Why You’ll Love these Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa
Why settle for the same old ground beef tacos when you can elevate your weeknight dinner game with these incredibly flavorful ground chicken tacos? I’m talking tender, juicy chicken that’s seasoned to perfection and topped with the most amazing creamy salsa that’ll make you forget takeout exists.
Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What Ingredients are in Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa?
Getting these ground chicken tacos on your table is easier than you think, and the ingredient list is straightforward. You probably have most of these items sitting in your pantry right now, which is always a win in my book because who’s time for multiple grocery store runs during the week?
For the Ground Chicken Tacos:
- 12 taco shells
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced red pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- Salt and black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon packet sazon seasoning
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons flour
- 1 cup chicken stock
For the Creamy Salsa:
- 4 roma tomatoes
- 1/2 cup cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Frank’s red hot sauce
- 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
- Salt and black pepper
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, really. Can’t find sazon seasoning at your local store? No worries, you can make your own blend with a bit of paprika, garlic powder, and oregano. Ground chicken can sometimes be a little tricky to work with since it’s leaner than beef, but that’s exactly why we’re adding the flour and chicken stock – it creates this lovely, saucy texture that clings to every bite. And if you’re feeling adventurous, swap out the Frank’s for your favorite hot sauce, because let’s be honest, we all have our preferences when it comes to heat.
How to Make these Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa
Making these ground chicken tacos is honestly one of those recipes that feels fancy but comes together without much fuss, which is exactly what we all need on a Tuesday night. Start by warming your 12 taco shells in a 200-degree oven while you work on the filling – trust me, warm shells make all the difference between a good taco and a great one.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat, then toss in your 1/2 cup diced red pepper and 1/2 cup chopped onion. Season them with salt and black pepper, and let them get nice and tender, which usually takes about 5 minutes or so. Once they’re looking good, add your 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and that 1 tablespoon packet of sazon seasoning. Cook everything together for just a minute – you want those spices to bloom and get fragrant, but you don’t want them to burn because bitter spices will ruin the whole thing.
Now comes the fun part: add your 1 lb ground chicken and break it up with your spoon or spatula so there aren’t any big chunks hiding in there. Ground chicken cooks pretty quickly, so keep stirring and breaking it up until it’s no longer pink. Here’s where the pivotal step happens – sprinkle those 2 teaspoons flour right over the cooked chicken and stir it around for a few minutes. This step is indispensable because it’s going to help thicken everything up and create that saucy consistency we’re after. Pour in 1 cup chicken stock and let the whole mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. For extra flavor, you could also cook the chicken in a cast iron grill pan to get those beautiful sear marks and enhanced taste.
While that’s bubbling away, you can make your creamy salsa by combining 4 diced roma tomatoes, 1/2 cup cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, 1 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon Frank’s red hot sauce, 1/3 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice. Season it with salt and pepper to taste, then stick it in the fridge for at least an hour if you can manage it – the flavors really do need that time to meld together, though I’ll admit I’ve definitely served it immediately when hunger strikes.
Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this ground chicken taco recipe lies in its incredible flexibility – you can swap out ingredients based on what’s lurking in your pantry or what dietary restrictions you’re dealing with.
I love switching ground turkey for chicken, or using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for lighter tacos that still pack serious flavor.
What to Serve with Ground Chicken Tacos with Creamy Salsa
While these ground chicken tacos absolutely shine on their own, pairing them with the right sides transforms a simple weeknight dinner into something that feels like a proper feast.
I’m thinking Mexican street corn, black beans with lime, or crispy tortilla chips with guacamole. Spanish rice works beautifully too, soaking up that creamy salsa perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve mastered this ground chicken taco recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with those seasoning packets from the store. The homemade spice blend transforms ordinary ground chicken into something spectacular, while that creamy salsa adds the perfect cooling contrast.
I promise your family will request these tacos on repeat.
