Elote Tacos with Chipotle Chicken and Veggies

Introduction

A Melted Caprese Sandwich is a delicious, comforting fusion of two beloved dishes: the fresh, vibrant Caprese salad and the warm, gooey goodness of a grilled cheese sandwich. This sandwich features layers of creamy fresh mozzarella, sweet, juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil, all nestled between two slices of perfectly toasted bread. The combination of these ingredients creates a burst of Italian flavors in every bite.

As the sandwich is grilled, the cheese melts to a delightful creamy consistency, making each bite irresistibly satisfying. The fresh basil adds a fragrant, herby kick, while the tomatoes bring juiciness and a slight tang. The bread, crisped to perfection, provides a wonderful contrast to the softness of the cheese and vegetables, creating the perfect balance of textures.

The Melted Caprese Sandwich is an ideal choice for a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a light meal that still delivers big flavor. It’s a simple yet elevated dish that will satisfy your craving for a comforting, cheesy sandwich with a fresh twist. Perfect for those who love Italian flavors with a cozy, melted finish!

Perfect for:

Taco night
A flavorful, quick weeknight dinner
A crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings
A unique twist on traditional tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love Elote Tacos with Chipotle Chicken and Veggies:

Bold Flavor Fusion: This recipe combines smoky chipotle chicken, sweet corn, and fresh veggies for a bold and exciting flavor profile.
Creamy and Tangy: The creamy cotija cheese and tangy lime crema elevate the tacos to a new level, offering a perfect balance of creamy and zesty flavors.
Perfectly Spiced: The chipotle seasoning on the chicken adds just the right amount of heat and smokiness, making every bite a flavorful delight.
Sweet and Savory Combo: The sweetness of roasted corn paired with the savory chicken and veggies creates a delicious contrast that keeps you coming back for more.
Fresh and Vibrant: The addition of crunchy, colorful veggies gives the tacos a fresh, vibrant crunch that complements the tender chicken perfectly.
Customizable Toppings: You can adjust the toppings to your liking, from extra lime crema to more spicy chipotle sauce or even extra cilantro.
Easy and Quick: This recipe is perfect for busy nights, as it’s simple to prepare and can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
Family-Friendly: With its variety of textures and flavors, it’s a meal the whole family will love—kids and adults alike.
Satisfying but Light: These tacos are filling without being too heavy, making them an ideal choice for a satisfying yet lighter meal.
Great for Meal Prep: The ingredients can be prepped ahead of time, making this an excellent option for meal prepping or feeding a crowd!

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein, fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants

Ingredients

For the Chipotle Chicken:

1 lb chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier chicken)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp chipotle in adobo sauce (or chipotle powder for less heat)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp lime juice

For the Elote-Style Corn:

2 ears of corn (fresh or frozen)
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1/4 cup crumbled cotija cheese
1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for extra heat)

For the Veggies:

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 zucchini, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas if preferred)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Lime wedges (optional)

Ingredient Highlights

Chipotle Chicken: Smoky, spicy, and juicy chicken provides the heart of the taco.
Elote Corn: Creamy, cheesy corn with a tangy finish brings the vibrant flavors of traditional Mexican street corn.
Crispy Veggies: Roasted bell pepper, zucchini, and onions add color, crunch, and fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Chipotle Chicken:

Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, chipotle in adobo sauce (or chipotle powder), garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Add the chicken breasts, toss to coat, and let it marinate for 5-10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Prepare the Elote-Style Corn:

Grill or Boil the Corn:
If using fresh corn, grill the ears of corn over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning every 2-3 minutes, until the kernels are slightly charred. If using frozen corn, sauté the kernels in a pan until heated through and slightly crispy.
Make the Elote Sauce:
In a bowl, combine melted butter, mayonnaise, lime juice, and chili powder (if using). Stir in the crumbled cotija cheese and chopped cilantro.
Coat the Corn:
Once the corn is cooked, cut the kernels off the cob (if using fresh corn) or toss the corn kernels with the elote sauce mixture. Stir to combine.

Roast the Veggies:

Roast the Veggies:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the sliced red bell pepper, red onion, and zucchini on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.

Assemble the Tacos:

Warm the Tortillas:
Heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side until soft and slightly charred.
Assemble the Tacos:
To each tortilla, add a portion of the chipotle chicken, roasted veggies, and elote-style corn. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos warm with extra lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

How to Serve

The Elote Tacos with Chipotle Chicken and Veggies are perfect served with:

A side of Mexican rice or black beans
A simple green salad with lime dressing
Chips and salsa for extra crunch

Additional Tips

Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of chipotle or skip the chili powder in the corn.
Grill the Veggies: For extra smoky flavor, you can also grill the veggies instead of roasting them.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great for a quicker meal.
Vegan Option: Skip the chicken and add extra veggies or grilled tofu for a plant-based version.

Recipe Variations

Grilled Chipotle Chicken and Roasted Veggies: Marinate the chicken in chipotle seasoning, then grill it along with bell peppers, zucchini, and corn on the cob. Char the corn and veggies for an added smoky flavor.
Elote Tacos with Grilled Shrimp and Spicy Mayo: Swap chicken for shrimp, seasoned with chipotle and garlic. Top the tacos with spicy mayo made from sour cream, chipotle, lime juice, and a pinch of cayenne.
Chipotle Chicken with Pickled Red Onions and Avocado: Add a tangy twist with pickled red onions. Serve with creamy avocado slices and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a balanced flavor contrast.
Elote Tacos with Barbacoa and Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Replace the chicken with tender barbacoa beef. Pair with roasted sweet potatoes and a drizzle of lime crema for a rich and comforting taco experience.
Spicy Chipotle Chicken with Mango Salsa: Marinate the chicken with chipotle, and top with a fresh mango salsa (mango, cilantro, red onion, lime, and jalapeño) for a sweet and spicy variation.
Vegetarian Elote Tacos with Chipotle Grilled Tofu: For a vegetarian twist, grill tofu with chipotle seasoning. Add roasted corn, black beans, and a creamy chipotle dressing for a plant-based option.
Chipotle Chicken with Grilled Pineapple and Jalapeño Slaw: Char some pineapple slices and pair with a tangy jalapeño slaw (shredded cabbage, carrot, jalapeños, and lime). The sweet pineapple adds a nice contrast to the spicy chicken.
Elote Tacos with Carnitas and Cilantro-Lime Rice: Swap chicken for juicy carnitas. Add a scoop of cilantro-lime rice to the taco for extra texture and flavor.
Chipotle Chicken with Roasted Garlic and Herb Cream Cheese: Spread a thin layer of roasted garlic and herb cream cheese on the tortillas before adding the chipotle chicken and veggies. The creamy cheese complements the heat of the chicken.
Smoked Chipotle Chicken with Charred Veggies and Avocado Crema: Smoke the chicken for a deep, rich flavor. Pair with charred veggies and finish with a smooth avocado crema (avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime).

Freezing and Storage

Storage: Store leftover taco fillings (chicken, veggies, and corn) separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken and veggies in the microwave or on the stovetop. Warm the tortillas just before serving.

Special Equipment

Skillet or Grill Pan: For cooking the chicken and veggies.
Baking Sheet: For roasting the veggies.
Sharp Knife: To slice the chicken and veggies evenly.

FAQ Section

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, flour tortillas work just as well if you prefer them over corn tortillas.
Can I make the chipotle chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply store it in the fridge until ready to assemble the tacos.
Can I make the elote corn without mayo?
Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version or skip it entirely and use a little olive oil and lime.
What if I don’t have cotija cheese?
Feta cheese can be used as a substitute for cotija if you can’t find it.

Conclusion

Elote Tacos with Chipotle Chicken and Veggies are a vibrant, mouthwatering twist on the traditional taco. Featuring smoky, tender chipotle chicken, creamy, charred elote-style corn, and perfectly roasted veggies, these tacos pack a punch of flavor in every bite.

These tacos are easy to make and highly customizable—whether you want to adjust the heat level or add your favorite toppings, the options are endless. The creamy corn adds a rich, sweet element that pairs perfectly with the smoky chicken, while the roasted veggies bring a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor.

Perfect for taco night, meal prep, or a fun gathering, Elote Tacos with Chipotle Chicken and Veggies are sure to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Bold, flavorful, and satisfying, they’re an unforgettable way to enjoy tacos!