Ancho Orange Chicken Tacos with Epazote Pinto Beans and Crunchy Jicama Cucumber Slaw
Mexican Food
Intermediate

Ancho Orange Chicken Tacos with Epazote Pinto Beans and Crunchy Jicama Cucumber Slaw

Original Mexican-style tacos featuring chicken marinated with ancho chile and orange, served on corn tortillas with epazote-simmered pinto beans and a fresh jicama, cucumber, and lime slaw. A vibrant recipe with smoky, citrusy, and crisp contrasts.

25 minPrep
30 minCook
55 minTotal
4Servings
Gluten-FreeHigh Protein

Ingredients

Adjust servings
4
  • 500 g chicken breast, cut into strips (skinless ni hueso)
  • 20 g dried ancho chile (without semillas)
  • 120 ml orange juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 12 g garlic (2 cloves for the adobo and 1 for the frijoles)
  • 2 g ground cumin (divided)
  • 1 g dried oregano
  • 8 g salt (divided or to taste)
  • 1 g black pepper
  • 30 ml vegetable oil (divided)
  • 400 g cooked pinto beans (with a poco of su líquido)
  • 5 g fresh epazote (chopped)
  • 120 g white onion (finely chopped, divided)
  • 180 g jicama (en juliana fina)
  • 150 g cucumber (en juliana fina)
  • 15 g fresh cilantro (chopped)
  • 45 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 10 g honey
  • 12 pieces corn tortillas (tamaño taco)
  • 60 g crumbled queso fresco (for servir)
  • 80 g radishes (sliced finas, for servir)

Nutrition facts

per serving

465 kcal
Calories
32 g
Protein
42 g
Carbs
18 g
Fat
9 g
Fiber
33 g
Net carbs

Approximate nutritional information. Estimated from the recipe’s ingredients and amounts, using standard reference nutrition values. It may vary with brands, sizes and cooking method. For guidance only; not a substitute for medical or dietary advice.

Allergens

Dairy

Instructions

  1. 1

    1. Heat a small skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Toast the ancho chiles for 10 to 15 seconds per side, making sure they do not burn. Transfer them to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let them soak for 10 minutes.

  2. 2

    2. Blend the soaked chiles with the orange juice, 2 garlic cloves, half of the white onion, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, the cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper until smooth.

  3. 3

    3. Place the chicken in a bowl and coat it with the marinade. Let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the remaining components.

  4. 4

    4. For the beans, heat 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the remaining garlic and the remaining white onion for 3 minutes. Add the cooked pinto beans, epazote, 60 ml (1/4 cup) water, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook for 8 minutes, lightly mashing some of the beans so they become creamy.

  5. 5

    5. In a separate bowl, combine the jicama, cucumber, cilantro, lime juice, honey, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss well and set the crunchy slaw aside.

  6. 6

    6. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil and cook the marinated chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until fully cooked and lightly caramelized.

  7. 7

    7. Warm the corn tortillas on the griddle for 30 seconds per side until pliable and hot. If desired, keep them wrapped in a clean towel.

  8. 8

    8. To serve, spread a spoonful of epazote beans on each tortilla, add the ancho orange chicken, then finish with the jicama cucumber slaw, queso fresco, and radishes. Serve immediately.

Chef tips

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. For extra heat, add 1 dried árbol chile to the marinade.

Substitutions

You can substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs. Queso fresco can be replaced with mild cotija, or omitted for a dairy-free version. If you cannot find epazote, use a small amount of extra cilantro in the beans.

What I used to make it

Generic kitchen tools that work for this recipe. You don’t need to buy anything to make it.

  • Illustrative image: Countertop blenderIllustrative image

    Ninja Professional BL610 Blender

    Smoothies, sauces and soups

    • Smoothies, sauces and soups
    • Easy-to-wash jar
    • Check the power and jar size
    View on Amazon
  • Illustrative image: Digital kitchen thermometerIllustrative image

    TempPro TP19H Digital Thermometer

    Checking doneness of meat and chicken

    • Checks doneness of meat and chicken
    • Quick reading
    • Clean the probe after each use
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  • Illustrative image: Non-stick frying panIllustrative image

    T-fal Ultimate Hard Anodized 12" Non-Stick Pan

    Eggs, omelets and stir-fries

    • Eggs and omelets that don’t stick
    • Comfortable, sturdy handle
    • Use wooden or silicone utensils
    View on Amazon

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