This TikTok Recipe for Chicken Tacos Has Over 5 Million Views—Here’s the Secret

Tacos are a staple at restaurants, food trucks and our home kitchens. They’re easy to make and quick crowd-pleasers, and, naturally, some of us have favorite recipes that we like to fall back on. But if you’re ready to try something different, check out this TikTok recipe for chicken tacos!

What’s the Secret?

@violet.cooks#chickentacos #glutenfree♬ Buttercup – Jack Stauber

TikTok user @violet.cooks shared one of her favorite chicken taco recipes and it immediately went viral. For good reason, too—these tacos are flavorful, easy and won’t break the bank. But there’s one specific step in her recipe you don’t want to miss.

After cooking some seasoned chicken in a pan, the corn tortillas need to spend some time frying in the leftover oil. That’s right, with this recipe you’ll actually assemble your tacos in the heated pan. The result is crispy, seasoning-soaked corn tortillas filled with juicy chicken and topped with pico de gallo.

Looking for more recipe inspo? There are tons of options out there; try your hand at these smothered chicken tacos for something new, or give Taco Tuesday a twist with our recipe for beergarita chicken tacos.

How to Make the Famous TikTok Tacos

Ingredients

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 1 white onion
• 2 large tomatoes
• 1 bunch of cilantro
• 2 limes
• Salt to taste

For the Tacos:

• Corn tortillas
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons chipotle powder
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Oil for frying
• Optional: guacamole salsa

Directions

Step 1: Prepare your pico de gallo

Carefully dice your white onion and tomatoes and add to a bowl. Roughly chop the cilantro, and add that in, along with the juice of two limes and a healthy sprinkle of salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are incorporated, cover and set in the fridge.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken

Add the oil to a frying pan and open a package of chicken breasts (but if you prefer thighs, feel free to use those). Slice up the chicken into about 1-inch pieces and add to a mixing bowl. Then, add in your homemade taco seasoning—chipotle powder, garlic powder and cumin. Mix well until all the pieces of chicken are evenly coated, and then add the chicken to your frying pan. Cook over medium heat for between five and eight minutes.

Step 3: Fry your tortillas and assemble

After the chicken has thoroughly cooked, remove it from the pan and set aside. Open your package of corn tortillas and carefully set them down flat in the hot pan. Let them soak in the leftover oil and juices for a second on each side, and then top them with chicken and cheese. Fold the tortillas in half and cook for three minutes on each side, allowing them to fry just a little bit until they’re slightly crispy and the cheese has a chance to melt.

Then, go ahead and plate them, topping them with pico de gallo and guacamole salsa. You’re ready to eat!

Loving the TikTok recipes? Us too. From the feta pasta that broke the internet, to the chicken katsu recipe everyone loves, to the whipped coffee we all tried in quarantine, we have a whole list of TikTok recipes and food hacks.

Sure, it may look like your usual Kraft Mac and Cheese, but this TikTok mac and cheese hack has changed the way we prep our mac forever.

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