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Home Meat and Poultry

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce

4.18
/5
20 minutes mins
29 Comments
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By: Lalaine ManaloPosted: 04/22/2016Updated: 08/13/2017
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Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what’s for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

With the weather crazy hot as it is, I like to keep our meals as simple and uncomplicated as possible. The faster I am out of the kitchen, the better. And these chicken soft tacos with secret sauce fit that like a dream. They come together with basic ingredients and minimal work yet pack all the flavors you crave.

One thing I love about these soft tacos is how they are convenient to serve al fresco. I cook the chicken, prep the taco fixings in the kitchen and set up a mini taco bar on our backyard patio. G and I get to help ourselves to the best lunch (or dinner) ever while savoring the beautiful outdoors. And if he’s up for the extra work, we take the marinated chicken up a notch by grilling them over hot coals instead of the quick pan-frying.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

This also a meal you can easily pack up to bring to potlucks or to give as an awesome care package. Got a harried mom on your list in need of a break? Drop by with a Tupperware of unassembled tacos, some rice and beans, and save her a night of cooking. Her family’s dinner would just be a matter of warming up the chicken and tortillas!

And, of course, if you have a 6’1″, blue-eyed chap (or teens!) at home who always seems to be starving, double the batch and keep leftovers handy in the fridge for anytime cravings.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

The secret sauce. I’ve been making these chicken soft tacos for years but it was only recently when I stumbled upon on Pinterest what was touted to be Del Taco’s secret sauce, you know, that creamy concoction they slather haphazardly lovingly on their tacos. I’ve always thought my soft-shell tacos were pretty amazing with bottled ranch dressing but I have to admit, this secret sauce totally blows that out of the water.

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

Now, the cheese. While shredded Monterey Jack or Cheddar cheese might be more customary on these chicken soft tacos, I prefer to top mine with crumbles of a white, semisoft fresh Mexican cheese called queso fresco. It’s slightly salty and mild tangy tastes truly take these tacos to the top! Totally optional but highly recommended. 🙂

Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @OnionRingsAndThings on Facebook and Instagram!

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.
4.18 from 58 votes

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce

Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.
Prep Time: 10 minutes mins
Cook Time: 10 minutes mins
Total Time: 20 minutes mins
Author: Lalaine Manalo
Course: Main Entree
Print Pin It Email Recipe
4 Servings

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thigh meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, shredded
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • 8 pieces flour tortillas

For the Secret Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine chicken, lime juice, garlic, taco seasoning mix, 1 tablespoon of the oil and brown sugar. Massage onto meat and marinate for about 4 to 5 hours. Drain chicken from the marinade and cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • In a pan over medium heat, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and cooked through. Remove from heat and keep warm. 
  • Alternatively, grill chicken over hot coal until nicely charred and cooked through. Cut into 1-inch pieces.
  • In an ungreased skillet over medium heat, place tortilla and cook for about 20 to 30 seconds on each side or until warm and pliable. 
  • Alternatively, place 4 to 5 tortillas on a microwavable plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.
  • To assemble, place chicken in the middle of warmed tortilla, top with lettuce and tomato, drizzle secret sauce, and sprinkle cheese.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 512kcal, Carbohydrates: 7g, Protein: 48g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 234mg, Sodium: 491mg, Potassium: 735mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 4g, Vitamin A: 850IU, Vitamin C: 9.9mg, Calcium: 150mg, Iron: 2.3mg

“This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.”

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Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.
Chicken Soft Tacos with Secret Sauce are what's for dinner tonight! With flavorful chicken morsels and taco fixings wrapped in soft tortillas, and then drizzled with a dreamy Del Taco-inspired sauce, they are quick and easy to make yet pack big, bold flavors.

 

About Lalaine Manalo

Welcome to Onion Rings and Things where you’ll find hundreds of comfort food recipes, crafts, and printables. Browse around and make something fun or tasty today! Read More

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Reader Interactions

4.18 from 58 votes (45 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




  1. Cristina A says

    Posted on 7/3/21 at 9:47 pm

    5 stars
    I’ve had this recipe bookmarked for awhile and finally made it tonight. We grilled the chicken like the recipe suggested and it was SOOOOO good and easy to make. My husband said it tastes BETTER than Del Taco. Paired it with a salad and it was a perfect summer meal. We will definitely be having this often. Thank you for sharing 😊

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    Posted on 2/16/21 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    So simple, yet sooooo good! My family loved these. I added a bit to the sauce – I used sour cream and mayo, and added garlic powder and hot sauce to the lime. This will be on regular rotation – thank you so much!

    Reply
  3. Stephannie says

    Posted on 11/11/20 at 9:33 pm

    Oooo I can’t wait to make these!

    Reply
  4. Mimi says

    Posted on 6/7/20 at 10:51 am

    5 stars
    I’ve been coming to this recipe of yours for years because it is my family’s favorite dinner! It’s so easy and so yummy and makes my four boys’ day when they hear we are having “Del Taco Tacos.” What’s funny is that they actually aren’t a fan of Del Taco, but like these soooo much!

    Reply
  5. Sara says

    Posted on 2/14/20 at 2:36 pm

    Does the sauce keep well in the fridge if you have extra?

    Reply
  6. Sharon says

    Posted on 7/14/19 at 6:30 pm

    I don’t think this is the correct recipe for secret sauce, but all I can find online is this. I’ve put secret sauce on EVERYTHING for decades now. But I can’t find a recipe that actually tastes like it. 🙁

    Unfortunately, everything I find tastes like it was made by someone who never tried it, but the flavor was described to them by someone who didn’t know the ingredients. LOL Like La Croix Waters.

    Reply
  7. Tammy says

    Posted on 1/16/18 at 2:57 pm

    5 stars
    These are amazing! I live on a low carb life style, so I use splenda brown sugar instead of regular brown sugar, and I use low carb tortillas, or I use a lettuce leaf to make the tacos, or put the chicken on top of a salad. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!?

    Reply
  8. Ree says

    Posted on 12/29/17 at 4:57 pm

    5 stars
    Is it okay to cut up the chicken first then marinade over night. Or should I pour off the marinade after 5 hours and let it sit in bag over night. I want to get my prep work done the night before. I like my chicken semi frozen to make it easier to cut.

    Reply
  9. Carolyn says

    Posted on 11/3/17 at 5:02 pm

    5 stars
    Can’t wait to try this recipe!! It looks delicious. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 11/4/17 at 1:35 am

      I hope you try it, the tacos are amazing and so easy to make for weeknight dinner 🙂

      Reply
  10. Jennifer says

    Posted on 10/28/17 at 8:13 am

    4 stars
    There are no tomatoes on a Del Taco Chicken Soft Taco, you heathen.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 10/29/17 at 8:09 am

      Hello Jennifer,

      There’s no excuse for you being rude and calling people names but please read the post before you comment. I never said this is a Del Taco chicken taco. I said I like to top it with a secret sauce like Del Taco’s.

      Reply
      • John says

        Posted on 5/6/18 at 1:01 pm

        5 stars
        I think that was a joke

        Reply
      • Tiger says

        Posted on 10/2/18 at 5:10 pm

        5 stars
        It was very obviously a joke done in good faith, I’m sure they are very thankful for the recipe. Overly sensitive is just as bad or worse then not caring enough, sheesh. Cant wait to try this out!

        Reply
        • Lalaine says

          Posted on 10/2/18 at 11:02 pm

          I guess I am overly sensitive like you said because I’ve never thought of calling people heathen funny.

          Yes, please do try the recipe! It’s delicious even if it has tomatoes (now that is my idea of a joke) 🙂 Have a great day!

          Reply
    • Ree says

      Posted on 12/25/17 at 8:28 pm

      5 stars
      FYI Del Taco does put tomatoes on your Chicken soft taco’s if you ask for them for extra.

      Reply
      • Lalaine says

        Posted on 12/26/17 at 9:59 pm

        Thanks, Ree!

        Reply
      • Jessica says

        Posted on 6/23/21 at 1:20 pm

        I loved this recipe. I did add just a little sour cream to the sauce recipe and I think that made it just a little bit closer to del tacos sauce.

        Reply
    • Jaime says

      Posted on 11/19/20 at 9:04 am

      5 stars
      The original del taco in Barstow does do tomatoes. They’re the best!!!! 😉

      Reply
    • Brittany says

      Posted on 9/15/21 at 12:24 pm

      I have had plenty that came with tomatoes without me asking.

      Reply
    • Trumple Foreskin says

      Posted on 10/17/22 at 10:34 am

      5 stars
      You might should actually think before opening your taco eating hole. Most of their chicken taco offerings do have tomatoes. Just not the cheap 3/$2 ones you and yours get on paycheck Thursdays. 🥴😉 all in fun right!

      Reply
  11. Rob says

    Posted on 7/11/17 at 5:03 pm

    5 stars
    Can you heat the sauce up somehow?

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 9/12/17 at 2:03 pm

      You can let it sit at room temperature for sometime 🙂

      Reply
  12. Leslee says

    Posted on 3/11/17 at 8:40 am

    I don’t see where it specifically states how to make the sauce. is it just mixing the three ingredient and drizzling on the tacos?

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 6/28/17 at 4:54 pm

      Thanks Leslee. Yes, you just stir the three ingredients together to make sauce 🙂

      Reply
  13. pooja@poojascookery.com says

    Posted on 4/23/16 at 5:26 pm

    I will soon try these Tacos.. One of my Son’s Favorites.

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 4/23/16 at 7:51 pm

      I hope you do, I am sure the kiddos will love them 🙂

      Reply
  14. Karly Campbell says

    Posted on 4/22/16 at 7:51 pm

    This chicken looks SO flavorful and SO delicious. I might just have to bump Taco Tuesday up a day (or 4) this week!

    Reply
    • Lalaine says

      Posted on 4/23/16 at 7:50 pm

      Hi Karly

      Yes, the chicken was so juicy and flavorful! And with all the taco fixings, it makes a wonderful dinner meal. Thanks for the visit 🙂

      Reply

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