Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Short description
These Rotisserie Chicken Tacos offer a quick and delicious solution for busy weeknights. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken, a simple spice blend, and your choice of toppings, these tacos are satisfying, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is ideal for those seeking a fast, easy meal without compromising on flavor. With the convenience of rotisserie chicken and a customizable range of toppings, these tacos are as versatile as they are delicious. Whether you prefer soft or crispy shells, spicy or mild flavors, this recipe adapts to suit your taste.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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olive oil
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diced yellow onion
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shredded rotisserie chicken meat
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ground cumin
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paprika
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ground coriander
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dried oregano
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kosher salt
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freshly ground black pepper
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tomato paste
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low-sodium chicken broth
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fresh lime juice
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black beans, drained and rinsed
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small tortillas (corn or flour)
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, avocado, diced red onion, cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, salsa, hot sauce.
directions
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened.
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Stir in the shredded chicken along with cumin, paprika, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly.
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Add tomato paste and chicken broth. Simmer until the mixture thickens slightly.
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Squeeze in lime juice and stir to combine.
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Warm tortillas in a skillet or oven.
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Assemble tacos with chicken filling, black beans, and your preferred toppings. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
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Servings: Makes about 12 tacos (serves 4–6 people)
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
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Use chipotle or chili powder for a spicier version.
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Serve as taco bowls with rice instead of tortillas.
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Try crispy taco shells for added crunch.
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Use different beans like pinto or refried beans.
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Add queso or melted cheese for a Tex-Mex flair.
storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Toppings and tortillas should be stored separately. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Reheat tortillas briefly in a skillet or oven.
FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Shredded meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken is ideal for convenience and flavor.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, both flour and corn tortillas work well—use your preference or dietary needs as a guide.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free corn tortillas and confirm that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, the chicken filling can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for easy assembly later.
What toppings go well with these tacos?
Lettuce, tomato, onion, avocado, cheese, and sour cream are classic options. Salsa or hot sauce adds extra flavor.
Can I freeze the chicken filling?
Yes, allow it to cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
How do I reheat frozen taco filling?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of liquid.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, replace chicken with sautéed vegetables or plant-based meat and omit or replace broth with a vegetable-based version.
How do I prevent soggy tortillas?
Serve tacos immediately after assembling, or toast tortillas slightly before filling to add structure.
Are these good for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare and store components separately for a quick, customizable lunch or dinner during the week.
Conclusion
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are a flavorful, time-saving option perfect for any night of the week. With minimal cooking and endless customization options, this recipe is both practical and satisfying. Whether serving a crowd or preparing meals ahead of time, these tacos are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Fast, flavor-packed tacos that transform rotisserie chicken into a Mexican-inspired weeknight dinner with a quick homemade pico de gallo and classic crunchy toppings.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings (about 12 tacos) 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon water
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 4 teaspoons lime juice, divided & plus lime wedges for serving
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 1 1/2 cups finely chopped, cored plum tomatoes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
- 2 serrano peppers, stemmed, seeded & finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed
- 2 cups shredded fresh lettuce
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper Jack cheese
- Sour cream, optional
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine chicken and water; cook, stirring, until just warmed through (3–5 min). Stir in chili powder, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and 1/4 teaspoon each cumin and pepper until the chicken is evenly seasoned.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix tomatoes, onion, serrano peppers, cilantro, salt, and the remaining 3 teaspoons lime juice plus 1/4 teaspoon each cumin and pepper to make pico de gallo.
- To serve, arrange tortillas on a platter. Divide chicken and pico among tortillas; top with lettuce, cheese, and sour cream if using. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- Swap pepper Jack for cheddar or cotija to vary the flavor.
- Keep the serrano seeds for extra heat or use jalapeños for milder tacos.
- Leftover chicken reheats best when moistened with a splash of broth.
- Use certified gluten-free corn tortillas to maintain a gluten-free meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos (≈5 oz chicken, 1 1/2 oz lettuce, 1/2 oz cheese, 1 1/2 Tbsp pico)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 502 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 94 mg
Keywords: rotisserie chicken tacos, quick dinner, gluten-free tacos, Mexican-inspired, weeknight meal