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Quick weeknight

Crispy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Charred Corn Slaw

Smoky chipotle-marinated chicken seared until deeply caramelized, tucked into warm tortillas with a tangy charred corn slaw and cooling cilantro-lime crema.

27 min4 servingsIntermediateQuick weeknight

Ingredients

  • 600 g boneless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups corn kernels
  • 0,5 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 0,5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 whole lime, zested and juiced
  • 0,5 cup sour cream
  • 12 pieces corn tortillas
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 0,75 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Slice the chicken thighs into thin strips and toss with the chipotle paste, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, 1 tbsp of the olive oil, and a pinch of salt.

  2. 2

    In a small bowl, stir together the sour cream, lime zest, half the lime juice, and half the chopped cilantro to make the crema; season with salt.

  3. 3

    Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil until it shimmers without smoking.

  4. 4

    Add the corn kernels in a single layer and let them char undisturbed for 3 minutes, then toss and cook 2 more minutes until blistered; transfer to a bowl.

  5. 5

    Add the sliced red onion, remaining lime juice, remaining cilantro, and a pinch of salt to the corn; toss to make the slaw.

  6. 6

    Return the skillet to high heat and sear the marinated chicken in a single layer for 4-5 minutes, without stirring, to build a deep caramelized crust.

  7. 7

    Toss and cook another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and edges are crispy.

  8. 8

    Warm the corn tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.

  9. 9

    Build each taco with a smear of crema, a pile of chicken, a spoonful of charred corn slaw, and a slice of avocado.

  10. 10

    Finish with a final squeeze of lime and serve immediately.

Chef's tip

Resist the urge to stir the chicken during the first sear — leaving it undisturbed lets the sugars in the chipotle marinade caramelize into an intensely smoky crust that defines the whole taco.

Suggested pairing

Serve with an ice-cold Mexican lager or a smoky mezcal-lime spritz for the ultimate weeknight fiesta.

Nutrition facts

Per serving

Calories343
Fat
13.6 g
Carbohydrates
22.2 g
Fibre
2.3 g
Sugars
6.9 g
Protein
34.8 g
Sodium
179 mg

Values for information only.

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