What happens when BBQ meets Mexican flair in a twist on traditional tacos? Hillbilly BBQ Tacos bring together tender pulled pork and tangy slaw for a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution. Slow cooked pork and crunchy cabbage make this family favorite a must try. Save this idea for your next homemade meal inspiration.

Hillbilly (BBQ) Tacos

Introduction

Imagine a fusion of the traditional Southern comfort of BBQ and the vibrant, festive spirit of tacos, all coming together in a dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. Hillbilly BBQ Tacos offer a creative twist on everyday ingredients, turning a typical weeknight dinner into a flavorful adventure. With the ease of preparation and the impressive results, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of Hillbilly BBQ Tacos lies in their simplicity and flexibility, making them an ideal choice for family dinners, parties, or even a quick lunch.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of BBQ sauce, tender chicken, crunchy vegetables, and the freshness of cilantro in a taco shell creates a perfect harmony of flavors. All the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets, making this dish highly approachable.
• Ease of preparation: The steps involved in making Hillbilly BBQ Tacos are straightforward and quick. From preparing the ingredients to serving, the entire process can be completed in under an hour, making it a great option for busy days.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the presentation and taste of Hillbilly BBQ Tacos are impressive. The vibrant colors and the variety of textures make for a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for Hillbilly BBQ Tacos include chicken breasts, BBQ sauce, taco shells, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, cilantro, and any other desired toppings such as sour cream, salsa, or diced onions. For the chicken, you can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference for texture and flavor. The BBQ sauce can be homemade or store-bought, and you can adjust the level of heat to your liking by adding more or less of your favorite hot sauce. Taco shells can be traditional corn shells or the more modern street-style shells for a different twist. Feel free to get creative with the toppings and sauces to make the dish your own.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, shred the cheese, and chop a handful of cilantro. If using, slice the onions and any other desired toppings.
2. Step 2: Cook the chicken. You can grill, bake, or pan-fry the chicken breasts until they’re cooked through. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding or chopping it into small pieces. Then, toss the chicken in BBQ sauce until it’s well coated.
3. Step 3: Assemble the tacos. Start with a taco shell, then add a portion of the BBQ chicken, followed by a spoonful of shredded lettuce, some diced tomatoes, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Add any other desired toppings or sauces.
4. Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Hillbilly BBQ Tacos are best served immediately to preserve the crunch of the taco shells and the freshness of the toppings. However, you can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time and assemble the tacos just before serving.

Handy Tips

• To avoid soggy taco shells, assemble the tacos right before serving. If you’re preparing the components ahead of time, store the taco shells in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
• For an extra crispy taco shell, you can bake them in the oven for a few minutes before filling. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Consider using a slow cooker for the chicken. Consider placing the chicken breasts in a slow cooker with some BBQ sauce and cooking on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken will be tender and infused with flavor, perfect for shredding and using in the tacos.

Heat Control

If you’re cooking the chicken on the grill or in a pan, make sure to cook it to the right temperature to ensure food safety. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a thermometer to check the temperature, especially when cooking chicken breasts. For pan-frying, a medium-high heat is usually ideal, and for grilling, adjust the heat based on your grill’s specifications. Remember, the key to achieving the perfect doneness is to not overcrowd the cooking surface, allowing each piece of chicken to cook evenly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in Hillbilly BBQ Tacos comes from the taco shells, crunchy vegetables like lettuce and diced onions, and any additional crunchy toppings you might choose, such as crispy bacon or toasted nuts. To maintain the crunch, it’s essential to assemble the tacos just before serving. If you’re looking for an extra crunch, consider adding some crispy tortilla strips on top of your tacos or using crispy bacon bits as an additional topping.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier shredding of the chicken, use two forks to pull the chicken apart into shreds. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quicker shredding.
• To keep the taco shells fresh for a longer period, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also warm them up in the microwave for a few seconds before filling to make them more pliable.
• Consider making your own BBQ sauce from scratch for a more personalized flavor. Consider using ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and your choice of spices to create a unique BBQ sauce that complements the other flavors in the dish.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or oven until warmed through before using in tacos.
• Taco shells can become stale quickly, so it’s best to use them within a day or two of opening. Store them in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
• Prepared tacos are best consumed immediately, but you can store assembled tacos in the refrigerator for a few hours. Let them come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

Hillbilly BBQ Tacos can be a fun and unique gift for friends and family, especially during picnics or outdoor gatherings. Consider packaging the ingredients separately, such as the chicken, taco shells, and toppings, in reusable containers or bags. You can also include a bottle of BBQ sauce and some fresh cilantro for a complete gift. For a more personalized touch, add a handwritten recipe card with suggestions for toppings and variations. If you’re gifting the tacos already assembled, use a sturdy, leak-proof container to keep everything fresh and secure during transport.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Experiment with various spice blends, such as cumin for a Mexican twist or smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor.
• Creative toppings: Add some diced avocado for creaminess, sliced jalapeños for an extra kick, or a dollop of sour cream to cool down the heat.
• Ingredient swaps: Use ground beef or pulled pork instead of chicken for a different protein. You can also swap out the BBQ sauce for a different type of sauce, such as salsa or hot sauce, for a varied flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the chicken becomes too dry, try adding a bit more BBQ sauce or using a marinade before cooking. For soggy taco shells, bake them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find a specific ingredient, don’t be afraid to substitute. For example, you can use diced bell peppers instead of onions or swap out the cheese for a dairy-free alternative.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure the chicken is cooked to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the chicken is undercooked, it will feel soft and squishy to the touch. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and BBQ sauce mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before using in tacos.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the BBQ sauce used, this recipe can be gluten-free. Make sure to choose a gluten-free BBQ sauce to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you’re cooking the chicken in large batches.

Conclusion

Hillbilly BBQ Tacos are a fun, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish to make, perfect for anyone looking to spice up their meal routine. With its balance of flavors, accessibility of ingredients, and the room for creativity and variation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, Hillbilly BBQ Tacos are an excellent choice. So don’t be afraid to experiment, add your own twist, and enjoy the delightful fusion of BBQ and tacos in every delicious bite.