Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Yay! Today's offerings include Sweet Potato and Spinach Chicken Tacos and Mini Chicken and Bacon Tacos. Enjoy!

FISH TACOS

This is from Lena Lim of Seattle, Washington on Taste of Home. Lena wrote, "A cool sauce with just a bit of zing tops these breaded fish tacos (that are actually healthy!). This recipe is a delicious guilt-free dish that doesn't break the bank."

Prep Time: 30 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Yield: 8 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/fish-tacos/.

Ingredients

3/4 cup reduced-fat sour cream

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves

1 tablespoon lime juice

4 tilapia fillets (4 ounces each)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 large egg white, beaten

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 tablespoon canola oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon each white pepper, cayenne pepper and paprika

8 corn tortillas (6 inches), warmed

1 large tomato, finely chopped

Additional fresh cilantro leaves, optional

Directions

Place the sour cream, chiles, cilantro and lime juice in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Set aside.

Cut each tilapia fillet lengthwise into 2 portions. Place the flour, egg white and bread crumbs in separate shallow bowls. Dip tilapia in flour, then egg white, then crumbs.

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook tilapia in oil in batches until fish flakes easily with a fork, 4-5 minutes on each side. Combine the seasonings; sprinkle over fish.

Place a portion of fish on each tortilla; top with about 2 tablespoons of sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with tomato. If desired, top with additional cilantro.

Nutrition Facts: 1 taco: 190 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 269mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 16g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fat.

EASY CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Kristina Felix at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kristina wrote, "Tender chicken tacos using boneless, skinless thighs make a flavorful weeknight meal that, if you warm up your tortillas while the chicken cooks, will be ready in about half an hour. After browning the chicken, add water to release the browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then chop the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the pan, letting it simmer in the rich gravy that forms, then serve directly from the pan for easier cleanup. The marinade works with any vinegar-based hot sauce, which you can also offer as a topping. Serve taqueria-style with minced onion, cilantro, lime wedges, and hot sauce, or if you have more time, add guacamole, salsa verde or pico de gallo to your spread. For a heartier meal, serve alongside rice or beans, or both."

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Yield: 8 tacos

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1026853-easy-chicken-tacos. While you're at it, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already. I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, about 1-1/2 pounds

3 garlic cloves, grated

1 lime, juiced, plus lime wedges for serving

1 tablespoon vinegar-based hot sauce (such as Crystal, Tabasco or Louisiana brands), plus more if desired for serving

1 teaspoon onion powder

4 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil, divided

Salt and black pepper

8 corn or flour tortillas, warmed

Minced onion and cilantro, for serving

Guacamole, salsa verde, pico de gallo or pickled vegetables, for serving (optional)

Preparation

Mix the chicken, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce, onion powder, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper in a bowl and toss to combine, making sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in the mixture.

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or other large heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until browned and edges begin to crisp, 6 to 8 minutes per side. Using tongs or a fork, move the chicken from the pan to a cutting board. Adjust heat to medium-low, carefully add ½ cup water and scrape up the browned bits with a wooden spoon or spatula. Keep the skillet over medium-low while you proceed with the next step.

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to the skillet. Toss to coat in the pan sauce and cook, stirring frequently, for 3 more minutes; turn off heat. Serve straight from the skillet with warm tortillas, onions and cilantro and your choice of additional toppings.

THAI-STYLE COCONUT CURRY CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Kay Chun at The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Kay wrote, "This weeknight chicken dish takes advantage of super flavorful jarred curry paste and pairs it with silky coconut milk to create a meal that comes together in just 20 minutes. Each step in this deceptively simple dish coaxes maximum flavor out of relatively few ingredients: Toasting the curry paste in the pan concentrates its taste, searing the chicken in the mixture ensures it's properly coated, and simmering in creamy coconut milk tenderizes the meat. A splash of lime juice and a spoonful of pico de gallo brighten and lighten the rich curry. Fold the mixture into tacos or try the curry chicken as a topping for grain bowls, cauliflower rice, sautéed broccoli or leafy greens."

Total Time: 25 minutes; Yield; 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019815-thai-style-coconut-curry-chicken-tacos. While you're at it, sign up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, if you haven't already. I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

3 tablespoons canola oil

3 tablespoons Thai red curry paste

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced 1/4-inch thick

Salt and pepper

1/4 cup unsweetened full-fat coconut milk

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from approximately 2 limes), plus wedges for serving

1 large tomato, finely chopped (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup finely chopped red onion

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems

8 (6-inch) corn tortillas

1 avocado, sliced (optional)

Preparation

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Add the curry paste and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is softened, about 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook over medium heat, stirring, until no longer pink, 2 or 3 minutes.

Stir in the coconut milk and simmer until the sauce is thickened and the chicken starts to caramelize, about 15 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons lime juice.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, make the pico de gallo: Toss the tomato, onion, cilantro and the remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice; season with salt and pepper.

Divide the chicken mixture among the tortillas. Top with the pico de gallo and avocado, if using. Serve with lime wedges.

EASY CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Kris Osborne on Simply Recipes.

To view this online, go to https://www.simplyrecipes.com/ground-chicken-taco-recipe-8639156

Makes 4 to 8 servings (depending on how you’re serving and if you’re making side dishes)

Ingredients

1 tablespoon neutral oil

1 pound ground chicken

2 tablespoons taco seasoning, plus more as needed to taste

1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes

Fresh lime juice to finish, optional

Tortillas, for serving

Optional toppings, for serving:

Grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese

Salsa or Pico de Gallo

Guacamole or avocado

Shredded lettuce

Sour cream

Hot sauce

Lime wedges

Directions

Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add the oil. When it starts to shimmer, add the ground chicken and cook, stirring regularly and breaking it up into small pieces, until no longer pink, 5 to 7 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and stir until well combined.

Add the black beans and tomatoes. If the tomatoes and their juices are on the thicker side, fill the tomato can up to about 1/4 full with water and add that as well. Stir to combine. Bring everything to a simmer, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low, cooking for 10 minutes.

While the chicken cooks, warm or char your tortillas and get your favorite toppings ready. Remove the lid and stir everything. Taste and add more taco seasoning and/or lime juice, if using, to taste. Depending on the brand or recipe of taco seasoning, you may not need any more. Serve hot in tortillas with shredded cheese, salsa, or any other taco fixings of your choice.

3 Easy Substitutions

You can easily substitute ground chicken for ground turkey, ground beef, sausage, or plant-based alternatives. Depending on what you use, you may need to adjust the amount of taco seasoning to get the flavor just right for your protein of choice.

Pinto beans have a slightly nuttier, earthier flavor compared to black beans, and they work really well in these tacos. When adding them to the chicken, you can mash up some of the beans to get a creamier texture similar to refried beans.

Use diced tomatoes with chilies (like the Ro-Tel brand) as an easy way to add heat and a zestier flavor. You may want to reduce the amount of taco seasoning since the diced tomatoes with chilies are already seasoned.

MINI CHICKEN AND BACON TACOS

This comes from Old El Paso, and begins, "You can't go wrong with a chicken, bacon and ranch taco flavor combination, and Old El Paso's Soft Tortilla Bowls™ are the perfect way to deliver these mini chicken tacos to your mouth. You can cook from scratch or you can pick up an easy rotisserie chicken and some pre-cooked bacon; do what works for you and your schedule to enjoy this delicious take on mini tacos."

Prep Time: 15 minutes; Total Time: 30 minutes; Makes 6 servings

To view this online, go to https://www.oldelpaso.com/recipes/mini-chicken-and-bacon-tacos.

Ingredients

1 package (12 count) Old El Paso™ Mini Soft Tortilla Bowls

1 cup chopped deli rotisserie chicken

1 cup Old El Paso™ Shredded Cheddar Cheese

1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1/3 cup Old El Paso™ Zesty Ranch sauce

1/2 cup quartered grape tomatoes

Preparation

Heat oven to 375°F. In ungreased 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish, place tortilla bowls.

In small bowl, mix chicken, 1/2 cup of the cheese, the bacon, green onions and sauce; mix well.

Divide chicken mixture evenly among tortilla bowls; top with remaining cheese.

Bake 12 to 14 minutes or until hot and cheese is melted. Top with tomatoes and additional green onions and sauce, if desired.

Expert Tips

Serve these with fresh vegetables for a hearty snack or a light lunch.

Don’t care for tomatoes? Leave them out, and they’re just as delicious.

Leftover cooked chicken can be substituted for the deli rotisserie chicken in this recipe.

Nutrition: 6 servings (2 bowls each); 1 Serving: Calories 250 (Calories from Fat 120); Total Fat 13g (Saturated Fat 6g, Trans Fat 0g); Cholesterol 45mg; Sodium 590mg; Total Carbohydrate 17g (Dietary Fiber 0g, Sugars 1g); Protein 14g

% Daily Value: Vitamin A 4%; Vitamin C 2%; Calcium 15%; Iron 8%

Exchanges: 1 Other Carbohydrate, 1 Very Lean Meat, 1 High-Fat Meat, 1 Fat; Carbohydrate Choice: 1

SWEET POTATO AND SPINACH CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Diabetes Food Hub, and begins, "Unexpected taco fillings are all the rage on the food truck scene. Make these rich and savory versions at home!"

Prep Time: 5 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 4; Serving Size: 1 taco

To view this online, go to https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/recipes/sweet-potato-and-spinach-chicken-tacos.html.

Ingredients

1-1/2 tbsp olive oil

1 clove garlic (minced)

24 oz. baby spinach

1 (about 8 oz) large sweet potato (peeled and diced)

1/4 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp black pepper

4 tbsp water

1 cup cooked shredded chicken

4 6-inch corn tortillas (warmed)

4 tsp light sour cream

1/2 cup pico de gallo or salsa

Directions

In a large nonstick pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the spinach and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the sweet potato, cumin, black pepper, and water to the pan. Sauté for 2 minutes. Cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 8 minutes.

Add the chicken to the pan and mix to incorporate. Heat for 2 minutes.

Fill each tortilla with 1/4 of the chicken and sweet potato mixture. Top with 1 Tsp. of sour cream and 2 Tbsp. of pico de gallo.