The next time you have a rotisserie chicken on hand, make these tacos and thank me later.
Reviewed by Dietitian Mandy Enright, M.S., RDN, RYT
Key Points
- Store-bought rotisserie chicken makes tacos a quick and easy meal.
- It is high in protein, as well as essential minerals and vitamins that support muscle growth and cell repair.
- Adding simple ingredients like beans, avocados and spices makes them even more satisfying.
Rotisserie chickens are the unsung heroes of the grocery store. The fact that you can get an entire cooked chicken for about $8 (at least at my local grocery store) makes it a winner in my book. Plus, as someone cooking for one, a rotisserie chicken goes a long way. I can use one chicken for tacos and also a variety of meals, from chicken salad and creamy pasta to my favorite high-protein meal: Sheet-Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos
Read on to learn all the reasons why I can’t stop making these chicken tacos for dinner.
It’s Loaded with Protein
Eating enough protein throughout the day is important, as the nutrient supports many bodily functions, including bone health and digestion. Here, rotisserie chicken is the main source of protein, specifically the chicken breast. In addition to protein, the white meat also provides B vitamins, selenium and zinc. Chicken, and poultry in general, is considered a complete source of protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own. These amino acids are crucial for functions like muscle growth and cell repair, so eating proteins like rotisserie chicken can help you get them.
While I love these tacos with chicken, you can also play around with the protein source. On occasion, I’ve halved the amount of chicken and added in a cup of no-salt-added black beans. The combination adds a little more fiber while also slightly reducing sodium. Rotisserie chickens can be high in sodium, so that’s something to keep in mind if you need to watch your intake.
It’s Flavorful and Has Varying Textures
Aside from the nutritional benefits, this dinner is bursting with flavor. Reduced-sodium taco seasoning zhuzhes up the rotisserie chicken, but you could also use your own blend of spices if you prefer, like paprika, cumin and chili powder. Meanwhile, sour cream pulls double duty in this recipe. First, it’s used to keep the filling from drying out while also ensuring that it stays in the tortillas. Then, it pairs up with avocado to create a delicious crema. The herbaceous crema adds brightness to the dish, thanks in part to the lime juice’s acidity, which cuts through the richness of the cheesy tacos.
This dinner is a beautiful medley of textures, where crispy, crunchy tacos get dunked in a smooth, silky crema. Be sure to use both baking sheets that the recipe recommends. This ensures the tacos aren’t crowded on a single pan, which could prevent proper crisping. Rotating the baking sheets halfway through guarantees even cooking on all the tacos. If you end up having leftovers, I’ve found the best way to achieve a crispy taco the next day is to spray them with a little oil and then reheat them in an air fryer so you still get the signature crunch.
The next time you’re at the grocery store, consider picking up a rotisserie chicken. You’ll have a delicious, budget-friendly protein that can be used in a variety of recipes, starting with these tacos.
The Bottom Line
There are numerous reasons you should consider making a batch of chicken tacos for dinner, especially if you have access to store-bought rotisserie chickens, which make the whole meal quick and easy. It’s one of those meals that’s packed with protein, vitamins and minerals that support the body in so many positive ways. Add a few other simple ingredients to the mix, and they’ll become even more flavorful and nutritious.
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