Description
Baja chicken tacos from Cheesecake Factory offer a zesty Mexican-inspired dish with crispy tortillas and bold flavors. Spicy grilled chicken, fresh salsa, and creamy avocado sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 8 corn tortillas, soft
- 1 cup rice, cooked
- 1 cup beans, cooked
- 1 cup cheese, Mexican blend, shredded
- 1 tomato, large, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 onion, medium, finely chopped
- ¼ cup (60 ml / 2 fl oz) chipotle sauce
- ¼ cup (15 g / 0.5 oz) cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Marination: Whisk chipotle sauce with salt, cumin, and paprika. Submerge chicken breasts completely, refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to allow flavor infusion.
- Chicken Preparation: Heat cast-iron skillet to 375°F/190°C. Remove chicken, pat dry with paper towels. Sear chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest meat for 3-4 minutes to preserve juiciness.
- Tortilla Warming: Heat corn tortillas on skillet or gas flame, flipping every 15-20 seconds until slightly charred and pliable.
- Ingredient Preparation: Finely dice tomatoes, slice avocados, and mince white onions with precision.
- Taco Assembly: Slice chicken into thin, uniform strips. Layer tortillas with chicken, sprinkle shredded cheese, distribute tomatoes, avocado slices, and chopped onions.
- Finishing Touch: Drizzle chipotle sauce, garnish with fresh cilantro leaves. Serve immediately alongside seasoned rice and black beans.
Notes
- Marinate with Precision: Give chicken at least 30 minutes to absorb complex chipotle and spice flavors, ensuring deep, rich taste throughout the meat.
- Temperature Control Matters: Use a meat thermometer to hit exactly 165°F, preventing dry chicken while guaranteeing food safety and optimal juiciness.
- Perfect Tortilla Technique: Warm corn tortillas quickly over direct flame or skillet, turning every 15-20 seconds to achieve slight char without burning.
- Strategic Resting Period: Allow cooked chicken to rest 3-4 minutes after grilling, which helps redistribute internal juices and maintains tender, succulent texture.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg