Chicken Alambre Tacos

If you are looking for a new taco recipe, today we are sharing the best kept secret in Mexican cuisine - Tacos de Alambre. Deliciously seasoned, slightly charred meat (today we are using chicken), cooked with bell peppers, onions, crispy bacon, and melted cheese! All served in warm corn or flour tortillas. They are so good! 

Think of these tacos as the perfect mash-up of tacos and fajitas, plus bacon and cheese for a smoky, gooey twist! Trust me, these will be your new favorite taco. 

Plus, everything is cooked in one pan, which means less cleaning up and more flavor packed in! Whether it's taco night, you're hanging out with friends on the weekend, or you just want something different than regular chicken tacos, these tacos hit the spot.

You can make them your own by turning up the heat, switching out the meat, or piling on your favorite toppings. No matter how you make them, you can bet these tacos will disappear fast!

We've got chicken tacos galore around here! Check out these Chicken Tinga Tacos, Chicken Birria Tacos, and Chicken Street Tacos after you make this recipe.

What are Tacos de Alambre?

Tacos de alambre are a popular Mexican dish made with grilled or sautéed meat mixed with bell peppers, onions, bacon, and melted cheese. Traditionally, they are made with beef, but they are also made with chicken, pork, mushrooms, and sometimes chorizo. 

The name "alambre" (meaning "wire" in Spanish) is believed to refer to the skewers traditionally used to cook the meat and veggies. Today most alambre recipes are prepared in a cast iron skillet or on a hot griddle or comal.

Typical Ingredients

• Meat: Beef (often sirloin or flank steak), chicken, or pork
• Vegetables: Bell peppers (various colors), onions, and sometimes mushrooms, especially in vegetarian versions. 
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, savory flavor, some people also add chorizo
• Cheese: Melted cheese, often Oaxaca, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack
• Seasoning: Salt, pepper, maggi or soy sauce, and sometimes a touch of garlic or other spices

Ingredients for Chicken Alambre Tacos

Here's a brief rundown of what you'll need to make this recipe:

• Chicken breast: Lean, tender, and quick to cook. Slicing it into thin strips helps it soak up the smoky, savory seasoning and stay juicy. Feel free to swap in chicken thighs, pork, or beef.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky, salty bite that enhances the overall flavor of the dish. You can swap in chorizo as well.
• Roma tomatoes: Their firm texture holds up well when cooked, adding a little natural sweetness and a juicy element to the mix.
• Soy sauce or Maggi sauce: A surprise umami booster! This gives the dish a deep, savory richness that takes the flavor up a notch. Maggi sauce has a slightly more intense taste if you want a bolder option.
• Shredded Mexican cheese: A melty, creamy topping that ties everything together. A blend of Oaxaca, Monterey Jack, or cheddar works great here.
• Corn tortillas: Traditional for alambre-style tacos, they add that authentic, slightly chewy texture. Warm them up before serving for the best results. You could also use flour tortillas or lettuce wraps if you like!

Can I use another type of protein?

Absolutely! You could swap the chicken breast for thinly sliced flank steak, skirt steak, or shrimp like in these Tacos Gobernador!

Can I season the chicken with something else?

Yes! I use garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, but you could swap in store-bought or Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning instead for a more intense flavor!

Making Chicken Alambre Tacos

Making this recipe is so easy, and it only uses one pan! Here's how to make it:

1. Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then sear it until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Pro Tip: Slicing the chicken thin helps it cook quickly and soak up the seasoning.

2. Sauté the Veggies and Bacon

In the same pan, cook the bacon until crispy, then toss in the onions and bell peppers. Let them soften and soak up all that smoky flavor. Add the tomatoes, fresh garlic, and a splash of soy sauce or Maggi sauce for extra depth.

Pro Tip: Let the veggies cook undisturbed for a minute or two before stirring to get a nice char.

3. Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the pan and mix everything together. Sprinkle the cheese on top, cover, and let it melt. If you don't have a lid, just let it sit for a couple of minutes until gooey.

4. Assemble and Serve

Spoon the filling into warm corn tortillas and top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime. That's it. Time to dig in!

Can I make these tacos spicy?

Yes! Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or a dash of hot sauce to the seasoning mixture for extra heat.

Can I add extra veggies?

Absolutely! Add some chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or extra bell peppers for even more flavor and texture.

What can I top my tacos with?

Here are some delicious ways to top your tacos:

• Sliced avocado or Guacamole
• Hot sauce
• Pico de Gallo
• A drizzle of Jalapeno Ranch Dressing
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Corn Salsa
• Spicy Cabbage and Corn Slaw

Best Ways to Serve These Tacos

You can totally eat the tacos on their own or pair them with these easy sides:

• Mexican Cauliflower Rice: Light, flavorful, and low-carb, it soaks up all the taco goodness without feeling heavy.
• Garlic Cilantro Brown Rice: A fresh, garlicky side that adds just the right amount of flavor without overpowering the tacos.
• Mexican Quinoa Salad: A bright, refreshing mix of quinoa, black beans, and corn with a creamy avocado dressing.
• Mexican Street Corn: Its creamy, tangy, and slightly smoky flavors complement the bold, savory taco filling while adding a delicious crunch.