Denise's Light Chicken Tacos

30m
Prep Time
15m
Cook Time
45m
Ready In


"Came up with this one to please my husband, he loves these tacos. It's sometimes hard to come up with dishes that are high in flavor and low in fat, this one has both. If you don't care to use fat free refried beans, use the vegetarian. These are very low in fat, but delicious. These can also be heart healthy by using your own homemade taco seasoning. Use about 2 tablespoons or to taste."

Original is 6 servings
  • TOPPINGS

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (289 g)
  • Calories 597.7
  • Total Fat - 9 g
  • Saturated Fat - 2 g
  • Cholesterol - 231.3 mg
  • Sodium - 115.8 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 87.5 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 13.2 g
  • Sugars - 0.7 g
  • Protein - 48.1 g
  • Calcium - 56.5 mg
  • Iron - 6.9 mg
  • Vitamin C - 6 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.7 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium high heat. When olive oil is hot, add diced chicken and saute until browned. You want a good sear on it for lots of flavor. When browned, add taco seasoning and reduce amount of water the instructions call for, I use about 1/2 cup. Reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Step 2

Wrap the flour tortillas in a paper towel and warm in the microwave for approximately 2 minutes.

Step 3

To assemble - spread a layer of refried beans on the tortilla, followed by diced chicken, salsa, shredded lettuce, onion and a dusting of cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime.

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When selecting the chicken breast, look for pieces that are free of fat and gristle.
  • For a spicier taco, try adding diced jalapenos or hot sauce to the toppings.

  • Substitute the chicken for turkey - This substitution is a great way to reduce the amount of fat in the dish, as turkey is generally leaner than chicken.
  • Substitute the refried beans for black beans - This substitution is a great way to add more fiber to the dish, as black beans are packed with fiber and protein.

Vegetarian Variation Substitute the chicken with 1 1/2 cups of cooked black beans. Omit the olive oil and taco seasoning. Use 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder in place of the taco seasoning.


Mexican-Style Variation Substitute the chicken with 1 1/2 cups of cooked chorizo sausage. Omit the olive oil and taco seasoning. Use 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in place of the taco seasoning.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Mexican Rice with Pinto Beans - This flavorful side dish is the perfect accompaniment to Denise's Light Chicken Tacos. The Mexican Rice is flavorful and filling, while the Pinto Beans provide additional protein. The combination of flavors and textures make this a great compliment to the tacos.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Guacamole and Chips - This classic Mexican appetizer is the perfect addition to Denise's Light Chicken Tacos. The creamy and flavorful guacamole is a great way to start the meal, and the chips provide a crunchy texture to contrast the soft tacos. This combination of flavors and textures will make for a delicious and satisfying meal.




FAQ

Q: What kind of oil should be used for the tacos?

A: Olive oil is recommended for the tacos in this recipe. It is a healthier option than other oils and adds a great flavor.



Q: What kind of tortillas should I use?

A: Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Look for fresh tortillas that are soft and pliable.

3 Reviews

TeresaS

Very tasty tacos...I added in a chopped jalapeno with the searing of the chicken...made for "Alphabet" tag game...

5.0

review by:
(22 Mar 2020)

Domestic-Goddess

Denise, my hubby and I really enjoyed these tacos. It was a nice change from the beef tacos we usually have. With one of the tacos, I subbed a black bean & corn salsa for regular the salsa, which also tasted good. We also topped our tacos with shredded colby-jack cheese and a bit of sour cream. For one of the tacos, we both added freshly squeezed lime juice, but didn't notice it made a difference in the taste of the tacos. One of the ingredients we did not add, was the cilantro, as we didn't have any, and I'm still not sure if we'd like it in the tacos. These tacos are something I look forward to making again. Thanks Denise, for sharing your recipe. This one's a keeper!!

5.0

review by:
(6 May 2012)

Derf

Don says deeelicious !! i used turkey sausage because that's what i had in, also had to leave out the sour cream, i believe what makes it really special is the lime, adds so much to them. also added a bit of grated cheddar to finish them off. thanks for posting , will be making them again!!

5.0

review by:
(24 Apr 2012)

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1:Denise's Light Chicken Tacos is a modern take on the traditional Mexican dish, Tacos al Pastor. Tacos al Pastor was created in the early 1900s by Lebanese immigrants in Mexico City who adapted the traditional shawarma dish to the Mexican palate.

Fun Fact 2:Denise's Light Chicken Tacos is a favorite of the famous actor, Ryan Gosling. He has been known to make this dish for his family, using his own homemade taco seasoning mix.