Spice Up Dinner with Irresistible Chicken and Shrimp Tacos!

Name: Spice Up Dinner with Irresistible Chicken and Shrimp Tacos!
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 1 lb shrimp; 8 small tortillas; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon chili powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 cup shredded cheese; 1 avocado, sliced; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup salsa; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Fresh cilantro for garnish

M Muzzamal July 13, 2024

chicken and shrimp tacos

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If you’re searching for a recipe that’s both healthy and packed with flavor, these Chicken and Shrimp Tacos are the perfect choice. Combining bold and smoky flavors with a punchy twist, this dish brings an amazing mouthful with every bite. The homemade fillings are enhanced with toppings that perfectly compliment each other, making every taco night a delight.

A Delightful Taco Night

These Chicken and Shrimp Tacos feature soft corn taco shells filled with a delicious blend of avocado, slaw, and mango roasted salsa. Perfect for a mid-week dinner, this Mexican food dish is sure to win hearts with its spiciness and vibrant flavors.

The tacos are easy to make and the proteins are grills to perfection, making them a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re a fan of prawn tacos or looking for a one-pot similar dish without the chicken, these tacos offer a delicious, oh-so-easy option that everyone will love.

Why I Love This Recipe

Chicken and shrimp tacos are my go-to meal for busy nights because they are quick and easy to prepare. With just a handful of spices, you can create your own taco seasoning that elevates the flavor of this dish. These tacos are not only great for a fast dinner, but they also feel like indulgent takeout while being genuinely healthy and full of veggie and protein. The mix of chicken and shrimp provides a delightful contrast in texture and taste, making each bite satisfying.

The simplicity of the recipe allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen, which is perfect for those nights when you need something comforting and nourishing.

Ingredients (4 servings)

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cut into strips
1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 small tortillas (corn or flour)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
1 avocado, sliced
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup salsa
1 lime, cut into wedges
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Method:

In a bowl, mix the taco seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Divide the spice mix into two portions.
Coat the chicken strips with one portion of the spice mix and set aside.
Coat the shrimp with the other portion of the spice mix and set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken strips to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
Assemble the tacos: Place some shredded lettuce on each tortilla, followed by chicken or shrimp, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream, and salsa.

Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Additional Info About Chicken and Shrimp Tacos

Here is some additional information that you may have to know about Chicken and Shrimp Tacos.

Health Benefits:

Protein: Chicken and shrimp are excellent sources of lean protein.
Healthy Fats: Avocado provides beneficial monounsaturated fats.
Vitamins and Minerals: Fresh vegetables add vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Notes:

Ensure the shrimp are fresh or properly thawed if using frozen.
Adjust the spice levels according to personal preference.

Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Protein: 28g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 37.5g
Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 3g

Equipment:

Large skillet
Mixing bowls
Spatula
Knife and cutting board

Serving Suggestions

Imagine the delicious combination of chicken and shrimp nestled in warm corn or flour tortillas, creating a taco night that’s nothing short of a feast. These tacos are best served when all the ingredients are still warm, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as the last. The blend of garlic, cilantro, and lime in the slaw adds a refreshing crunch, while the sauce and herbs elevate the flavors even more. You can easily change up your taco experience by experimenting with different toppings and garnishes.

To complete your meal, consider some of our favorites. Cauliflower rice or Spanish rice makes a wonderful side, and a fresh garden salsa recipe adds a zesty touch. If you’re looking for something different, try pairing your tacos with fried rice or a creamy avocado lime ranch. These sides not only complement the tacos but also enhance the overall dining experience. For a unique twist, serve some katsu sauce on the side.

For an added layer of goodness, garnish your plate with lime wedges and a side of Shredded Beef Tacos or baked chicken. This allows everyone to enjoy a variety of flavors and textures, making the meal even more enjoyable. Whether it’s a fun family dinner or a casual get-together with friends, these tacos and their accompanying recipes are sure to be a hit.

Storing, Freezing and Reheating

When you have leftover chicken and shrimp tacos, it’s important to keep everything fresh for later enjoyment. Store the leftovers in separate containers in the refrigerator. The chicken can be kept for up to 3 days, while the shrimp may have a slightly shorter shelf life due to its delicate nature. Ensure the filling is stored in an airtight container to maintain its quality. If you plan to enjoy your tacos beyond a few days, you can freeze the filling for up to a month.

Reheating your tacos is simple. For quick reheating, use the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds. If you prefer a more consistent texture, reheat in the oven at 375F for about 15 minutes. Remember, it’s best to keep the toppings in their own containers and separately from the main filling to preserve their freshness and texture. Some toppings, like slaw, can become rubbery and lose their appeal when reheated.

Recipe Substitutions & Variations

When it comes to making chicken and shrimp tacos, there are a couple of variations you can try depending on what you have in your fridge and what you feel like. For a fresh twist, consider using romaine lettuce instead of cabbage. If you like a mix of colors and textures, try combining red cabbage with shredded carrots and white cabbage.

To add a creamy touch to your slaw, swap the fat-free Greek yogurt for sour cream in the sauce. For those who love a bit of crunch, crispy taco shells can be a delightful change, but I personally adore a corn soft shell tortilla for its authentic flavor. These simple variations can elevate your chicken and shrimp tacos to a new level of deliciousness.

What goes well with shrimp tacos?

Pair shrimp tacos with sides like refried beans, Spanish rice, tostadas, and salsa. Add freshness with corn on the cob, pico de gallo, guacamole, and Mexican coleslaw with cilantro lime dressing. For color, consider black beans, grilled pineapple, and Mexican street corn salad. Chiles rellenos are also a great option.

What Country is Shrimp Tacos From?

Shrimp tacos from Baja California, Mexico, are a flavorful dish with grilled or fried shrimp, lettuce, cabbage, pico de gallo, and avocado, topped with a sour cream and citrus mayonnaise sauce on a tortilla, highlighting Mexico’s culinary tradition.

What is taco chicken made of?

Creating delicious chicken and shrimp tacos involves cooking chicken with lemonade, olive oil, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and a bay leaf, then simmer until the chicken is tender. Warm tortillas until soft, then pair the chicken with shrimp in a taco.