Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico! These Adobo Marinated Chicken Tacos are not just a meal; they're an experience that combines bold, zesty flavors with tender, juicy chicken that falls apart with every bite. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and make your family beg for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 6 corn tortillas
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, vinegar, minced garlic, and black pepper to create the marinade.
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs and place them in the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2-3 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
- Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, reserving the liquid.
- Cook chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally with reserved marinade during cooking.
- Once cooked, let chicken rest for 5-7 minutes, then slice or shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble tacos by placing shredded chicken in tortillas and garnishing with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Serve immediately with optional side of lime wedges and additional cilantro.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process! The longer the chicken sits in the marinade (2-3 hours is ideal), the more deeply the flavors will penetrate the meat.
- Temperature is Key: Always let your chicken come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking and maximum juiciness.
- Heat Control: Use medium-high heat to get a perfect sear on the chicken without burning the exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- Tortilla Technique: Warm your corn tortillas just before serving to enhance their flavor and prevent cracking. A quick 30-second toast on each side makes a world of difference.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh cilantro is not just a garnish – it's a flavor booster! Don't be shy about adding plenty of chopped cilantro to brighten up the dish.
- Meal Prep Hack: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking. The marinated chicken freezes beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance for quick weeknight meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
