Spice-rubbed Chicken Taco Recipe
monterey jack, verde slaw, com salsa, crack sauce
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Ingredients
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Spice-rubbed chicken
Verde slaw
Com salsa (tomato-composed salsa)
Crack sauce
Assembly & garnish
Method
Spice-rubbed chicken
Prep and marinate
Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. In a small bowl combine chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt and black pepper. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub evenly to coat. Sprinkle the spice mixture over both sides of the thighs, pressing gently so the rub adheres. Squeeze the juice of half the lime over the seasoned chicken and let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 2 hours).
Cook
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add a thin film of oil if needed. Add chicken thighs and cook 4–5 minutes on the first side without moving, until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook another 4–5 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). If thighs are thick, cover and reduce heat to medium, cooking an additional 3–5 minutes. Remove chicken to a cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly for tacos and squeeze remaining lime half over the slices.
Verde slaw
While chicken rests, in a medium bowl combine the green cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro and green onion. In a separate small bowl whisk together sour cream, salsa verde, lime juice, honey, kosher salt and black pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt or lime as desired. Keep chilled until assembly.
Com salsa (fresh salsa)
In a small bowl combine diced tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice and kosher salt. Stir and let sit 5–10 minutes to marry flavors. Adjust heat or salt to taste.
Crack sauce
In a bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sriracha, hot sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, honey and kosher salt until smooth and slightly thick. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Assembly & serve
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat 20–30 seconds per side or wrap in a damp towel and microwave 20–30 seconds until pliable. Place 2–3 tablespoons of verde slaw in the center of each tortilla, top with 2–3 slices of the spice-rubbed chicken, a spoonful of com salsa, a sprinkle of shredded monterey jack and a drizzle of crack sauce. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.
Serve immediately while chicken is warm. Leftover components keep separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.