Cheese Chicken Street Tacos: Perfect Pairing For A Tangy Bite

Chicken street tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of ingredients. While the type of cheese used in chicken street tacos is largely a matter of personal preference, there are several options that are commonly used. These include Oaxaca, mozzarella, cotija, feta, queso fresco, goat cheese, cheddar, and Mexican blend.

Oaxaca cheese is similar in texture to mozzarella but has a more pronounced flavour. Cotija cheese, also known as Mexican Parmesan, is salty, hard, and crumbly, and is considered the most authentic option for street tacos. For a more classic taste, cheddar or Mexican blend cheeses can be used.

Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese

Chicken tacos are a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses, depending on your preference. One option that is often used in chicken street tacos is Oaxaca cheese. This semi-soft white cow's milk cheese from Mexico has a mild flavour and a texture similar to mozzarella. Its melting properties make it ideal for quesadilla-style tacos or as a melted topping.

Oaxaca cheese is traditionally made by kneading the curd in hot water and then stretching it into thin strips. These strips are then cooled in salted water and cut into rope-like segments, resulting in a unique presentation that resembles a ball of yarn. The cheese's mild taste balances the spicy and highly-flavoured nature of Mexican food.

When melting Oaxaca cheese, it is recommended to use a double boiler with water in the bottom pan. Pull the cheese apart into small strings to ensure it melts uniformly. This cheese is also excellent for baked dishes as it melts easily and holds its shape. It is a popular choice for nachos, chile rellenos, quesadillas, and chicken enchiladas.

Mozzarella is a suitable substitute for Oaxaca cheese in chicken street tacos. It has a similar texture but a milder flavour. Mozzarella is widely available and can be purchased pre-shredded, saving time in the kitchen. However, Oaxaca cheese has a more distinct flavour that enhances the overall taste of the tacos.

When preparing chicken street tacos with Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese, it is essential to heat the tortillas. For corn tortillas, dip a pair of tortillas in water or chicken stock, shake off the excess, and cook them together in a pan for about 30 seconds on each side. For flour tortillas, simply warm them in a pan for 30 seconds per side without doubling them up.

To melt the cheese, use a non-stick pan over medium-low heat and grease it with spray oil. Add shredded cheese to the pan, forming it into a disc about the size of the tortilla. Allow the cheese to cook until the bottom begins to brown, then use a tortilla to scoop it up. Repeat this process for the remaining tortillas.

Chicken street tacos with Oaxaca or mozzarella cheese are a delicious and versatile dish. The cheese adds a rich, creamy texture that complements the other ingredients. You can further customise your tacos with toppings such as onion, cilantro, avocado salsa, and a squeeze of lime.

Cotija, feta, queso fresco, or goat cheese

Cotija, feta, queso fresco, and goat cheese are all excellent choices for adding a savoury, tangy, and creamy element to chicken street tacos. Here's a more detailed look at each of these cheese options:

Cotija Cheese

Cotija cheese is a versatile Mexican cheese that adds a unique flavour and texture to chicken street tacos. It is a crumbly and salty cheese that originates from the town of Cotija in Mexico. Cotija cheese is commonly used as a topping or garnish on tacos, but it can also be incorporated into sauces or melted slightly to add richness and creaminess to soups or casseroles. It has a distinct tangy and savoury flavour, making it a popular choice for chicken street tacos.

Feta Cheese

Feta is a popular Greek cheese known for its crumbly texture and tangy flavour. It is made from sheep's milk or a combination of sheep's and goat's milk, resulting in a distinct saltiness that can enhance chicken street tacos. Feta adds a pleasant creaminess to dishes and works well as a topping. It provides a similar flavour profile to Cotija cheese while adding a unique Mediterranean touch.

Queso Fresco

Queso fresco, meaning "fresh cheese" in Spanish, is a mild and soft Mexican cheese. It has a slightly similar texture and taste to Cotija cheese, making it a great substitute. Queso fresco is less salty than Cotija but can still add a pleasant, creamy, and tangy element to chicken street tacos. It complements Mexican-inspired dishes well and is often used as a topping or garnish.

Goat Cheese

Goat cheese, also known as chevre, has a soft and creamy texture with a tangy and savoury flavour. It can add a rich and distinctive taste to chicken street tacos. Goat cheese crumbles or melts easily, making it versatile for use in various recipes. It can be used as a topping, mixed into sauces, or incorporated into the taco filling to add depth of flavour.

When choosing between Cotija, feta, queso fresco, or goat cheese for chicken street tacos, consider the desired level of saltiness, tanginess, and creaminess. All four cheeses offer a unique flavour and texture that can enhance the overall taste and enjoyment of the dish.

Cheese cooking method

The cheese cooking method for chicken street tacos is a bit tricky but worth it. The goal is to melt the cheese and create a gooey grilled texture. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the cheese: Shred the cheese into thin strips or grate it. You can use Oaxaca cheese or mozzarella cheese, as suggested by Crafty Cookbook. Other cheese options include cotija cheese, feta, queso fresco, or goat cheese, as recommended by The Cookie Rookie.
• Heat the pan: Use a non-stick pan and set it over medium-low heat. Spray the pan with some oil before adding the cheese to prevent sticking.
• Add the cheese: Take about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded cheese and form it into a disc shape directly in the hot pan. You can make one or two discs at a time, depending on the size of your pan.
• Cook the cheese: Let the cheese cook undisturbed. The bottom will start to brown after about a minute. You are aiming for a melted, slightly browned cheese disc.
• Assemble the tacos: Once the cheese is ready, use a pair of prepared corn tortillas or one flour tortilla to scoop up the disc of cheese. Place the cheesy tortillas under a foil tent to keep them warm while you work on the rest.
• Add the fillings: Divide the chicken, onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime evenly among the prepared cheesy tortillas. You can also add other toppings like avocado salsa, jalapeño hot sauce, salsa verde, or fresh pico de gallo.
• Serve: Enjoy your delicious chicken street tacos with extra toppings on the side!

Note: The cheese cooking method described above is specifically for creating cheesy chicken street tacos. If you are making regular chicken street tacos without cheese, you can simply skip this process and assemble the tacos with the desired fillings.

Corn tortillas

When it comes to finding the right tortillas for your chicken street tacos, look for "street taco" or "taqueria style" tortillas. These are smaller than the "small" tortillas typically found in grocery stores. If you can't find these, you can cut larger tortillas down to size.

For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas are the way to go. They are also a good choice if you want to get creative with your toppings, as they go well with a variety of ingredients.

Chicken marinade

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Olive oil
• Lime juice
• Spices (chili, cumin, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper)
• Garlic (optional)

Method

• Combine the spices, olive oil, and lime juice in a bowl. Add garlic if desired.
• Add the chicken to the bowl and ensure it is well coated.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-3 hours. Do not marinate longer than 4-6 hours, as the acid from the lime juice can dry out the chicken.
• Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
• Cook the chicken for about 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Dice or shred the chicken before assembling the tacos.

Tips

• Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before marinating ensures that all parts of the meat will be cooked at the same time.
• Flip the chicken while marinating to ensure even flavour.
• When grilling the chicken, generously oil the grill grates to prevent sticking and ensure a beautiful sear.
• Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in juicier meat.

Frequently asked questions