Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos

Introducing Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos-- Where the succulent blackened seasoned chicken meets herb-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, and smoky roasted poblano peppers, all served on your choice of warm flour or corn tortillas. Drizzled with homemade dairy-free ranch on top for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor. A quick and delightful weeknight meal that's bursting with flavor. Completely Dairy-free. Gluten-free + Make Ahead option.

Lately, I've been completely smitten with the rich, bold flavors of blackened seasoning. It was a big hit with my Creamy Blackened Chicken Rigatoni Pasta recipe, which you all loved. So, I couldn't resist carrying that irresistible blackened chicken vibe over into the world of TACOS!

If you're a taco lover with a soft spot for Mexican flavors, you've got to check out these tasty options: Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos, Chipotle Sweet Potato Quinoa Tacos, Jerk Salmon Tacos, and Summer Vegan Tacos. And for a little extra excitement, don't miss the finger-licking-good Loaded Vegan Queso Skillet Nachos and the Hearty Vegan Taco Soup.

In a nutshell, these tacos are a breeze to whip up, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights. You can effortlessly tailor them to your taste with your favorite ingredients. They boast bold and well-balanced flavors, delivering a delightful combination of savory, spicy + sweet notes. Plus, the convenience of the prep work on a single sheet pan makes the whole process so easy. In short-- they're simply delicious!

What Is Blackened Chicken?

Blackened chicken is a flavor-packed sensation, where chicken is coated with savory spices (often a little spicy), then seared or cooked in the oven to create a smoky, charred crust. It's a bold and spicy journey for your taste buds, often associated with Cajun and Creole cuisine.

I have complete faith in my Homemade Blackened Seasoning—it's my secret weapon. I even gave it a spin in an Easy Shredded Chicken recipe recently, and it worked like magic. So, naturally, it's the ideal choice for elevating these chicken tacos to perfection! You can adjust the spice blend to suit your preferred level of heat and flavor!

Ingredients For Blackened Chicken Tacos

This blackened chicken taco recipe boasts straightforward ingredients and most of the preparation is done in the oven, allowing for a mostly hands-off experience until you're ready to assemble your delicious tacos!

Blackened Chicken:

• Organic chicken breast: Provides the primary protein for the tacos, offering a tender and juicy base.
• Blackened seasoning: (store-bought or homemade) Infuses the chicken with a bold, spicy flavor, adding depth and heat to the dish.
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for cooking and enhances the overall richness and moisture of the chicken.

Tacos:

• Soft flour or corn tortillas (charred): Serve as the vehicle for the taco fillings, adding a warm and comforting texture. Try making your own homemade tortillas!
• Herb-roasted tomatoes: Contribute a burst of fresh, herbaceous notes, creating a colorful and flavorful topping. (More on how to make these below)
• Poblano peppers (roasted and sliced): Provide a slightly smoky and mildly spicy kick, adding depth to the taco's overall taste.
• Sweet corn kernels (roasted): Bring in a pleasant sweetness.
• Vegan Ranch Dressing: A creamy and tangy component. More on how to make it below!

How To Make Your Own 'Blackened Seasoning"

This blackened seasoning recipe is as simple as mixing all your spices together and takes just 5 minutes! Here are the simple ingredients that you will need for this recipe - Feel free to customize to your liking!

• Smoked paprika: Lends a captivating smoky depth.
• Garlic powder: Elevates savory notes.
• Onion powder: Adds subtle aromatic undertones.
• Dried parsley: Provides a touch of herbal brightness.
• Dried oregano: Introduces a hint of earthy warmth.
• Dried basil: Evokes a sweet, herbal essence.
• Dried thyme: Brings a savory, earthy aroma.
• Cayenne pepper (optional): For those who crave a gentle kick of heat.
• Sea salt: Enhances taste and seasoning.
• Black pepper: Adds a dash of zesty heat.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR TACOS!

Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially for Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Why You Will LOVE Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos

• Bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile snack, appetizer, or main option for Taco Tuesdays.
• Easy weeknight meal--Simple preparation + minimal ingredients
• Protein-packed!
• A crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Boasts of a great make ahead + gluten-free option.

How to Make Herb-Roasted Tomatoes

The key for this recipe is to start with great-quality tomatoes. Choose a mix of large and cherries, and several different colors if you can find them.

INGREDIENTS

• Tomatoes. You can add as many tomatoes as will fit on your baking sheet.
• Olive oil. Don’t skimp on the oil! It helps concentrate the tomato flavor and makes a nice jammy texture. You can use these roasted tomatoes like a dressing or sauce.
• Dried herbs. I like a mixture of Italian herbs like oregano, basil and parsley. But you can mix up the seasonings with other fresh or dried herbs. Thyme, rosemary, marjoram and tarragon are all delicious with tomatoes.
• Spices. Likewise, feel free to play with different spices in your roasted tomatoes. I like paprika, garlic powder and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick.

How To Know If Your Chicken Is Fully Cooked?

Ever wondered how long to bake chicken breasts at 400°? To know when your chicken breasts are fully cooked at 400° here are some tips -

• Time: Bake chicken breasts at 400°F for around 30-35 minutes. Don't forget to flip halfway through!
• Color and Juices: Cut into the thickest part of the chicken. If the juices run clear and the meat is opaque with no pinkness, it's likely cooked.
• Temperature: For certainty, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C) at the thickest part of the breast.
• Resting: After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep the juices inside for a tastier result.

Blacken Chicken Taco Topping Ideas

With your Blackened Chicken Tacos recipe all set and ready to go, it's time to assemble. When it comes to toppings, I enjoy the vibrant, fresh, and sweet medley of ingredients. In this recipe, I've kept it uncomplicated by using herb-roasted tomatoes, poblano peppers, sweet roasted corn kernels, and a dollop of vegan ranch dressing. However, feel free to let your creativity run wild and experiment with your favorite toppings!

My favorite taco topping ideas in general include:

• Shredded red cabbage
• Grape tomatoes, fresh or roasted
• Avocado or guac
• Salsa
• Vegan queso
• Jalapeños (pickled or fresh)
• Yogurt or sour cream
• Cheese
• Dairy-free Creamy Chipotle Sauce
• Candied Bacon
• Pineapple chunks
• Mango chunks
• Hot sauce
• Lime or lemon juice
• Cilantro or parsley, chopped

Best Tortilla for Tacos?

You can choose either corn or flour tortillas for this dairy-free taco recipe. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, corn is your best bet. Whichever option you choose, I recommend the small street taco-size. They’re easy to fill, hold and eat by the dozen!

Of course, in a pinch, larger tortillas will work too. You can also use hard taco shells if you prefer a crunchier taco.

How to Best Char or Warm Tortillas

To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on the rack. Turn off the oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. For char on a stovetop, pop one of the tortillas onto a gas burner until you begin to see a little smoke. Remove tortilla to rotate it onto opposite side until it’s lightly charred. Repeat until all tortillas are charred.

Meal Prepping Ideas

This is a great recipe for meal prep. Simply prepare the blackened chicken, dairy-free ranch sauce and toppings ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to four days. Then heat and assemble your tacos when you’re ready to enjoy!

Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos Q + A's

More Weeknight Chicken Recipes You'll Love

• Nourishing Jamaican Chicken Soup
• Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos [Dairy-Free] 
• Spicy Gochujang Chicken Tenders
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Gnocchi Soup
• Best BBQ Pulled Chicken Sandwich
• Jamaican Pineapple Jerk Chicken
• Authentic Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
• Baked Tuscan Chicken and Gnocchi

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you.

Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos [Dairy-Free]

November 3, 2023 •

By Shanika

5 from 2 votes

Introducing Easy Weeknight Blackened Chicken Tacos-- Where the succulent blackened seasoned chicken meets herb-roasted tomatoes, sweet corn, and smoky roasted poblano peppers, all served on your choice of warm flour or corn tortillas. Drizzled with homemade dairy-free ranch on top for an extra layer of creaminess and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 40 minutes mins

Serves: 6 servings

Units:

US Customary|Metric

Pin It Print It

Ingredients

BLACKENED CHICKEN:

• 2 lbs. organic chicken breast
• 2 Tbsps blackened seasoning, store-bought or homemade
• 2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil

TACOS:

• 6 homemade Soft Flour or corn tortillas, charred
• 2 cups Herb roasted tomatoes
• 2 poblano peppers, roasted + sliced
• 2 cups sweet corn kernels, roasted

VEGAN RANCH SAUCE:

• 1 cup Vegan Ranch Dressing/Sauce

Instructions

TO ROAST THE VEGGIES + TOMATOES:

• Be sure to roast your veggies + tomatoes in the oven at this point. See Roasted Herb Tomatoes recipe for instructions on how to roast all veggies.

BAKE THE BLACKENED CHICKEN + SHRED:

• To make this chicken, you can follow the steps in my Easy Shredded Chicken recipe and substitute the seasonings with blackened seasoning.

CHAR OR WARM TORTILLAS:

• To lightly toast taco tortillas, preheat oven on 350 degrees Fahrenheit and place tortillas directly on rack. Turn off oven once heated and let tortillas warm for 2 minutes. Remove from oven. For char on a stovetop, pop one of the tortillas unto a gas burner until you begin to see a little smoke. Remove tortilla to rotate it onto opposite side until it’s lightly charred. Repeat until all tortillas are charred.

TO MAKE THE VEGAN RANCH SAUCE:

• To make this delicious topping, see my vegan ranch dressing/sauce recipe!

ASSEMBLE:

• To assemble tacos, a few spoons of shredded blackened chicken atop a charred tortilla followed by: roasted tomatoes, sliced poblano peppers, and corn. Repeat until desired amount of tacos are made. Garnish with a few drizzles of the vegan ranch sauce.
• Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

• STORAGE: Place any leftover ingredients (separately) in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• MAKE AHEAD: All ingredients can be made ahead (up to 2 days prior) and individually stored as meal prep (excluding tortillas), warmed through and assembled when ready to serve.
• GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make these tacos gluten-free, simply substitute tortillas with great GF-friendly tortillas made from quinoa flour, chickpea flour, etc. Siete Foods has great ones!
• HERB ROASTED TOMATOES: To see the recipe, tap this link. 

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 698mg | Potassium: 610mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1050IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Love this Post? SHARE!