There’s nothing quite like the aroma of fresh tacos sizzling in the oven to bring the family together on a busy weeknight. When I first made these Best White Chicken Chili Tacos, I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly they disappeared from the dinner table. With tender rotisserie chicken, sweet corn, and a luscious creamy sauce enveloped in warm corn tortillas, this dish strikes the perfect balance of comfort and flavor—ideal for even the pickiest eaters!
After a long day, the last thing I want is a complicated meal. Enter this all-in-one taco recipe that’s as easy to throw together as it is satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just looking for a new way to jazz up your weeknight rotation, these tacos offer versatility with room for ingredient substitutions. Grab your apron, and let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing favorite that’s bound to become a staple in your home!
Why are these Best White Chicken Chili Tacos a must-try?
Family-Friendly: These tacos are loved by both kids and adults alike, making them the perfect weeknight meal for any household.
Quick to Prepare: With rotisserie chicken as the star, you can whip these up in no time, allowing you to spend more moments enjoying dinner with loved ones.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or tofu for a delicious vegetarian option, keeping the recipe fresh and exciting each time.
Creamy Comfort: The rich sauce made from sour cream and green chilis envelops the tacos in a delightful flavor that’s hard to resist.
Effortless Cleanup: One dish is all you need to make these scrumptious tacos, minimizing your time spent in the kitchen and maximizing family bonding.
Don’t forget to check out our tips on meal prep to make your cooking experience even smoother!
Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Ingredients
For the Sauce
• Sour Cream – Adds creaminess to the sauce; use room temperature for smoother blending.
• Canned Green Chilis – Provides flavor and heat; fine chop before using.
• Ground Cumin – Adds warm, earthy flavor; freshly ground is preferred for enhanced taste.
• All-Purpose Flour – Used for creating a roux to thicken the sauce.
• Chili Powder – Contributes to the overall warmth and depth of flavor; adjust amount based on spice preference.
• Skim Milk – Thins the sauce and provides creaminess; can substitute with whole milk for richness.
• Chicken Broth – Adds flavor and moisture to the sauce.
• Unsalted Butter – Used to create the roux for the sauce’s base; opt for high-quality butter for best flavor.
For the Filling
• Shredded Chicken – The main protein source; leftover rotisserie chicken is recommended for quick prep.
• Frozen Corn – Adds sweetness and texture; can substitute with fresh corn if available.
• Green Onions – Freshens up the filling with a mild onion flavor; use both green and white parts, finely sliced.
For the Tacos
• Corn Tortillas – Serve as the taco base; warm before filling to prevent tearing.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Melts beautifully, providing a creamy finish; a key component in these best white chicken chili tacos.
How to Make Best White Chicken Chili Tacos
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F, letting it warm up while you gather all your ingredients. This ensures your tacos bake to perfection, becoming wonderfully crispy on the outside.
Mise en Place: Prepare your ingredients by chopping the green chilis and slicing the green onions. Measure out your liquids to streamline the cooking process—let’s keep things efficient!
Make Roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring continuously until you create a light roux, which will thicken your sauce beautifully.
Create Sauce: Gradually whisk in the skim milk and chicken broth to the roux, followed by sour cream. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps—this creamy base is the heart of your tacos!
Season Sauce: Once your sauce is smooth, add the cumin, chopped green chilis, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken.
Make Filling: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, frozen corn, and green onions. Stir in the warm sauce until everything is fully coated in that rich, creamy goodness—you’ll want to dive right in!
Prepare Tortillas: Warm your corn tortillas in a skillet for a minute on each side, making them pliable for easy folding later on.
Assemble Tacos: Fill each tortilla with 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling and sprinkle some shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Fold each taco gently to avoid spills.
Bake Tacos: Arrange the filled tacos on a baking sheet and bake in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Serve: Cool briefly before serving warm, and consider garnishing with additional toppings like avocado or fresh cilantro for that extra burst of flavor.
Optional: Drizzle a bit of lime juice over the tacos for a refreshing zing!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Best White Chicken Chili Tacos
Roux Perfection: Don’t rush the roux! Cooking it until golden prevents a raw taste in your creamy sauce.
Smooth Whisking: Gradually add the liquids to prevent lumps; a smooth sauce is key for these best white chicken chili tacos.
Manage Fillings: Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla to keep the tacos neat and easy to handle—no messy spills here!
Tortilla Tricks: Warm your corn tortillas properly before filling to avoid tearing, ensuring they hold all that deliciousness!
Flavor Variations: Experiment with spices or different cheeses. Adding smoked paprika or swapping in pepper jack can elevate your tacos!
Storage Tips for Best White Chicken Chili Tacos
Fridge: Store leftover chicken chili filling in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the tortillas separate to maintain their texture and prevent sogginess.
Freezer: The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the filling in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. For tacos, gently warm in the oven or microwave briefly, ensuring they don’t become too chewy.
Serving: When ready to serve, feel free to add fresh toppings like avocado or cilantro to elevate the flavors of your best white chicken chili tacos.
What to Serve with Best White Chicken Chili Tacos?
These tacos are the star of your weeknight dinner, but pairing them with delightful sides can turn a simple meal into a fiesta!
Mexican Rice: A fluffy, seasoned rice complements the creamy tacos perfectly, absorbing flavors and adding satisfying texture.
Fresh Pico de Gallo: This vibrant salsa of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brightens the dish, adding freshness with every bite.
Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole offers a cool contrast to the tacos, enhancing the overall experience with its smooth texture. Don’t forget that lime juice adds a nice kick!
Crispy Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips provide an enjoyable texture alongside the creamy tacos and make excellent dippers for your guacamole or salsa.
Black Bean Salad: Packed with protein and every bit refreshing, this salad adds a nutritious element while complementing the flavors of the tacos.
Margaritas: For the adults, a zesty margarita pairs wonderfully with the tacos, enhancing the Mexican flavors and refreshing the palate.
Churros: End the meal on a sweet note with warm, cinnamon-sugar churros. Their crisp exterior and soft center create a delightful contrast to the savory tacos!
These pairings will elevate your Best White Chicken Chili Tacos into a full-fledged feast that your family will love!
Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Variations
Feel free to personalize these delicious tacos and make them your own with these fun and flavorful twists!
Vegetarian Twist: Substitute shredded chicken with tofu or black beans for a hearty vegetarian option that still packs a punch.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a little heat, add jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the filling to ignite your taste buds.
Cheese Swap: Try experimenting with different cheeses like pepper jack or cheddar for a bold flavor twist—each brings a unique character to the dish.
Herb Infusion: Mix in some chopped fresh cilantro or parsley right before serving to add a burst of freshness that enhances the entire tacos experience.
Corn Variations: If you have fresh corn, use it instead of frozen. The sweet, crunchy kernels make each bite extra delightful and flavorful.
Different Tortillas: Switching from corn to flour tortillas yields a softer bite—perfect for those who prefer a softer shell to embrace the creamy filling.
Saucy Modifications: Pump up the flavor by adding a dollop of salsa verde or hot sauce on top—every bite will be a fiesta for your taste buds!
Nutty Flavor: Stir in some chopped walnuts or almonds into the filling for a delightful crunch and a new layer of flavor that everyone will love.
Make Ahead Options
These Best White Chicken Chili Tacos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts seeking time-saving solutions! You can prepare the creamy sauce and filling up to 3 days in advance; just store them in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. To do this, make your roux and add the liquids, letting it cool before refrigerating. The filling, combining shredded chicken, corn, and green onions, can also be prepped ahead—mix it with the sauce and keep it sealed. When you’re ready to serve, simply warm the filling, assemble the tacos in fresh tortillas, and bake as directed. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious, restaurant-quality tacos with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Best White Chicken Chili Tacos Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. It’s already tender and seasoned, making your prep work a breeze!
How should I store leftovers?
I advise storing leftover chicken chili filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the corn tortillas separate to maintain their texture and avoid sogginess. Reheating the filling and tortillas separately will help preserve their quality.
Can I freeze the chicken chili filling?
Very! The filling can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If your sauce ends up too thick, don’t worry! Simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency. Whisk it in gradually while heating on low to help combine everything smoothly.
Are these tacos suitable for dietary restrictions?
Certainly! If you’re preparing for a vegetarian diet, simply swap the chicken for shredded tofu or another plant-based protein. You can also adjust the spices and use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives if needed.
How do I prevent my corn tortillas from tearing?
To keep your corn tortillas intact while assembling, I recommend warming them in a skillet for about a minute on each side before filling. This makes them pliable and less likely to tear when you fold them into tacos.
Best White Chicken Chili Tacos for Quick Family Dinners
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare your ingredients by chopping the green chilis and slicing the green onions.
- Melt the butter over medium heat and add the flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the skim milk and chicken broth to the roux, then stir in the sour cream.
- Add the cumin, green chilis, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce.
- In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, corn, and green onions; stir in the warm sauce.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet briefly.
- Fill each tortilla with the chicken filling and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
- Arrange filled tacos on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Cool briefly before serving and garnish with optional toppings.