Chicken Tacos with Homemade Sauce

This recipe is a game-changer for homemade tacos, giving you both the shredded chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce all in one pan. The chicken is incredibly juicy and packed with savory flavor, so you don't need to worry about making a separate sauce or using a bunch of toppings. There's no marinating required, making this an incredibly fast and easy meal perfect for any weeknight.

Instructions

1. 1

   In a small bowl, combine all the taco seasoning ingredients: lime juice, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 2 tablespoons of the chicken broth to create a loose paste.

2. 2

   Add the chicken to the seasoning paste and turn to coat each piece thoroughly.

3. 3

   Heat 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the seasoned chicken in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until it is lightly seared. Set the chicken aside in a shallow dish, reserving any remaining marinade in the bowl.

4. 4

   Return the skillet to the stove and reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining chicken broth, tomato paste, sugar, and any leftover marinade from the bowl. Stir everything together, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the browned bits, and bring the sauce to a simmer.

5. 5

   While the sauce is simmering, use two forks to shred the seared chicken. Don't worry if the inside is still a little raw; it will finish cooking in the sauce.

6. 6

   Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the chicken to coat completely and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should reduce to a thin, syrupy consistency. If it becomes too thick too quickly, you can add a splash of water.

7. 7

   Taste the chicken and sauce and adjust the salt if needed. Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, transfer the chicken and all the sauce to a serving bowl.

8. 8

   To serve, warm your taco shells or tortillas according to the package directions. Fill each one generously with the juicy chicken, making sure to spoon some of the rich sauce over it. Top with your favorite garnishes like diced tomatoes, avocado, onion, cilantro, shredded lettuce, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

• For the taco seasoning paste, you can easily substitute the lime juice with other liquids you have on hand. Lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, or even a plain fruit juice like orange or apple juice will work. They all serve the purpose of creating a loose paste that adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the spices.

• This recipe works perfectly with either boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast. The thighs are naturally a little juicier, but the method ensures that the breast meat also stays moist and tender, absorbing all the wonderful flavors of the sauce.

• You can easily adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. For a milder flavor, you can simply omit it altogether.

• The nutrition values are calculated per taco and include only the chicken filling and sauce, assuming 12 tacos are made from the recipe. They do not account for any additional toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.