Green chiles and cilantro are combined in a delicious sauce to make a taco the whole family will love.

This post is sponsored by Old El Paso. All opinions are my own.

Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Tacos: A Vibrant Twist on a Family Favorite

There’s an undeniable magic to Mexican food – the vibrant colors, the rich aromas, and the explosion of flavors always create a festive atmosphere. Among its many culinary delights, tacos hold a special place in my heart, and lately, my passion for them has become a delightful obsession. While the classic ground beef taco remains a cherished go-to for many busy weeknights, offering comfort and familiarity, sometimes the occasion calls for an exciting departure from the ordinary. It’s in these moments that the desire for something truly new and refreshing takes hold, leading us to culinary explorations that promise to surprise and satisfy.

And “something new” is precisely what these Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Tacos deliver. This recipe isn’t just a deviation; it’s a revelation that has quickly ascended to the top of my list of all-time favorite taco creations. It masterfully blends the beloved elements of traditional tacos with a distinctive, fresh, and deeply flavorful twist, ensuring every bite is a memorable experience. Get ready to discover a dish that will not only change up your dinner routine but might just become your family’s most requested meal.

Sourcing Inspiration: The Power of Fresh, Local Ingredients

The journey to crafting truly exceptional food often begins with the ingredients themselves. My inspiration for these tacos sparked during a recent visit to a local farm, La Nay Ferme, an experience I cherished and even documented on my travel page. There’s an unparalleled joy and quality that comes from using produce picked fresh from the ground, still brimming with natural vitality and flavor. This time of year, in particular, offers a bountiful harvest, with local farms, vibrant farmer’s markets, and charming roadside stands all overflowing with seasonal treasures.

Wandering through these markets, selecting sun-kissed vegetables and aromatic herbs, is a culinary adventure in itself. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with where our food comes from and to embrace the spontaneity of cooking. The challenge of creating a recipe based on what’s available and at its peak freshness on any given day is a creative exercise that almost always leads to delicious and inspired results. This commitment to fresh, quality ingredients is fundamental to the incredible taste of these tacos, especially when it comes to the star herb: cilantro.

The Heart of the Taco: Crafting the Creamy Cilantro Chile Sauce

When that familiar taco craving struck, accompanied by the yearning for something distinct, I knew the solution lay in introducing a truly fresh and dynamic element. The sight of an abundance of fresh cilantro instantly sparked an idea. As a passionate cilantro lover, I decided to fully embrace its vibrant flavor, developing a bold green chile and cilantro sauce that would transform ordinary chicken into an extraordinary taco filling. This sauce is not merely an accompaniment; it is the very essence of these tacos, infusing every component with its unique character.

The magic of this sauce lies in the harmonious blend of its core ingredients. The bright, almost citrusy notes of fresh cilantro provide an invigorating contrast to the mild, earthy warmth of diced green chiles. These two powerhouses are then expertly combined into a smooth, creamy base, creating a sauce that is both comforting and incredibly zesty. The creaminess beautifully mellows the sharpness of the cilantro and the subtle kick of the chiles, resulting in a perfectly balanced flavor profile that is utterly irresistible. Once the tender chicken pieces are generously coated in this luscious sauce, they become juicy pockets of pure flavor, ready to elevate your taco experience.

The Perfect Bite: Texture, Toppings, and Old El Paso Crunch

A truly exceptional taco is a symphony of textures and flavors. For this recipe, we begin with succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked until tender and then immersed in our signature creamy cilantro chile sauce. This ensures a deeply flavorful and moist filling that forms the core of our taco creation.

While my family typically gravitates towards soft tortillas, this recipe proved to be an unexpected game-changer, demonstrating the undeniable appeal of a crisp taco shell. The satisfying crunch of Old El Paso taco shells provided a magnificent textural contrast to the creamy chicken filling, adding an exciting dimension to each bite. This delightful crispness was so impactful that it genuinely made me reconsider our soft taco preference and wonder why we don’t incorporate hard taco shells into our meals more frequently! The sturdy, golden-brown shell serves as the ideal foundation, perfectly containing all the rich ingredients while contributing a crucial element of texture that completes the taco experience.

To elevate these tacos further, a selection of fresh, vibrant toppings is essential. We recommend a generous layering of crisp shredded lettuce for freshness, juicy diced tomatoes for a burst of sweetness, and creamy diced avocado for a smooth, rich counterpoint that harmonizes beautifully with the sauce. And, of course, no Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Taco would be complete without an extra sprinkle of fresh cilantro, adding another layer of aromatic zest and visual appeal. Each topping plays a vital role, contributing to a balanced and incredibly satisfying culinary experience that makes these tacos truly unforgettable.

Why These Tacos are Destined to Be Your New Family Favorite

These Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Tacos are more than just a meal; they are an invitation to elevate your weeknight dinner. The unique flavor profile, characterized by the bright zest of cilantro, the subtle warmth of green chiles, and the luxurious creaminess, sets this recipe apart from typical taco offerings. It’s a dish designed to appeal to a wide range of palates, making it an ideal choice for a lively family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or simply as a way to inject some excitement into your regular meal rotation. This recipe brilliantly demonstrates how innovative flavor combinations can transform a familiar dish into something truly special.

Beyond their exceptional taste, these tacos offer remarkable convenience. With a minimal prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of around 20 minutes, you can have a gourmet-quality meal on the table in well under an hour. This makes them an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknights when time is precious but the craving for something extraordinary is strong. The straightforward instructions, combined with wholesome, fresh ingredients, ensure that even novice cooks can achieve fantastic results, building confidence in the kitchen with every successful batch.

Don’t let your taco nights become predictable. These Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Tacos are the perfect vehicle for culinary innovation, showcasing how a few thoughtfully chosen ingredients can elevate a simple concept into a memorable feast. Gather your ingredients, prepare to be enchanted by a burst of vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors, and get ready to impress everyone at your table with this outstanding and easy-to-make recipe. It’s time to say goodbye to taco rut and hello to a new favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Creative Variations & Perfect Serving Suggestions

While the Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Tacos are exquisite as written, one of the greatest joys of cooking is customization! Feel empowered to adapt this recipe to suit your unique tastes or to utilize what you have on hand. If you crave more heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the creamy sauce mixture. For protein alternatives, shredded pork, seasoned ground turkey, or even a plant-based option like black beans or firm tofu could create equally delicious versions, though cooking times will need adjusting.

Further enhance your taco experience with additional toppings such as crumbled cotija cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra tang, or some quick pickled red onions for a sharp, sweet contrast. To make it a complete meal, serve these flavorful tacos alongside classic Mexican rice, a refreshing black bean and corn salad, or traditional refried beans. A simple side of tortilla chips and fresh salsa also makes for a delightful accompaniment. The versatility of these tacos ensures you can create a personalized, delightful spread for any occasion.

More Taco Favorites You’ll Love:

• Sausage and Potato Tacos
• Baja Fish Taco Recipe
• Buffalo Chicken Tacos
• Fried Fish Tacos
• Migas Breakfast Tacos

Creamy Cilantro Chile Chicken Tacos

Author:
Deborah Harroun

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Course:
Main Dish

Cuisine:
Mexican

Green chiles and cilantro are combined in a delicious sauce to make a taco the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 (4 oz) can Old El Paso diced green chiles
• 2 cups loosely packed cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 1 box (4.6 oz) Old El Paso® taco shells (12 shells), heated as directed on box
• Lettuce, shredded, for serving
• Tomato, diced, for serving
• Avocado, diced, for serving
• Additional cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken to a bowl and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to create a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, making sure to whisk continuously to prevent any lumps. Continue to cook, stirring, until the mixture starts to thicken, which should take another 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the cubed cream cheese to the skillet and stir until it is completely melted and smoothly combined with the sauce.
5. Stir in the diced green chiles and the roughly chopped cilantro. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until all the chicken pieces are thoroughly coated in the creamy cilantro chile sauce.
6. Fill the heated Old El Paso taco shells with the flavorful chicken mixture. Top generously with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced avocado, and a final sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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