Smoky, spicy, and bursting with flavor, these Chipotle Street Tacos with Crispy Bacon Slaw are the ultimate fusion of Mexican and Southern cuisines. Tender shredded chicken is infused with a luscious, smoky chipotle sauce, then layered on warm corn tortillas with a crunchy, creamy slaw made with crispy bacon bits. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, sure to bring people together around the table for an unforgettable flavor experience.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chipotle Street Tacos with Crispy Bacon Slaw
These tacos are the perfect balance of bold, zesty flavors and hearty, comforting textures. The smoky, spicy chipotle chicken is the star of the show, with a velvety texture that melts in your mouth. The crispy bacon slaw provides a satisfying crunch and cool, creamy contrast, while the warm corn tortillas tie everything together for a truly craveable, indulgent dish. Whether you’re hosting a backyard fiesta or looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner, these Chipotle Street Tacos are sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients in this recipe include tender shredded chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, tangy lime juice, and crispy bacon. For the slaw, you’ll need a blend of crunchy cabbage, cool sour cream, and zesty lime. Warm corn tortillas provide the perfect base to build these flavorful tacos.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, shredded
- 2-3 tbsp – Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup – Lime juice, plus more for serving
- 6 oz – Thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy
- 3 cups – Shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup – Sour cream
- 12 – Corn tortillas, warmed
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chipotle Peppers: Substitute smoked paprika or chili powder for a similar smoky heat.
- Chicken: Replace with roasted sweet potatoes or jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Street Tacos with Crispy Bacon Slaw
Begin by preparing the shredded chicken and chipotle sauce. In a large skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove the bacon bits and reserve the bacon fat. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, and a splash of the bacon fat.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by shredding the chicken and preparing the chipotle sauce. In a large skillet, sauté the bacon until crispy, then remove the bacon bits and reserve the bacon fat. In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and a splash of the bacon fat for a delicious smoky flavor.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Next, make the creamy slaw by combining shredded cabbage, sour cream, lime juice, and the crispy bacon bits. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the tacos, warm the corn tortillas and top each one with a generous portion of the smoky chipotle chicken. Finish with a scoop of the crispy bacon slaw and any additional toppings like diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or crumbled queso fresco.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Creamy Chipotle Drizzle: For an extra burst of flavor, try topping your tacos with a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce.
- Cotija Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled cotija cheese over the top of the tacos for a salty, tangy finish.
- Protein Swap: Experiment with different protein options, such as shredded pork or spicy chorizo.
- Hearty Sides: Serve the chipotle chicken and slaw over a bed of cilantro-lime rice or with a side of refried beans.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, or a fresh, zesty salsa.
Storage: Leftover chicken and slaw can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet or the microwave, and toss the slaw with a splash of lime juice to revive the flavors.
Make-Ahead: The slaw can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition Information
These Chipotle Street Tacos are a hearty, satisfying meal that’s also packed with nutritious ingredients. Each serving provides a good source of protein from the chicken, along with fiber and vitamins from the cabbage slaw. The smoky, spicy flavors make this dish craveable and comforting, without sacrificing health.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Shredded chicken thighs or a combination of thighs and breasts work best for this recipe, as they stay tender and juicy even after simmering in the chipotle sauce.
Can I make the slaw ahead of time?
Yes, the slaw can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to toss it with a bit of extra lime juice before serving to revive the flavors.
What can I serve with these tacos?
These Chipotle Street Tacos pair beautifully with classic Mexican sides like cilantro-lime rice, refried beans, or elote (grilled corn). You can also serve them with a fresh, zesty salsa or guacamole for extra flavor.
Are these tacos spicy?
The chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a medium level of heat to the chicken filling. If you prefer a milder flavor, start with just 1-2 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce and adjust to your desired spice level.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free when using corn tortillas. Just be sure to check the labels on any other ingredients, such as the adobo sauce, to ensure they are also gluten-free.
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Smoky Chipotle Street Tacos with Crispy Bacon Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Tacos
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Smoky Chipotle Street Tacos are packed with flavor and topped with a crispy bacon slaw that adds the perfect crunch. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering.
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cabbage
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound ground beef or turkey
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
8 small corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
1. In a bowl, combine shredded cabbage, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat and stir in taco seasoning. Add a splash of water if needed and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
3. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
4. Assemble the tacos by adding the meat mixture to the tortillas, then topping with the crispy bacon slaw.
5. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
For extra heat, add more chipotle powder or diced jalapeños. You can also substitute the ground meat with jackfruit for a vegetarian option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tacos, chipotle, street food, bacon, quick meal