Craving some late-night Mexican food? Look no further than Del Taco, a popular restaurant chain known for its delicious tacos and burritos. But did you know that you can recreate one of their most popular menu items – the chicken soft taco – right in your own kitchen?
Not only is this dish easy to make, but it also uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. So why not skip the drive-thru and impress your family and friends with these flavorful chicken soft tacos that taste just like the ones from Del Taco?
In this article, we will show you how to make this mouth-watering dish with step-by-step directions and a complete list of ingredients. Get ready to satisfy your cravings and add a new favorite dish to your repertoire. Let’s get cooking!
What is Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco?
Del Taco’s Chicken Soft Taco is a popular menu item that features marinated and grilled chicken, topped with lettuce, cheese, and a creamy lime sauce, all wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. This dish has become a fan favorite for its flavorful and satisfying combination of ingredients.
The key to this dish is the marinade – a blend of taco seasoning mix, brown sugar, diced tomatoes, garlic, and lime juice that infuses the chicken with bold flavors. The addition of a tangy lime sauce takes this taco to the next level, adding a creamy and refreshing element to each bite.
Why You’ll Love this Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco?
There are many reasons to love this Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving some Mexican food but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
Secondly, the flavors in this dish are bold and satisfying. The combination of the tangy marinade, grilled chicken, and creamy lime sauce creates a burst of flavor in every bite. Plus, you have the freedom to customize your toppings and make it exactly how you like it.
Lastly, this is a great option for those who are looking for a healthier alternative to fast food. By making it at home, you can control the ingredients and make it as healthy or indulgent as you prefer. It’s a delicious and guilt-free way to enjoy your favorite Mexican dish.
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Ingredients
- Taco seasoning mix: This can be homemade or store-bought. If making your own, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Chicken: Boneless and skinless chicken thighs are used for this recipe as they have more flavor and stay juicy when cooked. However, you can also use chicken breast if preferred.
- Brown sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance out the flavors.
- Vegetable oil: Used for cooking the chicken.
- Roma tomatoes: Diced and added to the taco for some freshness.
- Garlic cloves: Minced and added to the seasoning mix for more flavor.
- Limes: Juiced and used in both the marinade and sauce.
- Flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, these are the perfect vessel for your chicken taco.
- Iceberg lettuce: Shredded and added as a topping for some crunch.
- Queso fresco or shredded Cheddar cheese: Adds a creamy, cheesy element to the taco.
- Mayonnaise: Used in the sauce to give it a rich and creamy texture.
- Milk: Thins out the sauce and adds some tanginess.
Directions
Step 1
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, mix together the taco seasoning mix, brown sugar, vegetable oil, diced tomatoes, minced garlic cloves, and lime juice.
- Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until fully coated.
- Cover with plastic wrap and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- If you’re short on time, poke some holes in the chicken and marinate for just 10 minutes.
Step 2
Grill or Cook the Chicken
- Heat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.
- Grill or cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until fully cooked and nicely charred.
Step 3
Make the Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together the lime juice, mayonnaise, and milk.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more or less milk as needed to reach your desired thickness.
Step 4
Assemble the Tacos
- Warm up the flour tortillas in a microwave or oven.
- Slice or shred the cooked chicken and place it on top of each tortilla.
- Add shredded lettuce, crumbled cheese, and any additional toppings you desire.
- Drizzle the sauce over the top of each taco.
- Serve immediately and dig in!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer or overnight.
- Don’t skip on the lime juice in the sauce – it adds a tangy kick that balances out the other flavors.
- Feel free to switch up the toppings and use your favorites. Some ideas include diced avocados, salsa, or hot sauce.
Storage Tips
- If you have any leftovers, store the chicken, toppings, and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- When ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and assemble your tacos with fresh toppings.
- The chicken can also be frozen and reheated for later use. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
Nutrition Information
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few different ways you can enjoy your Del Taco Chicken Soft Tacos:
- Serve with Spanish rice and beans for a complete meal.
- Make it into a salad by skipping the tortillas and serving the chicken on top of a bed of lettuce, topped with all your favorite taco toppings.
- Turn it into a burrito by wrapping all the ingredients in a large flour tortilla.
- Serve with homemade salsa and chips for a delicious appetizer.
What other substitute can I use in Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, here are some substitutions you can make:
- If you don’t have taco seasoning mix, use a blend of chili powder, cumin, and oregano.
- Swap out the brown sugar for honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
- If you don’t have mayonnaise, use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free version.
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Skillet
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup taco seasoning mix
- 4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thigh meat
- 2 tsp brown sugar
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 4 diced Roma tomatoes
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 4 limes juiced
- 16 flour tortillas
- 1 head of shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded Cheddar Cheese
- For the Sauce
- 2 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a sizable bowl, mix together an ample 1/4 cup of taco seasoning mix with just the right amount of brown sugar to balance out the flavors. Add in some vegetable oil, diced Roma tomatoes, minced garlic cloves, and a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice for additional depth and tanginess. Once the marinade is well combined, add in 4 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat and toss until each piece is thoroughly coated. For optimal flavor infusion, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least half an hour, or up to two hours. If pressed for time, you can still achieve delicious results by poking some holes in the chicken and letting it marinate for just 10 minutes.
- Once the chicken has been thoroughly marinated, preheat a grill or large skillet to medium-high heat. Be sure to discard any excess marinade before cooking the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, until perfectly cooked through and nicely charred.
- While the chicken is cooking, take this time to prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine two teaspoons of lime juice with a half cup of creamy mayonnaise and two tablespoons of milk. Use more or less milk as needed to achieve your desired consistency.
- When the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it into flavorful pieces to top your tacos. Warm up some soft, pliable flour tortillas in the microwave or oven and assemble with the chicken on top. Add fresh, crispy iceberg lettuce, crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese, and any other toppings you desire. Finish off by drizzling the tangy lime sauce over each taco and serve immediately to hungry guests.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer or overnight.
- Don’t skip on the lime juice in the sauce – it adds a tangy kick that balances out the other flavors.
- Feel free to switch up the toppings and use your favorites. Some ideas include diced avocados, salsa, or hot sauce.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may cook faster than thighs.
Are these tacos spicy?
The marinade does contain some spices, but it’s not overly spicy. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can adjust the amount of taco seasoning mix used.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use grilled vegetables or tofu as a filling for your tacos. You can also add beans for some protein.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make your own version of Del Taco’s famous Chicken Soft Taco! With just a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this flavorful Mexican dish in the comfort of your own home.
Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit. So why not give them a try and spice up your taco night?
Thank you for reading this article. Please share this with your friends and family, and let us know how your Del Taco Chicken Soft Tacos turned out in the comments below.
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Lori Walker is a passionate dietitian and food lover. She offers simple and nutritious recipes that don't take long to cook. In addition to sharing delicious dishes, she also shares useful advice on saving time and money in the kitchen. She believes that with a bit of creativity, anyone can make healthy meals that won't break the bank. Read more