Description
Mexican Baja Chicken Tacos combine crispy beer-battered fish-style chicken with zesty slaw and creamy sauce. Fresh ingredients and bold flavors make these tacos a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 2 cups shredded cabbage (green or mixed)
- ⅓ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tbsps lime juice
- 2 tbsps mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Salt to taste
- Sliced avocado (optional)
- Lime wedges
- Extra chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Marinade Preparation: Blend olive oil, lime juice, and aromatic spices in a mixing bowl. Submerge chicken completely, refrigerate for 20-120 minutes to intensify flavor profile.
- Slaw and Sauce Creation: Simultaneously prepare crisp slaw by mixing shredded cabbage with herbs and seasonings, and whisk Baja sauce ingredients until smooth. Refrigerate both to meld flavors and maintain optimal temperature.
- Chicken Grilling: Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook marinated chicken 5-6 minutes per side, achieving perfect char and thorough internal cooking. Rest meat briefly, then slice into delicate strips.
- Taco Assembly: Warm tortillas in skillet or microwave until pliable. Layer chicken strips, top with prepared slaw, generously drizzle Baja sauce, and garnish with creamy avocado slices and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges for an extra flavor dimension.
Notes
- Marinate Masterfully: Longer marination times (up to 2 hours) intensify flavor depth, allowing spices to penetrate chicken meat completely without compromising texture.
- Temperature Control: Ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safe consumption while maintaining succulent, juicy meat quality.
- Slaw Strategy: Prepare slaw 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to blend, preventing soggy texture and preserving crisp vegetable crunch.
- Dietary Adaptation: Substitute corn tortillas for gluten-free option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in Baja sauce for lower-fat version, and replace chicken with grilled tofu or jackfruit for vegetarian alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg