Chicken tacos are a fun and versatile option for taco night that goes beyond the usual ground beef The juicy, shredded chicken provides a leaner protein option while absorbing all the delicious Tex-Mex flavors But what exactly should you put in chicken tacos to take them to the next level? With the right combination of toppings and fillings, chicken tacos can become an exciting new favorite for the whole family.
In this article, we’ll explore over 100 mouthwatering ideas for chicken taco toppings. From salsas and sauces to cheeses, veggies, and more – there are endless ways to customize chicken tacos to suit your tastes Read on for the ultimate list of ingredients to create chicken tacos that everyone will rave about
Sizzling Chicken Taco Recipes
Before diving into toppings, you need a tasty chicken taco recipe to start with. Here are some easy, delicious options:
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Authentic Mexican Chicken Tacos: Juicy chicken simmered in a blend of salsa, cumin, and chili powder. Just like street tacos!
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Shredded Chicken Tacos: Quick stovetop chicken poached in flavorful seasonings and salsa.
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Crockpot Chicken Tacos: Only 2 ingredients (chicken and taco seasoning) for effortless shredded chicken.
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Grilled Chicken Tacos: Get nice char marks by tossing chicken in a smoky dry rub before grilling.
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Baked Chicken Tacos: Crisp up chicken in the oven after marinating in lime juice, garlic, and spices.
Once you’ve selected your favorite chicken taco recipe, it’s time to pile on the toppings!
Vegetables & Fruits
Veggies and fruits lend fresh flavors, colors, textures, and nutrients. Some tasty options:
- Diced onions
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices
- Radishes
- Jicama
- Purple cabbage
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Corn
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflower
- Cucumber
- Mango
- Pineapple
- Apple
- Peaches
Vibrant produce makes chicken tacos satisfying and delicious while packing in vitamins. Mix and match based on preferences.
Hearty Beans & Grains
Incorporate protein-rich beans or hearty whole grains to add substance:
- Black beans
- Pinto beans
- Refried beans
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Cauliflower rice
- Corn
Beans and grains will soak up taco flavors nicely while providing a nutritious base. They also make the tacos more filling.
Ooey, Gooey Cheese
What taco is complete without cheese? Popular melty options include:
- Shredded Mexican blend
- Queso fresco
- Cotija
- Monterey jack
- Pepper jack
- Cheddar
- Feta
- Cream cheese
Sprinkle cheese over the hot tacos so it gets nice and ooey-gooey. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the seasoned chicken.
Creamy Toppings
For even more creaminess, dollop on:
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Avocado ranch dressing
- Lime crema
- Chipotle mayo
- Aioli
- Hummus
The richness helps balance out any spiciness while adding moisture. Homemade guacamole or crema can take the tacos up another notch.
Tacolicious Salsas & Sauces
No taco is complete without salsa or sauce! Options include:
- Tomato salsa (red or green)
- Pico de gallo
- Avocado salsa
- Mango salsa
- Roasted tomatillo salsa
- Pineapple salsa
- Enchilada sauce
- Hot sauce (Cholula, Tapatio, Valentina, etc.)
- Taco sauce
- Ranch
- Sriracha
- Chimichurri
Salsas and sauces infuse big, bold flavors into the chicken filling. Pick a recipe based on preferred spice level and ingredients.
Savory Seasonings
Season up those tacos with:
- Fajita seasoning
- Taco seasoning
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Lime juice
- Cilantro
- Sesame seeds
- Cotija cheese
- Chile flakes
Spice blends, citrus, fresh herbs, and crunchy seeds all enhance the flavor profile of chicken. Customize to tastes.
Fun Crispy Toppings
For delightful crunch, try:
- Tortilla chips
- Potato chips
- Plantain chips
- Jicama
- Carrots
- Bell peppers
- Radishes
- Cabbage
- Popcorn
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Fried onions
- Tortilla strips
Crisp toppings contrast nicely with the tender chicken filling. Get creative with different crunchy toppers.
Sweet Surprises
Fruit and other sweet ingredients can beautifully balance the savory chicken. Consider:
- Diced mango
- Diced pineapple
- Diced apple
- Diced peach
- Strawberries
- Honey
- Agave nectar
The sweetness plays well against the spicy seasonings. Kids will love the fruity flavors too.
Breakfast Chicken Tacos
For a morning twist, top with:
- Fried egg
- Scrambled egg
- Bacon
- Breakfast potatoes
- Avocado
- Cheese
Eggs, bacon, potatoes, and avocado transform chicken tacos into a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
With an endless array of fillings and toppings to mix and match, the possibilities are truly endless when building creative chicken tacos. Spice it up with jalapeños, keep it classic with tomato salsa, go tropical with mango, or load it up with all the fixings. The options are limitless, so get creative and come up with your own signature chicken taco combinations that will have the whole family looking forward to taco night. ¡Buen provecho!
How to Store and Reheat
I generally recommend storing these baked chicken tacos separately rather than as whole tacos. Store the individual components in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you have leftover tacos after baking everything together, wrap individual tacos in aluminum foil, and place them in a resealable bag. Keep in mind that the shells might get soggy if stored this way. To reheat, assemble tacos and bake as instructed in the recipe card, or until the chicken is fully heated through (165°F).
This is one of our family’s favorite meals to make on busy nights, or for a celebration. We hope you love it as much as we do.
“I rarely leave reviews for recipes, but this was SO good and so simple, I had to say thank you! So thanks for the great recipe, it’s going in the regular rotation!” – Christy
“We have made these several tomes snd they’re well loved! Sure go fast! I couldn’t even get a photo of them all!!!” – Melissa
“I use the chicken filling for so many things other than this recipe!! It’s so good for taco salads, quesadillas, soft tacos, the list goes on. I make a double batch and eat the variations throughout the week!” – Catie
“This is a go-to in our household. It’s so quick, simple, and delicious- and since it’s just my husband and I, we have enough for two days! :)” – Brittany
What’s in This Baked Chicken Taco Recipe?
- Shredded Chicken: Use fully cooked, shredded chicken for the taco filling. I often use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Taco Seasoning: This blend of spices (chili powder, paprika, garlic and onion powder, cumin, and red pepper flakes) is perfect for any taco recipe and adds so much flavor.
- Taco Shells: Use hard taco shells since they bake up nice and crispy in the oven!
- Cheese: I used Mexican blend shredded cheese, but any blend of melting cheeses will work. Freshly grated cheese gets beautifully melty!
- Green Chiles: Use a can of chopped green chiles for the chicken mixture. It adds a little bit of heat, and it’s really delicious. Just be sure to fully drain them.
- Refried Beans: The creamy texture of refried beans adds a nice layer of texture and flavor beneath the chicken. Use about half a can.
- Tomatoes: A can of diced tomatoes adds more texture to the mix. Again, be sure to fully drain these so you don’t end up with too much liquid in the chicken taco filling.
- Onion: Adds more texture and some aromatics. White, sweet, or red onions all work.
- There are a few things I do to make sure the shells don’t get soggy:
- Fully drain all canned ingredients so that there isn’t extra liquid in the filling.
- Bake the shells by themselves for about 5 minutes before filling them.
- Layer the refried beans on the bottom, and place the chicken taco meat on top. This helps them hold up better.
- If you’re making these for a crowd or a party, you can keep them warm in the oven as you serve. We usually turn the oven down to about 250°F, and keep them in a baking dish covered with foil.
Chicken Fajita Tacos
FAQ
What do you have in chicken tacos?
I like my chicken tacos topped with red onion (pickled onions would be great too), avocado, cilantro, and cheese. Pico de gallo, salsa, crema, or some crushed corn chips would also be delicious. Really anything goes with these tacos.
What goes with a chicken taco?
Serving the One Pan Chicken Tacos
I like to serve these with some homemade pico de gallo over the top with a side of sour cream and taco sauce. These are great with some packaged or homemade Spanish rice and re-fried beans!
What are things you put in tacos?
Lettuce, salsa, taco sauce, guacamole, pico de gallo, tomatoes, cheese, olives and sour cream are just a few of the items you can use to top your tacos with.
What to put on ground chicken tacos?
The ground chicken is amped up with spices and chipotle in adobe so it’s flavorful and juicy—and topping the tacos with pico de gallo adds another level of deliciousness. Serve them with sour cream, grated cheese, shredded lettuce, and lime wedges so everyone can assemble their perfect taco.
What is a good topping for chicken tacos?
Salsa: Salsa is a delicious tomato-based sauce that is perfect for chicken tacos. It adds a spicy kick and a burst of flavor. 3. Guacamole: Guacamole is a creamy avocado-based sauce that is perfect for chicken tacos. It adds a rich and creamy texture and a burst of flavor. 4. Cheese: Cheese is a popular topping for chicken tacos.
What to add to chicken tacos?
Chicken tacos are a classic favorite. They’re easy to make and can be customized with a variety of toppings. If you’re looking for some tasty vegetable options to add to your chicken tacos, here are a few ideas: 1. Onions: Onions are a classic topping for tacos. They can be grilled or sautéed and added to the top of your tacos. 2.
What meat should I put on chicken tacos?
Some of the best meats to put on chicken tacos include: 1. Grilled Chicken: Grilled chicken is a classic choice for chicken tacos. It is juicy and flavorful, and pairs well with salsa and other toppings. 2. Pulled Pork: Pulled pork is another popular choice for chicken tacos.
What cheese goes with chicken tacos?
Cotija Cheese: Mexican cheese that offers a deep tang of flavor that is delicious on top of chicken tacos. Pepperjack: a slightly spicy cheese made with peppers that creates the perfect mix of flavor. Queso: pour warm queso over tacos for a positively cheesy taco taste. Feta: a classic Greek topping that you will love on tacos.
What sauce do you put on chicken tacos?
However, some common sauces that are popular for chicken tacos include salsa verde, sour cream, guacamole, and chipotle aioli. These sauces add flavor, moisture, and texture to the tacos, making them more delicious. Some people also like to add hot sauce to their chicken tacos, such as habanero or jalapeño sauce, for an extra kick.
What foods are good for tacos?
Zucchini: healthy, filling, and delicious on tacos. Broccoli: crunchy, leafy, and full of the feel-good taste you want in a meal. Lentils: rich in essential vitamins and minerals to provide substantial nutrition. Season well for tasty tacos. Squash: a refreshing and light vegetable that absorbs flavor and enhances chicken.