Chicken Tacos

Last week I flew to San Francisco (Menlo Park specifically) to spend time with one of my best friends and her new baby. It was my first solo trip since becoming a mama myself and it was so relaxing! And then I returned just in time for Clara’s 3rd birthday. We celebrated with a few friends and had BBQ (pineapple pulled pork sandwiches and this southwest slaw) and a dreamy vanilla cake that I’ll share ASAP. It was busy/fun/crazy! And how is Clara already 3?! On to the recipe…

I’m just realizing that tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo. Perfect timing for this post! Today’s tacos are made with ground chicken, peppers, garlic, and my favorite ancho chili powder (among other things). So much flavor going on here. Serve with your favorite taco toppings- always avocado, cilantro, and salsa verde on a cheesy toasted tortilla for me!

Chicken Tacos

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 green bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 lbs. ground chicken (I used ground chicken thigh)
1 Tbsp. paprika
2 tsp. ancho chili powder
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (to taste)
~1 tsp. kosher salt (to taste)
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup tomato sauce (I used crushed tomatoes instead)
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

for serving:
corn or flour tortillas, warmed
shredded Mexican cheese (such as Monterrey, Colby, or Pepper Jack)
shredded lettuce or cabbage
diced onion
chopped fresh cilantro
diced tomato
salsa
avocado or pico de gallo
sour cream

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat the olive oil in large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onions, red peppers and green peppers and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and just starting to brown, 10-12 minutes. Add the garlic and cook a few minutes more. Add the ground chicken, paprika, ancho chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Turn the heat to high; use a wooden spoon to stir and break the chicken into small clumps until the chicken is partially cooked, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and water, then turn the heat to low. Simmer, stirring occasionally and breaking chicken into smaller clumps, until the chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped cilantro. Adjust seasoning to taste if necessary. Serve in warmed tortillas with lettuce, cheese, onion, cilantro, tomato, salsa, avocado, and/or sour cream.

Serves 4-6.

(Adapted from Once Upon a Chef)