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Showing posts with label Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's yummy offerings include Chipotle Shrimp Tacos and Ground Beef Tacos w/Spicy Shells. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-HONEY CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this recipe, Sarah wrote, "These may be the easiest tacos you ever make, but you’d never know it. The recipe hinges on just two ingredients: canned chipotles and honey, which slowly caramelize together for a glossy and incredibly tasty sauce. You may hesitate because there's so little liquid in the slow cooker with the chicken, but don't worry. That's how it's supposed to be. It allows the sauce to get a little sticky, which is exactly what you want. (Get the pressure cooker version of this recipe here.)"

Total Time: 3 to 5 hours; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, click here. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend doing so. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 to 4 chipotles from a can of chipotles in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

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

Juice of 1 lime

Warmed tortillas, for serving

Pickled onion, for serving (see Tip)

Sliced or cubed avocado, for serving

Preparation

Combine the chicken, honey, onion and garlic powders, cumin, salt and chipotle chiles and adobo sauce in a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir well. Cook for at least 3 hours and up to 5 hours on low. If it’s more convenient, you can let the slow cooker switch to warm after 5 hours. The dish will hold on warm for about another 3 hours before the chicken starts to become quite dry.

Using two forks, coarsely shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir in the black beans and lime juice. Cover and let the beans warm through, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve in tortillas with pickled onion and avocado.

Tip

To make quick-pickled onions, thinly slice a red onion and put the slices in a bowl or container. Bring about 1-1/2 cups cider or white vinegar to a boil, and add about 3 heaping spoonfuls of sugar and a big pinch of salt to dissolve. You can also add a pinch of red-pepper flakes, a bay leaf or some dried oregano, if you like. Pour the hot vinegar over the onions and let them cool. They’re ready to use right away, and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

SMOKED PORK TACOS

This comes from Elizabeth Helskell on the Today Show site. The recipe begins, "Using store-bought pulled pork makes these tacos super quick to throw together. Just warm, assemble and serve.

"Technique tip: When using cilantro, rinse very well, roll in damp paper towel and place in airtight container. This will extend the freshness of this precious herb by one week.

"Swap option: Smoked chicken would be equally delicious."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 20 minutes; Makes 4 servings

You can find this recipe online at https://www.today.com/recipes/smoked-pork-tacos-recipe-t206530.

Ingredients

8 flour or corn tortillas

2 pounds store-bought pulled pork shoulder with barbecue sauce

2 cups queso dip

1 cup pickled jalapeños

1 cup sour cream

1/2 red onion, chopped

fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish

Directions

Place tortillas on flat surface. In center of each tortilla, place pulled pork in center and drizzle with queso. Top with jalapeños and sour cream. Top with barbecue sauce and cilantro and serve.

SALSA-GUAVA POT ROAST TACOS

This recipe comes from Publix.

Servings: 8; Total Time: about 5 1/2 hours; Active Time: 15 minutes

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

1 slow cooker liner (optional)

3 lb beef chuck roast

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce

Large zip-top bag

1 large red onion, thinly sliced and divided

2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped and divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 (15.5-oz) jar medium (or mild) salsa

1/2 cup guava jelly

16 small flour tortillas

1/2 cup cilantro-avocado dressing

Directions

Use slow cooker liner following package instructions, if desired. Coat beef with soy sauce; place in bag and let stand 30 minutes to marinate. Slice onion (1 1/2 cups). Peel and grate ginger; chop cilantro.

Preheat large, nonstick sauté pan on medium-high 2–3 minutes. Place oil in pan and add beef (discard bag); cook 4 minutes, turning occasionally, or until browned on all sides. Transfer beef to slow cooker; top with 1 cup onions.

Combine salsa, jelly, ginger, and 4 tablespoons cilantro until blended. Pour mixture over beef and onions. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 to 4-1/2 hours (or LOW for 6–7 hours) or until tender and beef is 145°F.

Shred beef. Divide beef mixture evenly between tortillas; top with even amounts dressing, remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro, and 1/2 cup onions. Serve.

GROUND BEEF TACOS WITH SPICY SHELLS

This is from Delish and begins, “Line taco shells with lettuce leaves so the filling stays put inside.”

Total Time: 25 minutes; Prep Time: 25 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves:4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 large cloves garlic, finely chopped

2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. ground coriander

1/2 tsp. chili powder

1 1/4 lb. ground beef (at least 90% lean)

3 tbsp. tomato paste

2 tsp. low-sodium beef bouillon base (we used Better than Bouillon)

8 small yellow corn tortillas (see box, below)

8 butter or iceberg lettuce leaves

2 tomatoes, chopped

Shredded cheddar, for serving

Directions

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Add the garlic, cumin, oregano, coriander and chili powder and cook, stirring, 1 minute.

Increase heat to medium-high, add the beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring 2 minutes. Add the bouillon base and 1 cup water and gently simmer until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes.

While the beef is browning, prepare the spicy taco shells (see tip, below). Line the tortillas with lettuce, fill with the beef, and top with the tomatoes and cheese, if desired.

PER SERVING 494 CAL, 28 G FAT (7.5 G SAT FAT), 92 MG CHOL, 154 MG SOD, 33 G PRO, 29 G CAR, 5 G FIBER

SPICY TURKEY TACOS

This is from Judy Kim on Delish and begins, “Thought ground turkey was blah? Think again.”

According to Delish, “Judy Kim is a NYC-based food stylist, recipe developer, and photographer. She also writes recipes for her website The Judy Lab.” Check out both Delish and The Judy Lab.

Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

8 hard corn taco shells

1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil

1 lb. ground turkey

4 tsp. Mexican seasoning

1 tsp. cayenne pepper

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 onion, diced

1 c. crushed tomatoes

1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish

1 c. grated mozzarella

1 c. Pico de Gallo

1 c. sour cream

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°. Place taco shells on a sheet pan.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and add ground turkey; brown while breaking up with a wooden spoon. Season with Mexican seasoning, cayenne, salt and pepper.

Add garlic and onions; sauté until softened, about 4 minutes. Add tomatoes and cilantro and stir until warmed through. Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.

Just before serving, bake taco shells until warmed through, about 2 minutes. Spoon spicy turkey mixture into taco shells and top with mozzarella, pico de gallo and cilantro. Serve with sour cream.

CHIPOTLE SHRIMP TACOS

This is from TasteforLife, and can be viewed online here.

Prep Time: 35 minutes prep time + 1 hour marinate time;Number of Servings: Serves 4 (2 tacos each); Recipe Source: From the Taste for Life test kitchen

Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, minced

1 c thinly sliced red radish

1 c thinly sliced red cabbage

1/2 c apple cider vinegar

1 tsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 c plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 1/2 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp chopped cilantro

1 Tbsp oil

2 tsp chopped chipotle chile in adobo sauce*

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1 lb raw small or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

8 soft corn taco shells

Diced cucumber, for garnish

Chopped cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

Place garlic, radish, and cabbage in a medium bowl. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt. Stir to combine. Place in fridge for 1 to 2 hours to allow vegetables to marinate.

Combine yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro in a small bowl. Set aside in fridge while making shrimp.

Preheat oven to 300°. To make shrimp, whisk together oil, chipotle chile, cumin, and salt in a large bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat.

Heat an outdoor grill or stovetop grill pan. Grill shrimp until cooked through, approximately 1 to 3 minutes per side, depending on size of shrimp.

Lay soft corn taco shells directly over oven racks in preheated oven. Carefully, using oven mitts and a fork, and without burning yourself, gently push edges of taco shells toward bottom of oven—encouraging shells to droop over racks. Bake until shells are curved and crisp, about 30 minutes. (For soft taco shells, use shells as is without baking them.)

To assemble tacos, place some pickled radish and cabbage on bottom of a shell. Add shrimp. Garnish with yogurt sauce, cucumbers, and cilantro.

Notes:

A chipotle chile is a smoked and dried jalapeno. You can find them canned in adobo sauce in the Mexican or International foods aisle of most supermarkets.

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Taco Tuesday

If it's Tuesday (and it appears that it is), it's time for another Taco Tuesday. Today's offerings include Perfect Fish Tacos and Cheesy Breakfast Tacos. Enjoy!

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-HONEY CHICKEN TACOS

This comes from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Sarah wrote, "These may be the easiest tacos you ever make, but you’d never know it. The recipe hinges on just two ingredients: canned chipotles and honey, which slowly caramelize together for a glossy and incredibly tasty sauce. You may hesitate because there's so little liquid in the slow cooker with the chicken, but don't worry. That's how it's supposed to be. It allows the sauce to get a little sticky, which is exactly what you want. (Get the pressure cooker version of this recipe here.)"

Total Time: 3 to 5 hours; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019693-slow-cooker-chipotle-honey-chicken-tacos. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 to 4 chipotles from a can of chipotles in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

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

Juice of 1 lime

Warmed tortillas, for serving

Pickled onion, for serving (see Tip)

Sliced or cubed avocado, for serving

Preparation

Combine the chicken, honey, onion and garlic powders, cumin, salt and chipotle chiles and adobo sauce in a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir well. Cook for at least 3 hours and up to 5 hours on low. If it’s more convenient, you can let the slow cooker switch to warm after 5 hours. The dish will hold on warm for about another 3 hours before the chicken starts to become quite dry.

Using two forks, coarsely shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir in the black beans and lime juice. Cover and let the beans warm through, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve in tortillas with pickled onion and avocado.

Tip

To make quick-pickled onions, thinly slice a red onion and put the slices in a bowl or container. Bring about 1-1/2 cups cider or white vinegar to a boil, and add about 3 heaping spoonfuls of sugar and a big pinch of salt to dissolve. You can also add a pinch of red-pepper flakes, a bay leaf or some dried oregano, if you like. Pour the hot vinegar over the onions and let them cool. They’re ready to use right away, and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

CHEESY BREAKFAST TACOS

This is from Nicole Hopper on Food & Wine. The recipe begins, "Chorizo, eggs, peppers, and lots of cheese make these breakfast tacos perfect for the weekend."

Nicole goes on to write, "Imagine those crispy little bits of cheese that ooze out of your quesadilla or grilled cheese and get all crispy and toasty in the skillet. That cheese skirt gives these breakfast tacos an extra toasty crunch."

Active Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Servings: 4; Yield: 8 tacos

To view this online, as well as reading the rest of what Nicole has to say about these yummy tacos, go to https://www.foodandwine.com/cheesy-breakfast-tacos-8572475.

Ingredients

8 large eggs

1/4 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon oil, such as canola

9 ounces fresh Mexican-style chorizo, casings removed (about 4 links) (from 1 [14-ounce] package)

1 small (6-ounce) red bell pepper, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)

2 medium scallions (about 1 ounce total), thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)

1 medium (1 ounce) jalapeño, stemmed, seeded if desired, and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Fresh cilantro sprigs and thinly sliced jalapeño half-moons, for garnish

12 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 3 cups), divided

8 taco-size (5-inch diameter) flour tortillas, divided

Chopped fresh cilantro and hot sauce, for serving

Directions

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add chorizo, bell pepper, scallions, and chopped jalapeño; cook, stirring occasionally and breaking meat into smaller pieces, until chorizo has rendered and vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and pour in egg mixture; cook, stirring and folding often with a flexible spatula to form large curds, until mixture is softly set, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; cover to keep warm, and set aside.

While eggs cook, heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium. Arrange a few cilantro sprigs and jalapeño slices in the center of skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the cheese over top, forming an approximately 6-inch circle (it’s OK if there are gaps or holes). Cook, undisturbed, until cheese begins to bubble and is fully melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Place 1 tortilla on cheese, pressing down gently to adhere (edges of the cheese will not be covered by the tortilla); sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cheese evenly over tortilla. Cook, undisturbed, until bottom cheese layer is golden brown and top cheese layer is mostly melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; let cool slightly, about 30 seconds. Spoon a rounded 1/3 cup egg mixture onto one side of tortilla, then use a thin spatula to get underneath the crispy cheese layer; fold tortilla in half over filling. Transfer taco to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel, and return to medium heat. Repeat procedure with remaining cheese, tortillas, and egg mixture. (If desired, to speed things up, once eggs are finished cooking in large skillet, wash skillet and use both pans to cook 2 tortillas at once).

To serve, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and drizzle with hot sauce.

CHEESY TACO SKILLET

This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. The recipe begins, “Everything you love in beef tacos, only without the tortillas.

Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 c. sliced green onions, plus more for garnish

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. ground cumin

kosher salt

1 lb. ground beef

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 c. black beans

1 tbsp. Hot sauce

1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

1 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and green onions and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add chili powder and cumin and stir until combined, then season with salt.

Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 5 minutes more.

Add diced tomatoes and black beans and stir until combined. Stir in hot sauce, Monterey jack, and cheddar. Cover with a lid and let melt, 2 minutes, then garnish with green onions and serve.

GLUTEN-FREE EGG AND BLACK BEAN BREAKFAST TACOS

This comes from Kaleigh McMordie, MCN, RDN, LD at VeryWellFit. Kaleigh wrote, “Did you know that corn tortillas are actually considered a whole grain? They are also low in sodium, so they make a great base for healthy breakfast tacos.

“Fried potatoes, meats like bacon and sausage, and cheese can quickly add up when it comes to sodium and saturated fat. These tacos have none of that. Instead, try adding sauteed vegetables, beans, and creamy avocado to your eggs for healthy and flavorful tacos that will have you feeling good all morning long.

“These breakfast tacos are gluten-free and vegetarian, and can be made dairy-free if you leave out the milk or use a milk substitute. If you have other vegetables that need to be used up, feel free to add them in with the onions and jalapeno. Top with your favorite salsa for a flavorful and delicious breakfast.”

Prep Time: 10 minutes; Cook Time: 10 minutes; Total Time: 20 minutes; Servings: 2 (1 taco each).

To view this recipe online, click here.

Ingredients

olive oil spray

2 tablespoons onion, diced

1 tablespoon jalapeno, diced

1/4 cup low sodium black beans

1 large egg

1 tablespoon skim milk

2 corn tortillas

1/4 small avocado, sliced

1 tablespoon cilantro

Directions

Heat a small nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with oil. Add onions and jalapeno and cook, stirring, until softened, about three minutes. Add black beans and continue cooking until heated through. Remove from skillet and wipe clean.

Turn heat to low and spray skillet with oil again. Whisk together egg and milk. Pour into pan and cook, stirring, until eggs are set.

In a separate pan, heat tortillas over low heat. Divide eggs and bean mixture between the tortillas. Top with avocado and cilantro. Serve.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

You can use egg whites or egg substitute in place of the egg for a lower-fat version.

Cooking and Serving Tips

Serve with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

CHICKEN CHILI TACOS

This is from the TODAY Show Recipes e-newsletter. Prep Time: 10 minutes; Servings: 4.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 1/2 cups prepared pico de gallo or salsa

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 1/2 limes)

2 teaspoons cumin seeds, lightly toasted

2 cloves garlic. minced

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

12 taco shells (crisp or soft/flour or corn)

Preparation

Place the chicken, pico de gallo or salsa, lime juice, cumin seeds and garlic in a slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours. (You can also cook on high for 3 hours.)

Allow to cool a bit. Scoop the chicken out with a big slotted spoon and place it in a large serving bowl. Use two forks to pull the meat apart. The chicken will shred easily. Stir in some cooking juice from the pot and top with the cilantro.

Place the shredded chicken, your taco shells and desired fixings on the table and let everyone put together their perfect taco.

PERFECT FISH TACOS

This is from Lauren Miyashiro, the former Food Director and currently a "contributing recipe" for Delish. Lauren wrote, "Love fish tacos? Well, these are the end-all be-all...

"The fish—we use cod, but any flaky variety, like tilapia, works—marinates in a mixture of lime juice, chili powder, and cumin that will become your standard. (Seriously, steak or chicken marinated in this will also taste bomb.) But the real gem of this recipe is the cabbage slaw—don't skip it. It takes just a few minutes to toss together and its brightness is the perfect condiment to the spiced cod."

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Total Time: 35 minutes; Yields: 4 servings

To view this online, including the rest of what Lauren wrote, go to https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a53296/easy-fish-taco-recipe/.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

Juice of 1 lime

2 tsp. chili powder

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper

1-1/2 lb. cod (or other flaky white fish)

1/2 tbsp. vegetable oil

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

8 corn tortillas

1 avocado, diced

Lime wedges, for serving

Sour cream, for serving

For the corn slaw:

1/4 c. mayonnaise

Juice of 1 lime

2 tbsp. freshly chopped cilantro

1 tbsp. honey

2 c. shredded purple cabbage

1 c. corn kernels

1 jalapeño, minced

Directions

In a medium shallow bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, paprika, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne.

Add cod, tossing until evenly coated. Let marinate 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, make slaw: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, cilantro, and honey. Stir in cabbage, corn, and jalapeño. Season with salt and pepper.

In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Remove cod from marinade and season both sides of each filet with salt and pepper. Add fish flesh side-down. Cook until opaque and cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Let rest 5 minutes before flaking with a fork.

Assemble tacos: Serve fish over grilled tortillas with corn slaw and avocado. Squeeze lime juice on top and garnish with sour cream.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Taco Tuesday

It's time for another Taco Tuesday. Any objections? (I hope not.) Today's offerings include Buffalo Style Tacos and Slow Cooker Chipotle-Honey Chicken Tacos. Enjoy!

CHEESY CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 9 tacos.

Click here to view this online.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1 tbsp. ground cumin

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 c. Shredded chicken

1 can green chilis

1 c. Favorite Salsa

1 Can Refried Beans

9 hard taco shells

1 1/2 c. shredded pepperjack

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 6 minutes, then add cumin and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add chicken, green chilis, and salsa and stir until combined and heated through.

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of refried beans (to help the taco shells stand up!). Spoon remaining refried beans into the bottom of a taco shell and top with chicken mixture. Place in baking dish. Repeat with remaining taco shells and ingredients, tightly standing up the taco shells in the dish.

Top all over with cheese.

Bake until cheese is melted, 10 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-HONEY CHICKEN TACOS

This comes from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Sarah wrote, "These may be the easiest tacos you ever make, but you’d never know it. The recipe hinges on just two ingredients: canned chipotles and honey, which slowly caramelize together for a glossy and incredibly tasty sauce. You may hesitate because there's so little liquid in the slow cooker with the chicken, but don't worry. That's how it's supposed to be. It allows the sauce to get a little sticky, which is exactly what you want. (Get the pressure cooker version of this recipe here.)"

Total Time: 3 to 5 hours; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019693-slow-cooker-chipotle-honey-chicken-tacos. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 to 4 chipotles from a can of chipotles in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

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

Juice of 1 lime

Warmed tortillas, for serving

Pickled onion, for serving (see Tip)

Sliced or cubed avocado, for serving

Preparation

Combine the chicken, honey, onion and garlic powders, cumin, salt and chipotle chiles and adobo sauce in a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir well. Cook for at least 3 hours and up to 5 hours on low. If it’s more convenient, you can let the slow cooker switch to warm after 5 hours. The dish will hold on warm for about another 3 hours before the chicken starts to become quite dry.

Using two forks, coarsely shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir in the black beans and lime juice. Cover and let the beans warm through, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve in tortillas with pickled onion and avocado.

Tip

To make quick-pickled onions, thinly slice a red onion and put the slices in a bowl or container. Bring about 1-1/2 cups cider or white vinegar to a boil, and add about 3 heaping spoonfuls of sugar and a big pinch of salt to dissolve. You can also add a pinch of red-pepper flakes, a bay leaf or some dried oregano, if you like. Pour the hot vinegar over the onions and let them cool. They’re ready to use right away, and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

CHICKEN TACOS WITH CHIPOTLE

This comes from David Tanis in The New York Times cooking e-newsletter. He wrote, “For good tacos, you need fresh, hot tortillas and a zesty filling. Canned chipotle chiles will do the trick with their smoky heat; it's an easy way to get flavor fast. Look for small cans with “chipotle chiles in adobo” on the label. And Mexican groceries generally have better-quality tortillas than the ones you find in supermarkets; it's worth seeking those out and heating them gently over steam, or by toasting them in a dry cast-iron pan. You can also use this recipe with precooked chicken, which makes this already quite simple recipe as easy as falling out of bed.”

Yield: 4 servings; Time: 1 hour.

This was featured in “Chicken Tacos Let You Think Fast” and can be viewed online here.

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

4 large bone-in chicken thighs, about 1 1/2 pounds

3 scallions, left whole

1 bay leaf

1 thyme branch

3 black peppercorns

1 allspice berry

2 cloves

Kosher salt

3 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

2 or 3 chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped

3 tablespoons adobo sauce, from the can

1/2 cup broth (use broth from simmered chicken)

8 fresh corn tortillas

For Garnish:

1 small white onion, finely chopped, soaked in ice water for 10 minutes and drained

Thinly sliced serrano chile

Thinly sliced radishes

Sliced avocado

Crumbled queso fresco or mild feta cheese

Crème fraîche or Mexican crema

Cilantro sprigs

Dried oregano

Lime wedges

Preparation

Put chicken thighs in a saucepan and cover with 3 cups water. Add scallions, bay leaf, thyme, peppercorns, allspice, cloves and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Simmer for 30 minutes, then remove chicken and cool. Shred chicken with your fingers, discarding chicken skin and bone. Strain broth and reserve. You should have about 2 cups shredded chicken.

Put olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, season with salt and cook until softened and a bit browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cumin and cook for 1 minute more. Add chopped chipotle chile and adobo sauce and stir to combine. Add shredded chicken, salt lightly and stir to coat. Add chicken broth and simmer for 2 or 3 minutes, until sauce has thickened somewhat. Keep warm.

Heat the tortillas over steam or by your favorite method, keeping them soft and pliable.

Build the tacos quickly: Put a spoonful of the saucy chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top with a teaspoon of chopped white onion, a few slivers of serrano chile, some radish and avocado slices, a teaspoon of queso fresco and a teaspoon of crème fraîche. Add a few cilantro springs and a small pinch of oregano. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

GRILLED PORTABELLA AND POBLANO TACOS

This is from Food.com. Makes 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

Pico de Gallo

2 roma tomatoes, diced

1⁄2 small red onion, finely diced

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 finely minced garlic clove

1 pinch salt

2 teaspoons lime juice

Grilled Portabella Filling

4 medium portabella mushrooms or 1 lb portabella mushroom

1 small red onion, cut into thick slices

1 teaspoon canola oil

salt and pepper

1 whole poblano chile

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon lime juice

1⁄2 teaspoon dried chipotle powder

Assembly and Toppings

8 small corn tortillas, warmed

guacamole

fresh cilantro stem

lime wedge

monterey jack cheese (Shredded) or cheddar cheese (Shredded)

Directions

Preheat a lightly oiled grill on medium-high heat.

While the grill is heating up, prepare the pico de gallo. In a small mixing bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, cilantro, garlic, salt and lime juice. Set aside.

Next, prepare the grilled portabella filling. Remove the stems from the portabellas, and discard. Using a spoon, scrape out the dark gills from the underside of the mushroom caps.

Lightly brush the portabellas and the onions on both sides with canola oil, and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

Arrange the mushrooms, onion, and poblano on the hot grill, and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the mushrooms are softened and the onion is lightly charred. Remove from heat and transfer to a cutting board.

Remove the stem and seeds from the poblano, and discard. Cut the poblano and the portabellas into thin strips, and roughly chop the onion. Transfer to a mixing bowl and toss with lime juice and chipotle powder until well coated.

To assemble, arrange 2 tortillas per plate, and divide the mushroom filling evenly between them. Serve with pico de gallo and bowls of the different toppings so that everyone can garnish their tacos as they please.

BUFFALO STYLE TACOS

Makes 8 servings

Print Friendly: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/bin/print.cgi?ID=1341

View recipe with photo: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/1341.shtml

Ingredients

1 (16-ounce) package JENNIE-O Lean Ground Turkey

1/3 cup hot pepper wing sauce

8 hard corn taco shells, heated as specified on package

1 cup shredded lettuce

2 tomatoes, diced

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup blue cheese dressing

Directions

Cook turkey as specified on package. Always cook to well-done, 165F as measured by a meat thermometer.

Add hot pepper sauce. Stir to combine.

Fill tacos shells with lettuce, turkey mixture, tomatoes and avocado.

Drizzle with blue cheese dressing.

Nutritional Information Per Serving: Calories: 220; Protein: 14 g; Fat: 13 g; Sodium: 260 mg; Cholesterol: 45 mg; Saturated Fat: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 3 g; Sugars: 1 g; Carbohydrates: 13 g

CARROT-AND-BLACK BEAN CRISPY TACOS

This recipe comes from Country Living, and begins, “Dig into vegetarian tacos with tons of fresh flavor.” Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 30 minutes; Level: Easy; Yield: 4 servings.

To view this online, click here.

Ingredients

3 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 small onion, chopped

1 poblano pepper, diced

1 tsp. chili powder

1 (15.5-oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 tbsp. fresh lime juice, plus wedges for serving

Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1/2 lb. medium carrots, cut into 3" to 4" sticks

1 tsp. ground cumin

8 whole-grain taco shells, warmed

Sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and chopped fresh cilantro and radishes, for serving

Directions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 4to 6 minutes. Add chili powder and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 30 seconds. Add black beans and 1/3 cup water. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 4 to 6 minutes. Mash beans with the back of the spoon until thick. Stir in lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

Meanwhile, toss carrots with cumin and 1 1/2 tablespoons oil on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast, turning once, until just tender, 10 to 12 minutes.

Divide beans and carrots between taco shells. Top with avocado, queso fresco, cilantro, and radishes. Serve with lime wedges alongside.

PER SERVING: protein: 8 g; fat: 17 g; carbohydrate: 42 g; fiber: 10 g; sodium: 261 mg; cholesterol: 0 mg; calories: 334.

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Taco Tuesday

Who doesn't love tacos? I really can't remember having tacos as a kid. But once I'd moved to Florida with my mom, brother and sister, Mom started fixing tacos on a regular basis. Back then, she'd cook up some ground beef, chop up lettuce and tomatoes, grate up a block of cheese, and put everything in bowls in the middle of the table for us to make our own tacos.

These days, you don't need the same old beef-lettuce-tomatos-and-cheese tacos to enjoy Taco Tuesday. While the Cheeseburger Tacos in today's offerings are similar to Mom's tacos (though somewhat fancier), these six taco recipes that help prove that point that you can build your tacos your way, including Cheesy Taco Skillet and Cheesy Chicken Tacos. Enjoy!

CHEESY CHICKEN TACOS

This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. Total Time: 30 minutes; Prep Time: 15 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 9 tacos.

Click here to view this online.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

1 tbsp. ground cumin

kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

2 c. Shredded chicken

1 can green chilis

1 c. Favorite Salsa

1 Can Refried Beans

9 hard taco shells

1 1/2 c. shredded pepperjack

Chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions

Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until tender, 6 minutes, then add cumin and season with salt and pepper. Stir until combined. Add chicken, green chilis, and salsa and stir until combined and heated through.

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of refried beans (to help the taco shells stand up!). Spoon remaining refried beans into the bottom of a taco shell and top with chicken mixture. Place in baking dish. Repeat with remaining taco shells and ingredients, tightly standing up the taco shells in the dish.

Top all over with cheese.

Bake until cheese is melted, 10 minutes.

Garnish with cilantro and serve.

CHEESY TACO SKILLET

This is from Lindsay Funston on Delish. The recipe begins, “Everything you love in beef tacos, only without the tortillas.

Total Time: 20 minutes; Prep Time: 5 minutes; Level: Easy; Serves: 4.

Click here to view the recipe online.

Ingredients

1 tbsp. vegetable oil

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 c. sliced green onions, plus more for garnish

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp. chili powder

1 tbsp. ground cumin

kosher salt

1 lb. ground beef

1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes

1 c. black beans

1 tbsp. Hot sauce

1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack

1 c. shredded Cheddar

Directions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and green onions and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add chili powder and cumin and stir until combined, then season with salt.

Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 5 minutes more.

Add diced tomatoes and black beans and stir until combined. Stir in hot sauce, Monterey jack, and cheddar. Cover with a lid and let melt, 2 minutes, then garnish with green onions and serve.

LOADED GUACAMOLE VEGETARIAN TACOS

This is from Karen, the Soup Addict. Karen wrote, “Veggie-loaded with lots of guacamole, black beans, corn, and peppers, these vegetarian tacos are full-on yummy.”

Prep Time: 20 minutes; Cook Time: 8 minutes; Total Time: 28 minutes; Serves: 6 tacos.

This can be viewed online at http://soupaddict.com/2014/06/loaded-guacamole-vegetarian-tacos/.

Ingredients

for the guacamole

2 avocados, pit and skin removed, roughly chopped

1/2 of a lime

1/2 of a lemon

1/4 salt (plus extra as needed)

1/3 cup corn kernels (raw, from about 1/2 of a large cob, or thawed from frozen)

1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons diced poblano pepper

1 tablespoon diced red onion

1 tablespoon diced jalapeño pepper

2 teaspoons minced cilantro

1 clove garlic, minced

for the black beans

1 can black beans (15 ounces)

1/3 cup corn kerns (raw, from 1/2 of a large cob, or thawed from frozen)

1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced

1/4 cup poblano peppers, diced

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

for the tacos

6 small flour or soft corn tortillas

2 cups chopped iceberg or romaine lettuce

1 tablespoon minced cilantro

hot sauce, such as Cholula or Sriracha (optional)

lime and/or lemon wedges

Instructions

prepare the guacamole

Mash the avocado in a medium bowl with a fork (or molcajete) until it reaches your desired consistency, chunky or smooth. Add a small squeeze each of lime and lemon juice, along with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix well and taste. Add more lime juice, lemon juice, and salt as you like. Stir in the remaining guacamole ingredients. (To make ahead, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and press gently against the guacamole. The entire surface of the guac should be touching and covered by the wrap, to keep air out. Then, cover the bowl with a second sheet of wrap, and refrigerate.)

prepare the black beans

Add all of the black bean ingredients to a 2 quart sauce pot and heat over medium-low until hot. Turn off the heat and allow to cool to a very warm, eatable temp (a few minutes should do it).

assemble

If the tortillas are not soft and pliable (or if you like your tortillas warm), stack them on a microwaveable plate, separated with paper towels, and heat for 20 to 30 seconds.

Line half of each tortilla with lettuce. Spoon the black bean mixture over the lettuce (on half of the tortilla). Spoon guacamole on the other half. Top with a few shakes of hot sauce (optional) and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve with lemon and lime wedges.

SLOW COOKER CHIPOTLE-HONEY CHICKEN TACOS

This comes from Sarah DiGregorio in The New York Times cooking enewsletter. For this yumminess, Sarah wrote, "These may be the easiest tacos you ever make, but you’d never know it. The recipe hinges on just two ingredients: canned chipotles and honey, which slowly caramelize together for a glossy and incredibly tasty sauce. You may hesitate because there's so little liquid in the slow cooker with the chicken, but don't worry. That's how it's supposed to be. It allows the sauce to get a little sticky, which is exactly what you want. (Get the pressure cooker version of this recipe here.)"

Total Time: 3 to 5 hours; Yield: 4 servings

To view this online, go to https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1019693-slow-cooker-chipotle-honey-chicken-tacos. While you're at it, if you haven't signed up for The New York Times cooking enewsletter, I highly recommend it. Great recipes, guides, and more.

Ingredients

1-1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1 to 4 chipotles from a can of chipotles in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons adobo sauce

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

Juice of 1 lime

Warmed tortillas, for serving

Pickled onion, for serving (see Tip)

Sliced or cubed avocado, for serving

Preparation

Combine the chicken, honey, onion and garlic powders, cumin, salt and chipotle chiles and adobo sauce in a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir well. Cook for at least 3 hours and up to 5 hours on low. If it’s more convenient, you can let the slow cooker switch to warm after 5 hours. The dish will hold on warm for about another 3 hours before the chicken starts to become quite dry.

Using two forks, coarsely shred the chicken in the sauce. Stir in the black beans and lime juice. Cover and let the beans warm through, about 5 minutes. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if necessary. Serve in tortillas with pickled onion and avocado.

Tip

To make quick-pickled onions, thinly slice a red onion and put the slices in a bowl or container. Bring about 1-1/2 cups cider or white vinegar to a boil, and add about 3 heaping spoonfuls of sugar and a big pinch of salt to dissolve. You can also add a pinch of red-pepper flakes, a bay leaf or some dried oregano, if you like. Pour the hot vinegar over the onions and let them cool. They’re ready to use right away, and can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks.

CHEESY BREAKFAST TACOS

This is from Nicole Hopper on Food & Wine. The recipe begins, "Chorizo, eggs, peppers, and lots of cheese make these breakfast tacos perfect for the weekend."

Nicole goes on to write, "Imagine those crispy little bits of cheese that ooze out of your quesadilla or grilled cheese and get all crispy and toasty in the skillet. That cheese skirt gives these breakfast tacos an extra toasty crunch."

Active Time: 55 minutes; Total Time: 55 minutes; Servings: 4; Yield: 8 tacos

To view this online, as well as reading the rest of what Nicole has to say about these yummy tacos, go to https://www.foodandwine.com/cheesy-breakfast-tacos-8572475.

Ingredients

8 large eggs

1/4 cup whole milk

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 tablespoon oil, such as canola

9 ounces fresh Mexican-style chorizo, casings removed (about 4 links) (from 1 [14-ounce] package)

1 small (6-ounce) red bell pepper, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)

2 medium scallions (about 1 ounce total), thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)

1 medium (1 ounce) jalapeño, stemmed, seeded if desired, and finely chopped (about 2 tablespoons)

Fresh cilantro sprigs and thinly sliced jalapeño half-moons, for garnish

12 ounces pepper Jack cheese, shredded (about 3 cups), divided

8 taco-size (5-inch diameter) flour tortillas, divided

Chopped fresh cilantro and hot sauce, for serving

Directions

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl; set aside.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium. Add chorizo, bell pepper, scallions, and chopped jalapeño; cook, stirring occasionally and breaking meat into smaller pieces, until chorizo has rendered and vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, and pour in egg mixture; cook, stirring and folding often with a flexible spatula to form large curds, until mixture is softly set, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a medium bowl; cover to keep warm, and set aside.

While eggs cook, heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium. Arrange a few cilantro sprigs and jalapeño slices in the center of skillet. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of the cheese over top, forming an approximately 6-inch circle (it’s OK if there are gaps or holes). Cook, undisturbed, until cheese begins to bubble and is fully melted, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Place 1 tortilla on cheese, pressing down gently to adhere (edges of the cheese will not be covered by the tortilla); sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the cheese evenly over tortilla. Cook, undisturbed, until bottom cheese layer is golden brown and top cheese layer is mostly melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat; let cool slightly, about 30 seconds. Spoon a rounded 1/3 cup egg mixture onto one side of tortilla, then use a thin spatula to get underneath the crispy cheese layer; fold tortilla in half over filling. Transfer taco to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Wipe skillet clean with a paper towel, and return to medium heat. Repeat procedure with remaining cheese, tortillas, and egg mixture. (If desired, to speed things up, once eggs are finished cooking in large skillet, wash skillet and use both pans to cook 2 tortillas at once).

To serve, sprinkle with chopped cilantro and drizzle with hot sauce.