Anyone who’s had the pleasure of enjoying Del Taco chicken soft taco knows the delightful tastes it tantalizes the taste buds with. This perfect blend of tender, juicy chicken, fresh lettuce, grated cheddar cheese, and the signature secret sauce nestled in a soft, warm tortilla makes any taco lover weak in the knees. But what if I said you could whip up these little pieces of heaven anytime the craving struck, right at home?
Join me as we decode the secret ingredients and the remarkable preparation for creating this fast-food gem. Don’t worry; whether you’re an experienced chef or a beginner, this recipe is simple, possible, and absolutely delicious.
How to make Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco
Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco is a delightful creation featuring seasoned grilled chicken, lettuce, and grated cheddar cheese, wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. And, of course, you can add your favorite sauces or toppings to customize it to your liking.
What is in Del Taco chicken tacos?
For the marinated chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the secret sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- A pinch of salt
Assembly:
- 8 to 10 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish, making sure the chicken is fully coated—Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or, ideally, up to 4 hours.
2. Make the secret sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before using it, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the chicken:
Preheat an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and grill or pan-sear for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
4. Heat the tortillas:
Wrap the stack of tortillas in a slightly damp cloth or paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until they’re warm and pliable. You can also heat the tortillas one at a time on a dry skillet or directly over the flame for extra charred flavor.
5. Assemble the Del Taco Chicken Soft Tacos:
Place a generous portion of the cooked chicken on each warm tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded lettuce and grated cheese. Drizzle the secret sauce over the top, fold the tortilla, and get ready to savour the deliciousness!
Tips and Tricks:
- You can adjust the seasoning in both the marinade and the secret sauce to your liking. Want it spicy? Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Use store-bought taco seasoning in the marinade if you’re in a hurry, but be aware of the salt content.
- Add fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, or avocado slices to the taco for added freshness and flavor.
- Make sure to prep the secret sauce and marinate the chicken ahead of time to allow proper infusion of flavors.
Serving
So, you’ve mastered the art of making the perfect Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco. Now, it’s time to consider what to serve on the side to make your dining experience even more enjoyable. Here are some deliciously hand-picked sides that impeccably complement these delectable chicken soft tacos:
- Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice: No taco night is complete without a hearty side of Spanish Rice or Mexican Rice. Often infused with ingredients like tomato sauce, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and lively spices, this recipe brings a comforting warmth that goes fantastic with the tacos.
- Beans: Be it savory refried beans, hearty black beans, or flavorful pinto beans, they all add a splendid touch to your taco meal. You can serve them as they are or turn them into a mouthwatering dip.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob or Corn Salad: Corn with its sweet and savory touch fits perfectly with the flavor profile of Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco. Grill it or toss it into a salad – it’s your call!
- Guacamole or Avocado Salad: The creaminess of avocados adds a new dimension of flavor and texture to your taco meal. Guacamole is the go-to, but an avocado salad can be another great option to serve.
- Margaritas or Mexican Beer: A tangy margarita or a chilled Mexican beer heightens the fun and authenticity of taco night. Fruity and non-alcoholic beverages would also work well.
- Churros or Flan for Dessert: End your feast on a sweet note! A batch of crispy churros with a chocolate dip or a creamy and caramel-like flan could wrap up your taco meal just perfectly.
Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts of Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco
Beyond being delicious, Del Taco Chicken Soft Tacos are packed with nutritional benefits that make them suitable for a well-balanced diet.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: Around 200-300 calories
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
- Fat: Approximately 10g
- Fiber: Approximately 3g
- Sugar: Approximately 2 g
Health Benefits:
1. High in Protein:
Thanks to the chicken, each soft taco is teeming with protein, which is vital for building and repairing tissues, amongst other bodily functions.
2. Source of Fiber:
If you choose to include beans or corn, you’ll add a notable amount of dietary fibre to your meal. Fiber aids in digestion and can promote feelings of fullness, potentially aiding in weight management.
3. Healthy Fats:
Using avocado as guacamole introduces healthy monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and essential for the body’s development and growth.
4. Array of Vitamins and Minerals:
The lettuce and other fresh vegetables you may add are rich in vitamins A, C, K, and folate and minerals such as iron and calcium. These are critical for various functions, including bone health, skin health, eyesight, and the immune system.
5. Lower in Calories:
Compared to other fast-food options, a chicken soft taco is generally lower in calories, which is beneficial if you’re mindful of your calorie intake.
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t sure how this Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco Recipe would turn out when I first made it, but it tasted great! The only complaint I had was that the chicken tends to fall to the bottom of the tortilla. But other than that, these little beauties are addicting! The kids love them too :). Now my husband and I need a Del Taco close so we can try one.
More Mexican Dishes:
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- A pinch of salt
- 8 to 10 small flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together vegetable oil, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Pour the marinade over the chicken in a ziplock bag or a shallow dish, making sure the chicken is fully coated—Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or, ideally, up to 4 hours.
2. Make the secret sauce:
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes before using it, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the chicken:
Preheat an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and grill or pan-sear for about 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked through. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces.
4. Heat the tortillas:
Wrap the stack of tortillas in a slightly damp cloth or paper towel and place them on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute until they're warm and pliable. You can also heat the tortillas one at a time on a dry skillet or directly over the flame for extra charred flavor.
5. Assemble the Del Taco Chicken Soft Tacos:
Place a generous portion of the cooked chicken on each warm tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded lettuce and grated cheese. Drizzle the secret sauce over the top, fold the tortilla, and get ready to savour the deliciousness!
