The Ways to Prepare Chicken for Tacos

Chicken can be grilled, baked, or pan-fried for use in tacos.

Tacos are easy to make and fun to eat. Tacos also allow home cooks to choose the type of meat to use in their tacos. Chicken for tacos can be cooked in a variety of ways. Seasonings such as cumin, chili powder and red pepper add flavor to your chicken and taste great in your tacos.

Grilled

You can use an indoor or outdoor grill to cook your chicken.

Grilled chicken has a unique flavor that works well in tacos. You can use an indoor electric grill or an outdoor grill. You can marinate the chicken up to two hours before grilling for extra flavor. Add seasonings and herbs before grilling so the flavor will be seared into the chicken. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), chicken is safe to consume once the internal temperature is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a cooking thermometer to make sure the chicken is completely cooked before removing from the grill. Shred, pull or slice the meat into bite-size pieces to use in your tacos.

Baked

Baking chicken is a low-fat alternative to frying and it tastes great. You can coat the chicken in bread crumbs or just sprinkle with seasonings before baking. Line a pan with aluminum foil before baking to make clean-up easier. Cook times for baking chicken vary depending on the amount of chicken and the temperature of your oven. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you take it out of the oven. Cut into small pieces once it is finished baking.

Pan-Fried

Chicken can also be cooked using a non-stick pan and a small amount of olive oil. Pour a small amount of oil in a pan and turn your burner to medium-high. Make sure to season the chicken well before placing it in the oil. Cook both sides evenly and turn the chicken to avoid sticking or burning. This cooking technique may get a little messy since the oil and grease can splatter once you start cooking. Verify the internal temperature before removing the pan from the heat. Slice the chicken before serving in your tacos.

Microwave

Microwaves can be used to cook chicken for your tacos. Coat a glass baking dish with cooking spray. Season your chicken and place in the pan. Cover the top with plastic wrap and place in the microwave. Cook times vary depending on the size of your microwave and the amount of chicken. The glass pan will be very hot, so use caution when removing it from the microwave. Once it is at the right temperature, cut the chicken into small pieces and use in your tacos.

References

• USDA: Is It Done Yet?