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belizean chicken tacos recipe

Belizean Chicken Tacos Recipe

A simple and authentic Belizean chicken tacos recipe made with tender shredded chicken, recado seasoning, lime, and soft tortillas. Bright, warm, and full of Belizean flavor—perfect for beginners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Street Food
Cuisine: Belizean, Caribbean, Latin American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Group 1: Chicken Filling
  • 1.5 lbs chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1/2 onion diced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp recado achiote paste
  • 1 lime juiced
  • 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
Group 2: Tortillas
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Few drops oil for warming/frying
Group 3: Toppings
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • 1/4 cup diced onions
  • 1/2 cup tomato salsa
  • 1 avocado sliced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup refried beans optional
  • Hot sauce optional
  • Lime wedges

Equipment

  • 1 Medium pot For boiling the chicken.
  • 1 Skillet or Frying Pan For sautéing and warming tortillas.
  • 1 Forks For shredding chicken.
  • 1 Mixing bowl To combine chicken with recado mix.
  • 1 Cutting board For prepping onions, garlic, and toppings.
  • 1 Knife For chopping ingredients.

Method
 

  1. Place chicken in a pot with salt, pepper, garlic, and enough water to cover it.
  2. Boil on medium heat for about 20 minutes until tender.
  3. Remove chicken and let it cool for a few minutes.
  4. Shred the chicken using two forks.
  5. Heat oil in the same pot and sauté onion, garlic, and recado until fragrant and deep red.
  6. Return the shredded chicken and mix well. Add a splash of broth if dry.
  7. Simmer on low heat for 5–10 minutes to absorb flavor.
  8. Warm tortillas in a dry pan, or lightly fry them for a Belizean-style crispy edge.
  9. Add a scoop of chicken to each tortilla.
  10. Top with cabbage, onion, salsa, avocado, beans, or hot sauce.
  11. Serve warm with lime wedges and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Serve tacos immediately for the best texture. Belizean tacos shine with fresh lime and crisp cabbage. You can prep the chicken one day ahead to save time. For extra Belizean flavor, use culantro or cilantro before serving.