Are you a fan of Mexican cuisine, particularly the mouth-watering flavors of street tacos? Look no further than Costco’s famous chicken street tacos. These tasty treats have captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many, and for good reason. With their tender chicken, crunchy slaw, and soft tortillas, it’s no wonder they’re a staple at many gatherings and parties. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Costco chicken street tacos and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cook them to perfection.
Understanding the Magic of Costco Chicken Street Tacos
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s take a closer look at what makes these tacos so special. The secret lies in the combination of flavors and textures that come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Here are some key elements that contribute to the magic of Costco chicken street tacos:
- Tender and juicy chicken: The chicken is cooked to perfection, with a tender and juicy texture that simply melts in your mouth.
- Crunchy slaw: The slaw adds a nice crunch and a burst of freshness to each bite, balancing out the richness of the chicken.
- Soft and pliable tortillas: The tortillas are soft and pliable, making them easy to fold and wrap around the filling.
- Flavorful seasonings: The tacos are seasoned with a blend of spices and herbs that add depth and complexity to each bite.
Gathering Your Ingredients and Supplies
Now that we’ve explored the magic of Costco chicken street tacos, it’s time to start gathering our ingredients and supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 package of Costco chicken street taco kit (available in the prepared foods section)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning (included in the kit)
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- Slaw (included in the kit)
- Shredded cheese (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Cilantro (optional)
Preparing Your Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let’s take a few minutes to prepare our ingredients. Here’s what you need to do:
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic. These will add a depth of flavor to our tacos.
- Open the packet of taco seasoning and set it aside. This will be used to season our chicken.
- Remove the slaw from the kit and set it aside. This will be used as a topping for our tacos.
Cooking Your Chicken
Now that our ingredients are prepared, it’s time to start cooking our chicken. Here’s what you need to do:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
- Add the packet of taco seasoning to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shredding Your Chicken
Once our chicken is cooked, it’s time to shred it. Here’s what you need to do:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and stir to combine with the onion and garlic mixture.
Assembling Your Tacos
Now that our chicken is cooked and shredded, it’s time to assemble our tacos. Here’s what you need to do:
- Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
- Spoon the shredded chicken onto a tortilla, followed by a spoonful of slaw.
- Top with shredded cheese, salsa, and cilantro (if using).
- Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
Tips for Assembling the Perfect Taco
Here are a few tips to help you assemble the perfect taco:
- Use the right tortilla: Look for tortillas that are soft and pliable. These will be easier to fold and wrap around the filling.
- Don’t overfill: Make sure to leave a little room between the filling and the edge of the tortilla. This will make it easier to fold and prevent the filling from spilling out.
- Add your toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Some popular options include diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado.
Serving and Enjoying Your Tacos
Now that our tacos are assembled, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Taco bar: Set up a taco bar with all the fixings, including shredded cheese, salsa, and cilantro. This will allow everyone to customize their own tacos.
- Serve with a side: Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice, beans, or roasted vegetables.
- Get creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your tacos. Try adding different toppings or using different types of tortillas.
Conclusion
Cooking Costco chicken street tacos is a breeze, and with these simple steps, you’ll be enjoying delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of Costco chicken street tacos for yourself.
Additional Tips and Variations
Here are a few additional tips and variations to help you take your tacos to the next level:
- Use different types of protein: Try using different types of protein, such as carnitas or carne asada, to mix things up.
- Add some heat: If you like a little heat in your tacos, try adding some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the filling.
- Get creative with your toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Some popular options include diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when cooking Costco chicken street tacos:
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s just done, as overcooking can make it dry and tough.
- Not warming the tortillas: Warming the tortillas is essential for making them pliable and easy to fold. Don’t skip this step!
- Not using the right tortillas: Look for tortillas that are soft and pliable. These will be easier to fold and wrap around the filling.
Conclusion
Cooking Costco chicken street tacos is a simple and delicious way to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. With these easy steps and tips, you’ll be enjoying mouth-watering tacos in no time. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of Costco chicken street tacos for yourself.
What is the best way to cook Costco chicken for street tacos?
The best way to cook Costco chicken for street tacos is by grilling or pan-frying it. This method allows the chicken to retain its moisture and flavor. To grill the chicken, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. To pan-fry the chicken, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
It’s essential to cook the chicken to the recommended internal temperature to ensure food safety. You can also cook the chicken in the oven, but grilling or pan-frying will give it a crispy exterior and a juicy interior. Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into small pieces for your street tacos.
What are some essential toppings for Costco chicken street tacos?
Some essential toppings for Costco chicken street tacos include diced onions, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, sour cream, and salsa. You can also add some crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese for extra flavor. Additionally, consider adding some cilantro, lime wedges, and diced jalapeños to give your tacos an extra kick.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and add your favorite ingredients. Some other options include diced bell peppers, diced radishes, and pickled onions. You can also serve your tacos with a side of Mexican street corn, Spanish rice, or refried beans for a more filling meal.
Can I customize the seasoning on my Costco chicken street tacos?
Yes, you can customize the seasoning on your Costco chicken street tacos. While the pre-cooked chicken from Costco is already seasoned, you can add your own spices and herbs to give it an extra boost of flavor. Consider adding some cumin, chili powder, or smoked paprika to give your chicken a smoky flavor.
You can also add some lime juice or orange juice to give your chicken a bright and citrusy flavor. If you prefer a spicy kick, add some diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to your chicken. Remember, the key to making great street tacos is to taste and adjust as you go, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings and spices.
How do I assemble the perfect Costco chicken street taco?
To assemble the perfect Costco chicken street taco, start by warming a tortilla on a dry skillet or in the microwave. Then, add a few slices of the cooked chicken to the tortilla, followed by your desired toppings. Consider adding a spoonful of salsa or hot sauce to the chicken for extra flavor.
Next, add some diced onions, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce on top of the chicken. You can also add some diced avocado, sour cream, or queso fresco for extra creaminess. Finally, sprinkle some cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice on top of the taco, and serve immediately.
Can I make Costco chicken street tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can make Costco chicken street tacos ahead of time. While it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving, you can cook the chicken and prepare the toppings ahead of time. Consider cooking the chicken a day or two in advance and storing it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
You can also prepare the toppings ahead of time, such as chopping the onions and tomatoes, and storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving, as the tortillas can become soggy if they’re assembled too far in advance.
How do I store leftover Costco chicken street tacos?
To store leftover Costco chicken street tacos, consider storing the chicken and toppings separately. Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the toppings, such as diced onions and diced tomatoes, in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If you’ve assembled the tacos, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. However, the tortillas may become soggy, so it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving. You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months and thaw it when you’re ready to make more tacos.
Can I make Costco chicken street tacos for a large crowd?
Yes, you can make Costco chicken street tacos for a large crowd. This recipe is easily scalable, so you can cook as much or as little chicken as you need. Consider cooking multiple batches of chicken and storing it in a warm oven or chafing dish to keep it warm.
You can also prepare the toppings in large quantities and store them in airtight containers until you’re ready to assemble the tacos. Consider setting up a taco bar with all the toppings and letting your guests assemble their own tacos. This is a great way to feed a large crowd and make the meal more interactive and fun.