Barbecue Chicken Tacos
Description: This delightful recipe emerged from the creative necessity of whipping up a quick, impromptu meal using whatever ingredients were at hand. To our surprise, these barbecue chicken tacos became a favorite, even among die-hard, traditional barbecue enthusiasts from Tennessee. These tacos offer a delightful twist on traditional Mexican fare and are so versatile that it’s nearly impossible to go wrong. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; if you have pre-cooked chicken and store-bought coleslaw, you can have a well-balanced meal ready in about 20 minutes, simply by serving it with a side of fruit.
Category: One Dish Meal
Keywords: Chicken Breast, Chicken, Poultry, Meat, < 30 Mins, Beginner Cook, Easy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (approximately)
- 1 package coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup coleslaw dressing
- 12 taco shells
Instructions:
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Prepare the Coleslaw: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the coleslaw mix with the coleslaw dressing. Mix well to ensure that all the cabbage and carrots are coated with the dressing. Allow the mixture to stand for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors meld together, stirring occasionally.
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Prepare the Chicken: While the coleslaw is resting, shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken with enough barbecue sauce to coat the meat thoroughly, but without making it too saucy. Heat the chicken and sauce mixture until it is warmed through. Reduce the heat to very low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
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Warm the Taco Shells: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Arrange the taco shells, open end down, on a large baking sheet. Warm them in the preheated oven for 3 to 4 minutes until they are heated through and slightly crispy.
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Assemble the Tacos: Remove the taco shells from the oven. Begin layering the taco fillings into each shell, starting with a generous portion of the barbecue chicken. Top with a hearty serving of the prepared coleslaw. If desired, drizzle a little extra barbecue sauce over the top.
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Serve Immediately: Serve the tacos right away while the taco shells are still warm and crispy. Enjoy your delicious, easy-to-make barbecue chicken tacos with a side of fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 257
- Fat: 10.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 910.5 mg
- Carbohydrates: 36.9 g
- Fiber: 4.1 g
- Sugars: 3.9 g
- Protein: 4.6 g
This recipe yields 4 servings and is perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that brings a fresh twist to traditional taco night. Enjoy the harmony of smoky barbecue flavors with crisp, tangy coleslaw nestled in warm taco shells, making for a delicious and satisfying dish that’s both easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
