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You know about Taco Tuesday? Well, today I am all about Taco Monday.
Really I could do tacos everyday, but you know that may eventually get a little old.
It’s actually been a really long time since my last taco recipe and when I realized this the other day, I kind of made it my mission to change that. Plus, my family like really loves tacos, so it was a win, win situation, since everyone would actually eat these. Well, at least the chicken part of the tacos, the salsa part? Yeah, not so much, but that just leaves more for me, which is a good thing since the salsa is my favorite.
Since I am currently obsessed with all things fall, I just had to make these using fall flavors. Don’t worry though, as weird as a fall taco sounds, I promise these are the farthest thing from weird, gross or anything that does not sound good. They are easy, healthy and packed with spicy flavors. If you hadn’t noticed, I tend to go for the spicy foods.
Plus, just look at those colors. Umm, I love, love, love them. So fun – and on a Monday too. If you ask me, these are just what Monday calls for, happy, sweet + spicy, colorful tacos!
There is just so much to love about these Spicy Cider Beer Braised Chicken Enchilada Tacos. Like the fact that on a Monday you can eat AND drink your beer… all at once. Or the fact these are the easiest thing to make. Or the fact that just about everyone will eat these (if we didn’t have any issues, I doubt you will!). Or the fact that these are pretty healthy tacos, without sacrificing flavor (definitely do not slump on the cheese though). Or maybe even the fact that if a crockpot works best for you, you can start the chicken in the morning, then come home to the best tacos at night. Add a cold beer (or whatever you drink) + lots of apple salsa (because it is so good), and no matter what went on during the day, your Monday will end right. See, so much to love.
Ok, so the tacos start with the chicken – I used my favorite seasoning combo to spice it up. The seasoning is a mix of chipotle peppers, cumin and a few other spices, but the real secret to this braised chicken is the mix of beer and apple cider. The beer lends itself to the savory part while the cider adds in the sweet. It’s the perfect combo and it keeps the chicken moist and flavorful. I used a pumpkin beer, but whatever your favorite beer is will work. Once the chicken is all shredded and tossed with the cider beer sauce, you add the final kick. Just a little enchilada sauce. Yes oh yes. Told you, these are some good tacos.
That’s it for the chicken, simple, but so good. You could use the chicken for wraps, enchiladas or even just served over rice. Obviously, putting it in tacos is my favorite.
Hmm, so what else. The salsa. I know apple salsa might sound a little strange, but I’m hooked. Like eat by the spoonful hooked. Also, I am giving you fair warning that pomegranates are going to be a weekly thing around here from now until I can’t find them anymore. I’m basically adding them to anything I can. One, because they are delicious and two, because they are so pretty. Like tiny pinkish, red jewels.
I also added a little sweet Thai chili sauce to the salsa for added sweetness + spiciness. FYI, sweet Thai chili sauce is like my secret weapon, when in doubt – I add sweet Thai chili sauce. It always livens things up a little, whether it is a Thai dish or not. All is fair game with sweet Thai chili sauce.
So yeah, the bottom line for today – your Monday needs a taco. This taco to be exact!
And with that I will end my rambling, because wow, I think like every sentence today was a run on.
Ugh, Monday.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Taco Monday in for the win!
I’ve made these several times, and they are always a hit. A few modifications others may like:
– substitute chicken broth for beer (for those who don’t drink)
– dump all chicken ingredients in an instant pot and cook on the “chicken” setting
– MY FAVORITE: make as a salad … use a simple cilantro lime dressing (cilantro, lime juice, garlic, salt, olive oil) and put cooked chicken, apple salsa, and taco extras (cheese, avocado, etc) over dressed salad greens
Dare I say it’s even better as a salad than as a taco?!? I know … blasphemy. 🙂
Thank you Kim!! Also, so glad you shared these tips I am sure everyone will love them! xTieghan
Could you use just hard apple cider in place of the beer apple cider combo?’
Yes, apple cider will be great! 🙂 Let me know if you have questions. Hope you love these!
Pom seeds desolved and I’m not really sure how it all worked out but super deluxe! Thanks!
Thanks so much Maggie!
I don’t have w Dutch oven, assuming I can make this in a regular pan?thanks and can’t wait to try it.
Hi! Yes, any large pot you have will work great. Please let me know if you have any questions.Thanks!
Made this tonight and it was on point. So delicious, and with surprising and refreshing flavors. We’ll make this again for company!
Made these tonight!!! They were awesome!!! Also added some shredded red cabbage and orange infused crema on top, and some green onion!!!!
Do you have an enchilada sauce you recommend? I’ve never made or bought it before!
HI! I usually just buy Old El Paso brand. Hope that help and let me know if you have any other questions!
Hi Tieghan! Quick question: should we use red or green enchilada sauce for the chicken?
Hey Sara! I like to use red. Hope you love this!
Great recipe, delicious and easy to make.
Simon
Thanks!
Made this one last night, another hit! Can’t get enough!
Thanks Emily!! So happy you loved these! 🙂
Tried this recipe & OMG, it was so delicious & pretty to boot! Keep up the super recipes-I love them all. My family was so impressed with the great flavors.
Thank you so much, Annette!!
I have been following your blog religiously for about a month now, and I finally made these tacos last night.Amazing doesn’t even begin to describe how good they are. I can’t wait to try the Spanakopita Stuffed Spaghetti Squash next! If I keep following your blog, I may even be able to convince my friends, family, and boyfriend that I’m a real chef 😉
YES! So exited you loved these tacos! Hope you love everything you try!! 🙂
These are killing me they look so good. And that apple salsa is to die for, wow! You are really talented and amazing. Thanks for inspiring. 🙂
Thanks so much, Kevin!
Hello! Your blog and pictures are beautiful! I was wondering how you get your tortillas with that perfect crisp edge on them? Do you use a cask iron skillet to heat them? They look so delicious that way!!
oh my gosh this was so good! i made it for me and my parents last week and we loved it! my dad was eating the salsa with a spoon, easily my favorite part. the next day we took the leftover chicken and salsa and made it into nachos! can’t wait to make it again.
This was excellent. A lot of great flavor in this dish, plus the house smelled like Fall with it simmering in the crockpot which is always a plus.
SO excited you loved it!! Thanks Jeff!