Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Name: Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 cups diced hatch green chilis; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 12 small corn tortillas; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1 avocado, sliced; Fresh cilantro; Lime wedges, for serving

Published: January 24, 2026

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful Experience: The combination of spicy hatch chilis and juicy chicken thighs creates an explosion of taste.
Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them as a main dish or serve them as appetizers at your next gathering.
Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, these tacos are a healthy option for any meal.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Their bite-sized nature makes them perfect for sharing with friends and family.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools will make preparing your Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Mixing bowl
Tongs

Importance of Each Tool

Skillet: A non-stick skillet allows for even cooking of the chicken while preventing it from sticking.
Cutting board: Protects your countertops while providing a stable surface for chopping ingredients.
Mixing bowl: Essential for combining spices and marinating the chicken effectively.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Filling

1 lb chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups hatch green chilis, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tacos

12 small corn tortillas
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 avocado, sliced
Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First, cut the chicken thighs into small pieces. Place them in a mixing bowl with olive oil, diced hatch chilis, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until well coated.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken mixture to the skillet. Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken cooks, warm the corn tortillas in another skillet over low heat until soft and pliable. This should take about 1-2 minutes per side.

Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos

Once everything is ready, take a warmed tortilla and add a generous spoonful of the cooked chicken filling. Top with diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos with lime wedges on the side for an added burst of flavor. Enjoy this delightful dish at your next meal!

How to Serve Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos are versatile and can suit various occasions. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your taco experience.

Casual Gatherings

Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar with toppings like diced avocados, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for guests to customize their mini tacos.
Finger Food: Serve them on a platter for easy snacking during game nights or casual parties.

Family Dinners

Plated Meal: Arrange two or three mini tacos on a plate with a side of rice and beans for a complete meal.
Interactive Cooking: Let family members build their tacos at the table to create an engaging dining experience.

Meal Prep

Lunch Boxes: Pack mini tacos in lunch boxes with sides like veggie sticks or fruit for a delicious midday meal.
Freezer-Friendly: Prepare extra mini tacos and freeze them for quick meals on busy days.

How to Perfect Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Perfecting your Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out great every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and spices enhance the flavor of your tacos. Always opt for fresh produce when possible.
Marinate the Chicken: Allow the chicken thighs to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step adds depth of flavor and makes the meat tender.
Avoid Overcooking: Cook the chicken just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to keep it juicy.
Warm Your Tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly before serving. This makes them pliable and enhances the overall texture of the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

To complement your Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos, consider these tasty side dishes that bring out the flavors of your meal.

Guacamole: A creamy avocado dip that pairs perfectly with spicy tacos. Mash ripe avocados, add lime juice, and season with salt.
Mexican Street Corn Salad: Combine corn, lime juice, chili powder, and cheese for a refreshing side that adds crunch.
Pico de Gallo: Fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, and cilantro that adds brightness to your meal.
Black Bean Salad: A mix of black beans, corn, red onion, and cilantro tossed in lime dressing offers a nutritious boost.
Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime complements the spice of the tacos beautifully.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with your favorite salsa provide a delightful appetizer before digging into the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is not seasoning the chicken properly. Ensure you season your chicken thighs with salt and pepper before cooking to enhance their flavor.
Another error is overcooking the tortillas. Warm them gently on a skillet instead of frying them too long, which can make them tough.
Forgetting to prepare toppings is also a mistake. Always have fresh toppings like cilantro, onions, or avocado ready to add freshness to your mini tacos.
Skipping the resting time for chicken can lead to dry meat. Allow your cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before shredding it for better moisture retention.
Not adjusting the spice level is a common issue. Taste and modify the spice levels according to your preference before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos in an airtight container.
They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months.

Reheating Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap tacos in foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 1-2 minutes, checking periodically.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and warm each side for about 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos spicier?
You can increase the spiciness by adding more hatch chilies or incorporating hot sauce into the chicken mixture before assembling.

Can I use other meats for Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey, beef, or lamb depending on your preference.

What toppings work best with Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos?
Fresh toppings like diced onions, chopped cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges complement these mini tacos perfectly.

Can I make Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can cook the filling ahead of time and assemble the tacos right before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any casual gathering. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try!

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Spicy Hatch Chili Chicken Mini Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe