Spicy Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad Recipe

In this episode of ‘Taste the World’ with us, get ready to travel with the one and only Spicy Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad. This is not your average salad, folks. I am talking tender chicken infused with smoky chipotle magic, dancing atop a bed of vibrant greens, and kissed with Chilzo’s Salsa Picante (you heard me right) that'll tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

So buckle up, grab your forks, and prepare to have your mind blown (in the best way possible, of course)!

Do you frequently say “Please, make it spicy” when dining out? Check out this Hot Sauce Chicken Sandwich for a quick meal filled with flavours and stories of a gambling earl!

Mid 20th Century Tex-Mex Magic

Before we dive into this culinary fiesta, let's rewind and appreciate the roots of this delicious invention. The chipotle pepper hails from sunny Mexico—it's a smoke-dried jalapeño, boasting a deep, complex flavour that's both smoky and spicy. Think of it as the wise elder of the chilli pepper world, sharing its wisdom and warmth with every dish it touches.

As for the taco salad, this Tex-Mex masterpiece emerged in the 1960s, bringing all the joy of tacos to the realm of greens and bowls. It's like a deconstructed party in your mouth, where every element gets to shine and mingle in a joyful symphony of textures and tastes.

So, now that we've paid our respects to our culinary ancestors, let's get cooking! But before we do, I have a confession to make…

How Do You Say…?

Is it "Chipotle" or is it more like "ChiPOWtle"? Well, both! It is the actual name of a smoke-dried ripe jalapeño chilli pepper used for seasoning. A chilli is used primarily in Mexican and Mexican-inspired cuisines, such as Tex-Mex and Southwestern United States dishes. It comes in different forms, such as chipotles en adobo (stewed in adobo sauce).

A Gift of the Mayans

The origins of salsa go back to the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans who used tomatoes, chilli, and squash seeds to create the flavorful sauce. In the 1500s, a priest labelled this creation “salsa”, giving the food a name that would later lead to worldwide prominence. On the other hand, Picante whispers “spice.”

Interestingly the heat of salsa picante is often measured on the Scoville Scale (quantifies the spiciness). The higher the rating, the hotter the sauce. For example, habanero peppers can have a Scoville rating of 100,000 to 350,000.

Meh to Magnifico!

Okay, let's be honest, regular ol' salsa is cool but, Chilzo’s Salsa Picante? That's like Beyoncé showing up to your backyard barbecue. It's not just heat, it's depth, dimension, and a whole lot of soul. This symphony in a jar takes our Spicy Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad from "meh" to "magnifico" in one glorious spoonful.

Onto the Recipe

Cook time total: 30-40 mins
Prep time: 10 mins
Cooking time:25-30 mins

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chilli powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can chopped tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon Chilzo’s Salsa Picante (for extra heat, of course)
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup chopped corn
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges (optional)
• 4 corn tortillas (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
3. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Imagine coating your knights in magical spices!
4. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet (their battlefield!) and bake for 15-20 minutes, until cooked through
5. While the chicken conquered the oven, heat tomatoes and Chilzo’s Salsa Picante sauce in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavours meld into a symphony of spice.
6. Assemble your salad bowls with greens, black beans, corn, cheese, red onion, and cilantro.
7. Top it all off with the shredded chicken and the spicy tomato sauce.
8. Serve with lime wedges and corn tortillas (if you're feeling extra festive).

And there you have it! A Spicy Chipotle Taco Salad that will keep you wanting more. So grab your fork, dig in, and get ready to be transported to a Tex-Mex fiesta in every bite!

Remember, this is just a base recipe – unleash your inner warrior and add your toppings! Avocados, jalapeños, sour cream, or even a honey drizzle are all welcome to the party!