Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos are a delicious and vibrant dish that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your dinner table. This recipe features tender, juicy chicken seasoned with smoky spices, wrapped in warm tortillas, and topped with fresh, zesty ingredients like avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro. These tacos are perfect for a family meal or a casual gathering, offering a fun and customizable way to enjoy flavorful Mexican cuisine at home.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Flavor: The chicken is seasoned with smoky, zesty Mexican spices.
- Customizable: Top with your favorite fresh ingredients, such as avocado, salsa, or sour cream.
- Healthy and Fresh: Loaded with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Great for Sharing: Tacos are always a hit at family dinners or parties.
Other Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Greek Chicken Pasta
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Pie 30-Minute Meals
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Wellington
What is Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos?
Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos feature juicy chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of Mexican spices, pan-fried to perfection, and served in warm tortillas with a variety of fresh toppings. The tacos are easy to customize, so you can add your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious, vibrant meal that’s full of flavor.
Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 100g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos
Step 1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder (if using), lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken slices to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
Step 3. Prepare the Toppings
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the toppings. Slice the avocado, quarter the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Set all the toppings aside, ready to assemble the tacos.
Step 4. Warm the Tortillas
Heat the tortillas in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
Step 5. Assemble the Tacos
To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of the cooked chicken onto each warm tortilla. Top with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with a little lime juice for extra zing. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Step 6. Serve
Serve the tacos immediately, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos with their favorite toppings. Enjoy with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad.
What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos
- Mexican Rice: Serve the tacos with a side of Mexican rice for a more filling meal.
- Guacamole: Fresh guacamole adds a creamy, flavorful topping to the tacos.
- Salsa: A fresh tomato or mango salsa brings brightness and sweetness to the dish.
- Black Beans: Warm black beans are a great addition to the tacos or as a side dish.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with crispy tortilla chips and dip for a fun, crunchy side.
Expert Tips for Mastering Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos
- Marinate for More Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes to really infuse it with the smoky spices. For even more flavor, marinate for up to an hour.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s cooking to prevent it from drying out. It should be juicy and tender.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. You can do this in a dry pan, oven, or even microwave.
- Customize the Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, pickled jalapeños, cheese, or hot sauce.
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe works great with leftover roasted or grilled chicken. Just toss it with the spices and lime juice, and you’re good to go.
Variations of Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add more chili powder or fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
- Cheesy Chicken Tacos: Top with grated cheese such as cheddar or queso fresco for a cheesy version.
- Grilled Chicken Tacos: Grill the chicken on an outdoor grill or grill pan for a smoky, charred flavor.
- Fish Tacos: Replace the chicken with grilled or pan-seared fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or black beans for a vegetarian twist.
How to Store Leftovers of Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings separate to avoid them becoming soggy.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Labeling: Always label your containers with the date to keep track of how long the food has been stored.
How to Reheat Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos Leftovers
- Stovetop: Reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or until warmed through. Add a splash of water or lime juice if the chicken seems dry.
- Microwave: Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until fully warmed through.
- Fresh Toppings: Add fresh toppings like avocado and tomatoes after reheating to keep them crisp and flavorful.
Nutrition Value (per serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 500mg
FAQs
Can I freeze Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos?
You can freeze the cooked chicken, but it’s best to keep the toppings fresh. Store the chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How long do Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos last in the fridge?
The cooked chicken will last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Can I make Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos in advance?
You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken, warm the tortillas, and assemble the tacos with fresh toppings.
What can I serve with Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos?
Serve these tacos with Mexican rice, guacamole, salsa, black beans, or tortilla chips for a complete and flavorful meal.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos are a quick, flavorful, and fun dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a taco night with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit. The combination of smoky, seasoned chicken with fresh toppings and warm tortillas creates a delicious and satisfying meal. Feel free to customize the toppings and spices to suit your preferences
More Jamie Oliver Recipes
- Jamie Oliver Chicken and Mushroom Puff Pie
- Jamie Oliver Chicken Pot Pie
- Jamie Oliver Seafood Risotto
- Jamie Oliver Vegetable Crumble
Jamie Oliver Mexican Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos feature juicy chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of Mexican spices, pan-fried to perfection, and served in warm tortillas with a variety of fresh toppings. The tacos are easy to customize, so you can add your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious, vibrant meal that’s full of flavor.Jamie Oliver’s Mexican Chicken Tacos feature juicy chicken breast marinated in a flavorful blend of Mexican spices, pan-fried to perfection, and served in warm tortillas with a variety of fresh toppings. The tacos are easy to customize, so you can add your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious, vibrant meal that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 100g (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- Fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, chili powder (if using), lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken breasts and toss to coat evenly with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken slices to the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the toppings. Slice the avocado, quarter the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion and roughly chop the fresh cilantro. Set all the toppings aside, ready to assemble the tacos.
Heat the tortillas in a dry pan over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they are warmed through and slightly toasted. Alternatively, you can wrap the tortillas in foil and warm them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5 minutes.
To assemble the tacos, place a few slices of the cooked chicken onto each warm tortilla. Top with avocado slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Drizzle with a little lime juice for extra zing. If you like, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess.
Serve the tacos immediately, allowing everyone to customize their own tacos with their favorite toppings. Enjoy with a side of salsa, guacamole, or a fresh salad.