Chicken Tacos: Which Cheeses Complement Them Best?

Chicken tacos are a delicious meal, but what type of cheese goes best with them? There are several options to choose from, including Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, and Cotija. Each of these cheeses will add a unique flavour and texture to your tacos. For example, Cotija has a crumbly texture and a strong flavour, while Monterey Jack is a good melting cheese. You could also try something different like feta or goat cheese, or even make your tacos extra crispy by frying them in a layer of cheese.

Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Pepper Jack

When it comes to chicken tacos, there are several cheese options that pair well with the protein, including Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Pepper Jack. Each of these cheeses offers a unique flavour and texture that can enhance the taste of the tacos.

Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for those who enjoy a mild and creamy flavour. It has a buttery texture and a slightly tangy taste that can complement the chicken filling. This semi-hard cheese melts easily, creating a gooey and indulgent mouthful with each bite of the taco.

Cheddar cheese, on the other hand, provides a sharper and more pronounced flavour. It has a firmer texture than Monterey Jack and can add a nice crunchy element to the tacos when crisped up in the oven. Cheddar is a versatile option that can be used in various taco recipes, including those with chicken, beef, or vegetarian fillings.

For those who enjoy a little spice, Pepper Jack cheese is an excellent option. It has a similar meltability to Monterey Jack but with a kick of heat that can elevate the overall flavour profile of the taco. The spiciness of the cheese pairs well with the savoury chicken, creating a dynamic and exciting taste sensation.

When choosing between these cheeses for chicken tacos, it ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some may prefer the mildness of Monterey Jack, while others may enjoy the added spice of Pepper Jack. Cheddar offers a classic, familiar taste that many people enjoy. Experimenting with different cheeses and combinations can be a fun way to discover your favourite pairing.

In addition to the type of cheese, the quantity and method of preparation can also impact the overall taste and texture of the tacos. Some recipes call for shredded cheese, while others may use sliced or melted cheese. Playing around with different amounts and preparation techniques can help you find the perfect balance of flavours and textures for your chicken tacos.

Feta, Cotija, and Queso

Feta is a great option if you're looking for a tangy, salty cheese to complement your chicken tacos. It pairs well with other fresh ingredients like corn, avocado, and cilantro. For instance, you can make a raw corn and feta garnish with avocado to balance the heat from chipotles in adobo.

Cotija is a Mexican cheese with a crumbly texture and a lot of flavours. It is a great addition to chicken tacos, and you can usually find it in the refrigerator next to other Mexican cheeses. If you can't get your hands on Cotija, grated Parmesan cheese makes a good substitute.

Queso, or Mexican cheese dip, is a versatile option that can be used in tacos, burrito bowls, nachos, or even as a dip for chips. It is a great choice for feeding a crowd and can be made in a slow cooker with chicken, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and green chilies.

So, whether you choose the tangy Feta, the flavourful Cotija, or the versatile Queso, you're sure to enjoy a delicious chicken taco experience!

Goats Cheese

Goat's cheese is a great option for chicken tacos, offering a tangy and creamy contrast to the other ingredients. It is a versatile cheese that can be crumbled, melted, or whipped into a sauce.

Goat's cheese has a distinct tangy flavour that can elevate the taste of chicken tacos. Its creamy texture also provides a nice contrast to the other ingredients, such as shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy tortillas. The cheese can be crumbled over the tacos as a topping, adding a salty and savoury note to each bite. It can also be melted and used as a binding agent to hold the tacos together.

One popular way to incorporate goat's cheese into chicken tacos is to make a goat's cheese queso or crema. This involves mixing the goat's cheese with ingredients like butter, jalapeños, garlic, milk, or yogurt to create a creamy sauce. The sauce can be drizzled over the tacos or used as a dip, adding a rich and indulgent element to the dish.

Chicken tacos with goat's cheese can be customised with various toppings and ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. For a refreshing twist, add fresh greens like lettuce, cucumber, and radish. To enhance the creaminess, include homemade guacamole made with ripe avocados, lime juice, and salt. For a spicy kick, incorporate jalapeños, chilli powder, or cayenne pepper.

Goat's cheese chicken tacos can be served with warm, crispy tortillas, either corn or flour-based, to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The combination of tangy goat's cheese, savoury chicken, and fresh toppings makes for a delicious and unique take on traditional chicken tacos.

Melted cheese

Chicken tacos are a delicious meal, and melted cheese is a fantastic addition to them. There are several types of cheese that can be melted and used in chicken tacos, each with its own unique flavour and texture. Here are some options to consider:

Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack cheese is a popular choice for chicken tacos. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts easily, making it perfect for tacos. It pairs well with other ingredients such as jalapeños and chicken, adding a nice touch of creaminess to the dish.

Cheddar

Cheddar cheese is another excellent option for chicken tacos. It has a slightly sharper flavour than Monterey Jack and melts well. Cheddar adds a nice tanginess to the tacos and goes well with various toppings and fillings.

Pepper Jack

If you're looking for a cheesy kick, pepper jack is a great choice. It has a similar meltability to Monterey Jack but with a spicy kick that can take your chicken tacos to the next level.

Cotija

Cotija cheese is a Mexican cheese with a strong flavour and crumbly texture. It adds a nice salty note to chicken tacos and can be sprinkled on top or mixed into the filling.

Feta

Feta cheese is a tangy, salty cheese that can add a unique flavour to chicken tacos. It has a creamy texture when melted and goes well with various toppings.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese has a tangy, slightly sour flavour that can complement the other ingredients in chicken tacos. It has a creamy texture when melted and adds an interesting Mediterranean twist to the dish.

When using melted cheese for chicken tacos, it's important to consider the type of cheese and how it will complement the other flavours in the dish. Experiment with different cheeses and find the perfect combination that suits your taste preferences!

Baked shredded chicken tacos

Shredded chicken tacos are a delicious and easy meal to make any day of the week. This recipe uses the stovetop to poach the chicken, but you could also use a slow cooker, instant pot, or even a rotisserie chicken from the store. The key to this recipe is the perfectly seasoned and moist shredded chicken, which is then baked inside a crispy shell of cheese and served with your favourite toppings.

Ingredients

• 1-1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 teaspoons of vegetable or olive oil
• 1/2 a yellow onion, diced or minced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon each of ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of salsa
• 8 taco shells or tortillas
• Cheese (e.g. cheddar, Mexican blend, or cotija)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g. lettuce, tomato, avocado, sour cream, lime juice)

Method

First, poach the chicken. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.

Next, make the taco sauce. In a skillet, heat the oil and sauté the onion until soft. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then add the cumin, oregano, chili powder, and salt. Cook for another minute, then add the salsa and cook until warmed through.

Add the shredded chicken to the sauce and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Now it's time to assemble the tacos. Fill your taco shells or tortillas with the chicken mixture and a sprinkle of cheese. For an extra crispy shell, try this next step: heat a skillet to medium-high and add some jalapeño slices. Sprinkle cheese over the jalapeños, then place a taco on top. Cook for 3-5 minutes, then use a spatula to gently wrap the melted cheese around the taco.

Serve your baked shredded chicken tacos with your favourite toppings. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions