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Homemade Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos with Spicy Goat Cheese Queso. photo

Smoky Roasted Chicken Tacos with Spicy Goat Cheese Queso.

Get ready for a taco night with smoky chicken and creamy goat cheese queso—it's a fiesta on a plate!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 sweet onion sliced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 limes sliced into wedges
  • Corn or flour tortillas for serving
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sliced avocado
  • Sliced red onion
  • Extra goat cheese for topping
  • Lime wedges
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 jalapeño pepper diced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon flour
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 6 ounces goat cheese crumbled

Instructions

Instructions:

  • Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with smoked paprika, salt, pepper, cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the spice mix.
  • In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced sweet onion and sauté until they become soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
  • In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the diced jalapeño and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly for about a minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken. Stir in the crumbled goat cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Warm the corn or flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Layer the sliced chicken, sautéed onions, chopped tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sliced red onion onto each tortilla. Drizzle the spicy goat cheese queso over the top and finish with extra goat cheese and lime wedges.

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Serving Platter

Notes

  • For gluten-free options, use corn tortillas instead of flour.
  • Substitute goat cheese with a plant-based alternative for a dairy-free version.
  • Use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.