Spice Up Your Life with Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos
Get ready to taste the flavor of a lifetime with Chef Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe. This is a dish that’s perfect for anyone who loves a little kick with their meals. The combination of chicken and shrimp is always a winner, but when it’s spiced up with peppery goodness, it becomes an instant classic.
The recipe was developed by Chef Jeff Jackson Smith, who stopped by KSL TV studios and shared another recipe in 2020. Along with his signature Hawaiian shrimp tacos, Chef Jeff decided to take things up a notch by randomly adding spicy chicken to the lineup, creating the Spicy Chicken Shrimp Tacos Recipe – one more perfect recipe you will want to try at home!
So if you’re feeling adventurous and want to add some spice to your life, then this recipe is the one for you. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also packed full of nutrition facts that you’ll want to order again and again. So gather your ingredients because we’re about to embark on a spicy culinary adventure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you a fan of spicy foods? Do you want to impress your guests with a flavorful and unique dish? Then, you’ll love Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe!
This recipe is perfect for those who are craving for some heat. The combination of juicy chicken breast and succulent shrimp coated in flavorful spices like ground cayenne pepper will leave your taste buds dancing. Each bite is packed with layers of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
But this recipe isn’t just about the heat; it also has a subtle sweetness from the roma tomato, onions, and limes that balances out the spice. This dish is perfect for any occasion whether you’re looking to cater to a small family dinner or a large gathering of friends.
Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to make! It only requires 30 minutes and uses just one sheet pan. You can easily make multiple batches to feed all your guests without breaking a sweat. The shortcuts make it a perfect fit for a party where time is limited.
It’s also versatile! You can switch up the meat by making either chicken tacos, shrimp tacos or both. Heck! even go wild by throwing in some Captain Jack fish if you’re feeling adventurous!
Not only is this recipe incredibly delicious, but it also contains healthy ingredients such as olive oil and fresh veggies. In case you’re worried about the nutritional values, don’t fret. We have included the nutrition facts in case you need to avoid specific nutritional values.
Overall, Jeff Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe offers amazing flavors that will please everyone at your party. Trust us, it’s going to be one recipe that you’ll want to keep coming back to over and over again!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at the ingredients we will need to make Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos. This recipe serves 4-5 people, so adjust the quantities if you’re feeding more or less.
For the chicken and shrimp fillings, you’ll need:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
- 1 pound of raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper
For the pico de gallo salsa, you’ll need:
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- Juice of half a lime
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste
To assemble the tacos, you’ll need:
- Flour tortillas
- Olive oil for cooking
Make sure to check that you have all of these ingredients before starting. If you need to make any substitutions or variations, check out section (5) for some ideas.
The Recipe How-To
Now it’s time to get cooking! This recipe requires both chicken breast and shrimp, but you can adjust the amounts based on your preferences.
Ingredients:
- 4-5 boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 lb of shrimp
- Salt and pepper
- 1 tablespoon of ground cayenne pepper
- 3 roma tomato, diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- Flour tortillas
- Olive oil
Step-by-step Guide:
Step One: Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or coating with non-stick cooking spray.
Step Two: In a mixing bowl, combine diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and the juice of two limes.
Step Three: Coat the chicken breasts in olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and ground cayenne pepper until evenly coated.
Step Four: Set the chicken on half of the baking sheet and place the shrimp on the other half.
Step Five: Drizzle olive oil over both the chicken and shrimp.
Step Six: Bake for about 10 minutes, then carefully flip over the chicken breasts using tongs.
Step Seven: Continue baking for another 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Step Eight: Add the tomato-onion mixture onto the pan alongside the shrimp during the last two to three minutes of baking.
Step Nine: Once everything is cooked through, remove from the oven and assemble your tacos: Grab a flour tortilla and add some cooked chicken, shrimp, and tomato-onion mixture in each one.
Note: If you prefer spicier tacos feel free to add more cayenne pepper!
This recipe is straightforward to make but flavorsome. The combination of tender chicken breast, juicy shrimp, tangy tomatoes & onions mixed with a spicy kick creates flavorful tacos that will leave your taste buds wanting more!
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to switch up the flavors in this recipe or make some adjustments based on your preferences and dietary restrictions? Don’t worry, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try out!
If you don’t like spicy foods, you can simply omit the ground cayenne pepper from the recipe. You can also adjust the amount of salt and pepper based on your taste buds.
For those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan option, you can substitute the chicken and shrimp with vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can even add in some tofu for a protein boost.
If you’re not a fan of flour tortillas or want to make this recipe gluten-free, try using corn tortillas instead. You can also swap out the tortillas altogether and serve this dish over rice for a delicious bowl meal.
Feeling adventurous? Experiment with different types of seafood for your tacos. Instead of shrimp, try marinating some captain jack fish or using warm lobster meat for a luxurious twist.
Lastly, if you want to add some extra flavor to your dish, consider garnishing your tacos with some fresh diced roma tomatoes or a squeeze of lime juice. These simple additions can take your tacos to the next level!
Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. With these substitutions and variations, you can enjoy delicious and unique chicken shrimp tacos that everyone will love.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing these delicious Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos, there are several options that will complement the flavors perfectly.
Firstly, it is essential to pair them with a cold, refreshing drink. A classic margarita on the rocks with fresh lime juice is my personal favorite. The tartness of the lime helps cut through the spiciness of the tacos, leaving a perfectly balanced taste.
For those who prefer something non-alcoholic, an ice-cold agua fresca or hibiscus tea are excellent options. They provide a similar refreshing quality as a classic margarita but with less alcohol.
Now onto the toppings – I love to serve these tacos with crisp shredded lettuce, sliced roma tomatoes, and freshly chopped onion. These toppings not only add a burst of flavor but also provide a crunchy texture against the tender chicken and shrimp.
Lastly, warm flour tortillas are a must for serving. They work to hold all of these tasty ingredients together, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Overall, these Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos are super versatile and can be paired with many drinks or sides. My advice is to experiment until you find what works best for you. Trust me; you won’t be disappointed!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Making this dish ahead of time is a brilliant idea, especially when you have a lot of guests coming over. You can prepare and cook the components, then store them in separate containers so that you can assemble the tacos when your friends arrive. To do this, let the chicken, shrimp, and vegetables cool down before refrigerating them. When it’s time to serve, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave.
Storing these tacos is just as easy as making them ahead of time. You can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Just make sure you remove any toppings or sauces from the tacos before storing them.
To reheat the tacos, preheat your oven to 350°F (176°C) and wrap each tortilla in foil. Bake them altogether for 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through with crispy edges. Alternatively, heat each tortilla separately on a non-stick pan for a minute on each side until they’re warm.
But like any dish, reheating is not always recommended unless necessary. The texture and flavors may alter after being reheated one too many times. So, if possible, we recommend finishing the whole batch on the day itself, as this recipe isn’t only delicious but also very easy to put together again!
Tips for Perfect Results
As Chef Jeff always says, the devil is in the details. To help you achieve that perfect dish, here are some tips that you can keep in mind while cooking Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
1. Don’t skimp on seasoning
Seasoning your ingredients properly is the key to achieving a flavorful dish. Make sure to season your chicken and shrimp with a generous amount of salt and pepper before cooking. If you want to add more heat, you can also sprinkle some ground cayenne pepper on top.
2. Use fresh ingredients
Fresh is always best when it comes to ingredients. Make sure to use fresh roma tomatoes, limes, and onions when making the pico de gallo topping for your tacos. Using fresh ingredients will give your dish a brighter, more vibrant taste.
3. Warm up your tortillas
No one likes a cold taco shell. To keep your tortillas warm and pliable, wrap them in foil and place them in a preheated oven for 5-10 minutes before serving.
4. Cook on a well-oiled baking sheet
To avoid sticking and ensure an evenly crispy texture, make sure to coat your baking sheet with a generous amount of olive oil before placing your chicken and shrimp on it. Give them enough space so that they don’t end up steaming instead of roasting.
5. Don’t overcook the shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly and can easily become rubbery if overcooked. Make sure to keep an eye on them while cooking and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn pink.
6. Pair with the right beverages
Spicy foods call for refreshing beverages that can refreshingly counterbalance the heat. Try pairing these tacos with some cold beer or margaritas to cool down those taste buds.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create perfectly seasoned, crispy, flavorful tacos every time you make Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a must-try for everyone who loves spicy foods. With simple yet flavorful ingredients like ground cayenne pepper, onion, and lime, this recipe delivers the perfect combination of heat and zest. Whether you serve them for brunch, lunch, or dinner, these tacos will always make an impact.
Now that you have all the details, ingredients, tips, and tricks to make these delicious tacos at home, why not give it a try? Impress your guests with this authentic Mexican dish that’s sure to satisfy their craving for spicy foods.
So go ahead and try Chef Jeff’s recipe today! I promise you won’t regret it. And don’t forget to share your creations with us in the comment section below. Happy Cooking!
Jeff’s Random Spicy Chicken and Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (about 2 small breasts)
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp (no shells, veins, or tails)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 6 -8 flour tortillas
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 serrano peppers (chopped)
- 2 limes (halved)
- 1 cup roma tomato (store-bought jar)
- 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch pepper
Instructions
- Remove the stems and seeds from the serrano peppers and finely chop both the onion and the peppers.
- In a medium-sized skillet, sautee the onion and peppers in the olive oil over medium heat until the onion is almost translucent. Place the lime halves face down in the pan in between the bits of onion and pepper - make sure each half is flat against the bottom of the pan with some oil around it.
- After 10 minutes, add the roma tomatoes, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pan and simmer for 15 minutes.
- While the mixture is simmering, dice the chicken into 1" cubes. Sprinkle the cayenne pepper powder all over the raw chicken and the shrimp until lightly dusted and set aside.
- After the onion-pepper-tomato mixture is done simmering, remove the lid and pour the mixture into a temporary container or bowl. Get most of the bits out of the pan, but leave any juices that remain.
- Add the rice wine vinegar and the raw chicken to the pan and increase heat to medium-high. Cook until the chicken is mostly cooked through (5-7 minutes) and then add the shrimp and the sauce mixture from the temporary bowl. Mix ingredients around until well combined and let them cook for 5 additional minutes.
- Heat up the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds (or on a fresh pan on the range - about 1 minute on high heat per tortilla) and scoop the delicious mixture into each taco.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!