contrast to the chicken.
- Vegetables:
- Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, and sliced avocados provide fresh, crisp textures.
- You can also try grilled vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for added flavor.
- Salsas and Sauces:
- Pico de gallo, salsa verde, or even a fruity mango salsa add a burst of flavor to your tacos.
- Drizzle some hot sauce or chipotle crema for an extra kick.
- Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro and lime juice can elevate the flavor of your tacos, giving them a fresh and tangy finish.
Pro Tips for Making Perfect Chicken Tacos
Warming the Tortillas
To avoid soggy or cold tortillas, warm them properly:
- In the microwave: Wrap tortillas in a damp towel and heat for 30 seconds.
- In a skillet: Heat tortillas one by one in a dry skillet for 20-30 seconds on each side.
Balancing Flavors
Tacos are all about balance:
- Sour cream or guacamole will balance spicy or tangy flavors.
- Use a variety of textures, such as crispy lettuce and creamy avocado, to make each bite exciting.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
You can prepare the shredded chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet before assembling the tacos.
Serving Ideas for Chicken Tacos
Pair your tacos with the following sides:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- A fresh corn salad or cucumber salad
For drinks, consider:
- Margaritas or Micheladas
- Mexican soda (Jarritos) or light beers like Corona or Modelo
FAQs About Chicken Tacos with Rotisserie Chicken
Can I Make Chicken Tacos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the shredded chicken in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Assemble the tacos right before serving to keep the tortillas from getting soggy.
Can I Freeze Leftover Chicken Taco Filling?
Definitely! Store any leftover shredded chicken in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
How Many Tacos Can I Make with One Rotisserie Chicken?
One rotisserie chicken typically yields about 3-4 cups of shredded meat, enough for around 12 tacos.
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead of Corn Tortillas?
Yes! While corn tortillas provide a traditional flavor and texture, flour tortillas are softer and can be used if preferred.
Conclusion
Using rotisserie chicken to make chicken tacos not only saves time but also adds rich flavor and moisture to the dish. Whether you’re keeping it simple with classic toppings or getting creative with variations like BBQ chicken tacos, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. Don’t forget to explore other recipes, like this Soup with Rotisserie Chicken, to maximize your use of leftover chicken.