Marinated, Grilled Chicken Tacos w/ Pico & Chipotle Ranch Sauce
Homemade Pico De Gallo Recipe
Ingredients
5-6 Roma tomatoes (coarsely chopped)
1 small red onion (finely chopped)
4 Tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro
1 fresh jalapeño pepper (seeds removed and finely chopped)
Juice from half of a fresh lime
1 Tbsp. sugar
*Laurie’s Shopping Tip: Try and find the most firm, ripe tomatoes you can find. If they are over ripe, they will get “squishy” and the Pico will get too “liquidy” quickly. If this DOES happen, you can always strain the Pico and serve with a slotted spoon.
Directions
Add all ingredients to a bowl, stir and cover. Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to infuse. You will use this Pico on your tacos.
Chipotle Ranch Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
1 packet ranch dressing mix
1 c. mayo
2/3 c. half and half cream or whole milk
1 can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
Directions
Step 1: Using an immersion blender or a traditional blender, blend all ingredients together for 2 minutes on high setting, allowing all peppers to break down and all ingredients to mix together.
Step 2: Refrigerate for 1 hour to allow sauce to thicken. You will use this sauce to top your tacos.
Marinated, Grilled Chicken Recipe
Ingredients (Makes 8 tacos)
1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
5 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1/2 c. white balsamic vinaigrette dressing
Juice of 1 whole lime
Directions
Step 1: In a large, sealable baggie, add all ingredients and “massage” chicken to incorporate the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate and allow chicken to marinade for at least 6 hours.
Step 2: Preheat grill to medium/high heat.
Step 3: Generously, oil grill grates with olive oil so the chicken does not stick.
Step 4: Grill chicken on each side until it is no longer pink (about 5 minutes per side) until meat reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Set aside to rest for 5 minutes and then slice into strips for serving.
Assembling Your Tacos
Ingredients (Makes 8 tacos)
Sliced, marinated, grilled chicken
Pico De Gallo
Chipotle ranch sauce
8 street taco tortillas
Queso fresco (or preferred shredded cheese)
Directions
Grill or microwave tortillas for 30 seconds to soften. Assemble your tacos with tortillas, chicken and Pico and top with chipotle ranch sauce and queso fresco. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges and serve.