If you have been searching for the perfect way to jazz up taco night, then you are going to absolutely love this Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on traditional tacos, blending a creamy, flavorful white chili sauce with tender shredded chicken and sweet corn all wrapped in warm corn tortillas. Every bite bursts with comforting spices and fresh ingredients, making this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients come together to create all the layers of flavor in this taco recipe. Each item plays a key role, whether it adds creaminess, a touch of spice, or a satisfying texture—making this meal as irresistible as it is straightforward.
- Sour cream: Adds creaminess and tang that balances the spices in the sauce perfectly.
- Canned green chilis, finely chopped: Bring a mild heat and a subtle smokiness to brighten the chili sauce.
- Ground cumin: Infuses the dish with warm, earthy notes essential for that authentic chili flavor.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce to create that luscious, velvety texture.
- Chili powder: Adds additional depth and a gentle kick of spice.
- Black pepper: Provides a hint of sharpness to balance the creaminess.
- Skim milk: Lightens the sauce without sacrificing smoothness.
- Chicken broth: Gives the sauce a savory base for well-rounded flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Enriches the sauce with a silky mouthfeel.
- Green onions, thinly sliced: Add freshness, color, and a mild bite to the filling.
- Shredded chicken, cooked and cooled: The hearty protein that makes these tacos satisfying.
- Frozen corn: Provides delightful bursts of natural sweetness and texture.
- Corn tortillas, warmed: The perfect vessel to hold all the tasty fillings and sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top for that irresistible cheesy finish.
How to Make Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Sauce
Start by combining sour cream, green chilis, cumin, salt, flour, chili powder, black pepper, milk, chicken broth, and butter in a mixing bowl. Whisk everything together until you get a smooth and creamy sauce that is just begging to be drizzled over your tacos. This sauce layers subtle heat, spice, and silky richness in every bite.
Step 2: Make the Filling
In a separate bowl, mix thinly sliced green onions, shredded cooked chicken, and frozen corn together. The green onions give a crisp freshness, the chicken provides meaty substance, and the sweet corn offers a nice pop of color and crunch. This filling is simple but packed with flavor and texture.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Warm your corn tortillas to make them soft and pliable, perfect for folding around the filling. Spoon a generous amount of the chicken and corn mixture onto each tortilla. Then, drizzle the luscious white chili sauce on top before sprinkling with shredded mozzarella cheese. The warm cheese melts slightly from the heat of the filling, creating an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few well-chosen garnishes can take your tacos from delicious to unforgettable. Try topping with chopped fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, or some sliced avocado. Each of these adds a refreshing brightness that complements the creamy and spicy elements beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with a crisp green salad, a simple Mexican rice, or even some charred street corn for a festive and well-rounded meal. Light, fresh sides balance the richness of the chili sauce, making the entire meal feel satisfying without being heavy.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these tacos on a wooden board lined with parchment paper accompanied by small bowls of extra sauce, diced onions, and shredded lettuce. You could also turn them into taco bowls by layering the filling and sauce over crisp tortilla chips for a delightful crunch to contrast all that creaminess.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once assembled, these tacos are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can store the filling, sauce, and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to reheat and assemble quickly for a tasty meal any day of the week.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, pack the cooked chicken filling and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers, avoiding the tortillas which can become soggy. They will keep well for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the filling and sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency. Warm your corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos again for a fresh-from-the-kitchen feel.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the filling?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that works perfectly in the Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which adds extra flavor and saves time.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt, and use a plant-based milk and cheese substitute to keep it creamy without dairy.
How spicy are these tacos?
These tacos have a gentle warmth from the green chilis and chili powder but are not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount of chili powder or add jalapeños if you prefer more heat.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely. The sauce can be mixed a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before drizzling it over the tacos to ensure that the flavors stay vibrant and smooth.
What cheese can I use if I don’t have mozzarella?
Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even a smooth white cheese like queso fresco make great alternatives that melt well and complement the flavors in these tacos.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting and exciting about this Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe that makes it more than just a meal: it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that’s easy to prepare yet so satisfying to eat. I can’t recommend it enough for your next taco night or casual dinner. Go ahead and try it—you might just have your new favorite in your recipe collection.
Print
Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Southwestern
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Best White Chicken Chili Tacos offer a delicious twist on traditional tacos by combining tender shredded chicken and corn with a creamy, spiced white chili sauce. Topped with melted mozzarella and served on warm corn tortillas, they make a perfect quick and flavorful meal in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp canned green chilis, finely chopped
- 1/4 tsp ground cumin
- Salt to taste
- 1.5 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- Black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Filling:
- 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 8 oz shredded chicken, cooked and cooled
- 3/4 cup frozen corn
For Assembly:
- 14 small corn tortillas, warmed
- 3.5 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, finely chopped canned green chilis, ground cumin, salt, all-purpose flour, chili powder, black pepper, skim milk, chicken broth, and unsalted butter. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is completely smooth and free of lumps, ensuring a creamy sauce base.
- Mix the filling: In a separate bowl, combine the thinly sliced green onions, shredded cooked chicken, and frozen corn. Toss well to evenly distribute the ingredients for a flavorful mix.
- Warm tortillas and assemble tacos: Heat the corn tortillas until warm and pliable, either on a skillet or microwave. Spoon the chicken and corn filling evenly onto each tortilla. Drizzle the prepared white chili sauce generously over the filling, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of each taco.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken shredded finely.
- Warm tortillas properly to prevent cracking when folding the tacos.
- You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer green chilis and chili powder according to your taste.
- If preferred, substitute mozzarella with pepper jack cheese for a spicier kick.
- The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and gently reheated before assembling the tacos.
