Pollo Taco is a popular Mexican dish made with marinated chicken, cilantro, onions, and lime juice wrapped in a soft corn or flour tortilla. The unique blend of flavors and simple preparation make it a tasty meal or snack any time of day.
Main Ingredients
The primary ingredients that go into making authentic Pollo Tacos are:
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are typically used. The chicken is cut into smaller strips or chunks to fit inside the taco.
- Tortillas – Small 6 inch soft corn or flour tortillas are used to wrap up the taco fillings.
- Onions – Thinly sliced white or red onions add a crunchy texture and flavor.
- Cilantro – Chopped fresh cilantro adds a distinctive herbal note.
- Limes – Fresh lime juice brings acidity and complements the seasoning.
- Oil – A small amount of vegetable or olive oil is used to sauté the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper – Salt and ground black pepper seasoning.
- Chili Powder – Mild chili powder builds depth of flavor.
In addition to the core ingredients listed above, there are many variations on seasonings and additional toppings that can be used when making Pollo Tacos.
Seasonings
Here are some of the most common seasonings and flavorings used to marinate and cook the chicken in Pollo Tacos:
- Garlic – Minced garlic adds an aromatic background note.
- Onion Powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Dried Oregano
- Cayenne Pepper
- Ground Chipotle Chile
- Adobo Seasoning
- BBQ Spice Rub
- Citrus Juice – Orange, lime, or lemon juice brighten up the chicken.
The chicken can be marinated ahead of time in any combination of these seasonings to infuse it with lots of flavor before cooking. Citrus juice, oil, and spices are typically used in the marinade.
Cooking the Chicken
To cook the chicken for Pollo Tacos, the strips or chunks of chicken are sautéed over medium-high heat in a skillet with a small amount of oil just until browned on the outside and cooked through. Onions can also be sautéed with the chicken to get some caramelization.
Alternatively, the chicken can be grilled, baked, or slow cooked in a chili-spiced sauce or salsa. Using these moist-heat methods keeps the chicken extra tender inside the tacos.
Assembling the Tacos
Once the chicken is cooked, assembling the tacos is easy. Simply place some of the chicken down the center of each tortilla. Then top with desired taco toppings and condiments.
Taco Toppings
Popular taco toppings to serve Pollo Tacos with include:
- Chopped onion
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Shredded cheese – cheddar, queso fresco, cotija
- Sliced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Hot sauce
- Pickled jalapenos or carrots
- Guacamole
Feel free to get creative with toppings and add anything you enjoy! The tacos can be served right away while the ingredients are still warm and fresh.
Serving Pollo Tacos
Pollo Tacos are commonly served with lime wedges, fresh salsa, guacamole, and Mexican rice and beans on the side. They make a complete, flavorful meal. But they also work great as an appetizer or party food.
You can set up a taco bar with all the toppings and let guests assemble their own custom tacos. Serve with chips andmargaritas for a Mexican-inspired fiesta!
Tips for Making Pollo Tacos
Here are some tips to follow when making authentic, delicious Pollo Tacos at home:
- Use quality ingredients – the better the chicken, tortillas, and fresh produce, the better the end result.
- Marinate the chicken for added flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken, keep it tender.
- Warm the tortillas before serving so they are soft and pliable.
- Chop and prep all toppings ahead of time for easy assembly.
- Include a variety of textures with crunchy onions, cool avocado, creamy cheese, etc.
- Make the tacos bite-sized so all the ingredients stay neatly tucked inside the tortilla.
- Set out limes, salsa, and hot sauce for people to add more flavor to their tacos.
History of the Pollo Taco
Tacos with marinated chicken have long been a staple street food in Mexico. They were likely first created by Mexican cooks as a way to stretch expensive beef by using more affordable and available chicken in tacos instead.
The dish was given the name Pollo Taco and grew especially popular in the central and western regions of Mexico where poultry farming was more common. Over time, Pollo Tacos became a classic filling found everywhere from high-end restaurants to neighborhood taquerias and food carts.
When Mexicans began immigrating to the United States, Pollo Tacos came with them. The dish was introduced to new parts of the Southwestern U.S. through cities with large Mexican-American populations like Los Angeles, Austin, and Tucson. From there, their popularity spread across the country.
Today, Pollo Tacos remain a favorite on menus at Mexican restaurants. They can also be easily recreated at home for a fresh, fast meal with complex layers of flavor.
Pollo Taco Fun Facts
- The origins of the taco itself date back at least to the 18th century in Mexico.
- In Spanish, pollo means “chicken” and taco means “plug” describing how the tortilla shells contain the filling.
- Mexico raises more chickens than any other country in Latin America.
- Salsa sales have surpassed tomato ketchup sales in the U.S., thanks in part to Mexican foods like tacos gaining popularity.
- Taco Tuesday became a nationwide phenomenon in America in the 1960s and 70s.
- The largest taco ever made was over 3 feet long and weighed in at a whopping 750 pounds!
Nutrition Facts
One chicken taco typically provides around 150 calories, 17 grams of protein, 15 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of fat. Tacos made with corn tortillas are lower in calories and carbs compared to flour tortillas.
Topping choices also affect their nutrition profile. Adding avocado, cheese, sour cream, etc. increases the fat and calorie content. But tacos still provide a good deal of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from fresh veggies like onions and cilantro.
Overall, Pollo Tacos can be a nutritious option as part of a balanced diet. Just watch your portion sizes if you are concerned about calories.
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 150 |
Fat | 7g |
Carbs | 15g |
Protein | 17g |
Variations
There are countless ways to enjoy Pollo Tacos with different combinations of seasonings, toppings, and preparation methods. Some tasty variations to try include:
- Baja – Top with pico de gallo, guacamole, and crema.
- Tex-Mex – Use shredded cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo and serve with ranch dressing and hot sauce.
- California – Add sliced avocado, onion, cilantro and a wedge of lime.
- BBQ Chicken – Toss the chicken in BBQ sauce before cooking and top with shredded cabbage and creamy coleslaw.
- Buffalo Chicken – Toss the chicken in hot sauce and serve with blue cheese crumbles and celery.
- Greek – Use tzatziki sauce, feta cheese, red onion, tomato and cucumber.
You can also substitute chicken with pork, shrimp, steak, or vegetables like portobello mushrooms for different flavor profiles.
Pollo Taco Recipes
Ready to cook up some awesome Pollo Tacos at home? Try one of these top-rated recipes:
Baja Grilled Chicken Tacos
Spice up your chicken with lime, jalapeño and chili powder then grill for succulent Baja tacos. Get the recipe here.
Easy Slow Cooker Pollo Tacos
Let your slow cooker do the work to perfectly shred the chicken. Recipe here.
Authentic Chicken Tacos
Marinate the chicken in a tasty adobo seasoning blend overnight for authentic Mexican flavors. Get the recipe here.
Where to Eat Pollo Tacos
Don’t feel like cooking? Check out these top-rated restaurants known for their mouthwatering Pollo Tacos:
- Guelaguetza – Los Angeles, CA
- Veracruz All Natural – Austin, TX
- Tacos Tequila Whiskey – Nashville, TN
- Mi Tierra Cafe & Bakery – San Antonio, TX
- Tacos el Gallo – Las Vegas, NV
- Taco Boy – Miami, FL
Conclusion
With its blend of savory chicken, fresh herbs, lime, and crunchy toppings wrapped in a soft tortilla, Pollo Tacos have become a beloved Mexican staple. This versatile dish can be endlessly customized to satisfy any craving. We hope this guide helps you gain a better understanding of what Pollo Tacos are made of and inspires you to create your own tacos masterpiece!