Chicken Soft Tacos from Del Taco feature tender grilled chicken, fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and melted cheese wrapped in a warm, soft flour tortilla, delivering a flavorful and satisfying handheld meal.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Microwave or steamer (for tortillas)
- Serving utensils
- Food warmer (optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 small (6-inch) flour tortillas
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for tender texture and marinate with olive oil and spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika to achieve authentic flavor. Fresh shredded iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes add crispness and freshness, while shredded cheddar cheese melts perfectly for a creamy finish. Warm the small (6-inch) flour tortillas using a microwave or steamer to keep them soft and pliable, ensuring easy folding without breaking. Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and pepper, to highlight the grilled chicken's savory notes. Your homemade Chicken Soft Tacos replicate the popular Del Taco menu item, delivering a flavorful and satisfying handheld meal.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat chicken breasts evenly with spice mixture.
- Grill chicken 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Remove chicken; let rest 5 minutes.
- Dice or slice cooked chicken into small pieces.
- Wash and shred lettuce.
- Dice tomatoes.
- Grate cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Warm tortillas in microwave or steamer until soft.
- Assemble each taco: layer chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese on tortillas.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Substitution
Chicken Soft Tacos from Del Taco copycat menu use tender grilled chicken seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powders for authentic flavor. You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if breasts are not available, as they provide juicier meat without compromising taste. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes can work as a convenient alternative. For a healthier twist, opt for whole wheat or corn tortillas instead of traditional flour tortillas. To keep tortillas warm and pliable, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave briefly before assembling your tacos.
Tips
Make sure to preheat your grill or griddle fully to medium-high heat to achieve a proper sear and cook the chicken evenly. Letting the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat tender and juicy. When warming your flour tortillas, use a microwave or steamer briefly to maintain softness and prevent cracking. Ensure you shred your cheddar cheese finely if not pre-shredded to help it melt evenly when assembling your Chicken Soft Tacos.
Nutritions
Chicken Soft Tacos from Del Taco provide a balanced source of protein from 1 lb of grilled chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of shredded iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes adds dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, supporting immune health and digestion. Shredded cheddar cheese contributes calcium and vitamin D, which aid in bone strength. Your meal's carbohydrate content comes primarily from the eight small flour tortillas, offering energy for daily activities.
Storage
Store leftover chicken soft tacos in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. Keep the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese separate from the tortillas to preserve their individual textures. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and reheat the chicken and tortillas separately for the best taste when serving again.
Variation or Alternatives
Substitute chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat. Swap iceberg lettuce with crisp romaine or shredded cabbage, adding extra crunch and nutrients. Replace cheddar cheese with a blend of Monterey Jack and queso fresco to enhance creaminess and authentic Mexican flavor. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lime or a drizzle of homemade salsa verde for a zesty twist.
Allergies
Chicken Soft Tacos from Del Taco contain common allergens such as dairy from the shredded cheddar cheese and gluten from the flour tortillas. The chicken and seasonings typically pose less risk, but cross-contamination with other allergens in preparation areas might be a concern. If you have allergies to dairy or gluten, check ingredient labels carefully or consider alternative options to protect your health.
Why this recipe?
The Chicken Soft Taco from Del Taco is loved for its flavorful grilled chicken, fresh lettuce, and shredded cheese wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla that delivers a perfect balance of taste and texture. Its combination of savory and mildly spiced ingredients appeals to those seeking a satisfying yet light meal option. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the seasoning and freshness to your preference, enhancing the taste experience while saving money. Your homemade Chicken Soft Taco can capture the restaurant's iconic flavors with the benefit of personalized control over ingredients.