Crispy Chicken Tacos (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
3 lbs chicken thighs, bone-in.
02 -
1 tsp salt.
03 -
1/2 tsp ground pepper.
04 -
2 tbsp olive oil.
05 -
1 tbsp whole black peppercorns.
06 -
1 tbsp whole cumin seeds.
07 -
1 tbsp whole coriander seeds.
08 -
6 cloves, whole.
09 -
Half a cinnamon stick, broken up.
10 -
1 yellow onion, diced.
11 -
8 garlic cloves, minced.
12 -
6 guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed.
13 -
4 ancho chiles, cleaned and prepped.
14 -
1 chile de arbol, cleaned.
15 -
4 tomatoes, diced (ripe).
16 -
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar.
17 -
1 tbsp oregano, dried.
18 -
1 tsp smoked paprika.
19 -
1 tsp thyme, dried.
20 -
1/2 tsp salt.
21 -
4 bay leaves.
22 -
3 cups chicken stock.
23 -
12-14 corn tortillas.
24 -
12 oz Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese.
25 -
1/2 white onion, diced.
26 -
1/4 cup minced cilantro.
27 -
Lime juice: 1 to 2 tbsp.
28 -
Small pinch of salt.
# Instructions:
01 -
In a Dutch oven, lightly toast the whole spices until they smell toasty.
02 -
Quickly dry-roast the chilies, then remove and let them cool.
03 -
Sprinkle salt and ground pepper on the chicken pieces.
04 -
Heat oil, brown the chicken on all sides until golden.
05 -
In the same pan, cook onions until they're softened.
06 -
Add minced garlic to the onions and toast for a minute.
07 -
Add all sauce ingredients and simmer gently for 10-15 minutes.
08 -
Blend the simmered mixture until completely smooth.
09 -
Put chicken back into the pot with the sauce and bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes.
10 -
Once cooked, shred the chicken and save some sauce for dipping later.
11 -
Dip each tortilla in leftover sauce, then fry until golden and slightly crispy.
12 -
Put cheese on tortillas and cover to let it melt nicely.
13 -
Fill one side of each tortilla with chicken, then fold and toast until crisp.
14 -
Serve up with onions, cilantro mix, and sauce for dipping on the side.
# Notes:
01 -
Prepare the sauce in advance to save some time.
02 -
Use sturdy, good-quality corn tortillas to keep them from tearing.
03 -
To keep tacos warm, place them in a 250°F oven.
04 -
This dish can also be cooked in a pressure cooker (15 mins) or a slow cooker (6-7 hours on low).