Butternut Squash Chicken Street Tacos: A Flavor Fiesta!

Craving something beyond the ordinary taco night? Look no further! These Butternut Squash Chicken Street Tacos are a delightful explosion of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory shredded chicken, vibrant toppings, and a touch of spice. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, these tacos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds!

## Why You’ll Love These Tacos

* **Sweet and Savory Harmony:** The roasted butternut squash offers a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the savory chicken. It’s a match made in flavor heaven!
* **Textural Delight:** From the tender chicken and soft squash to the crisp cabbage and creamy avocado, these tacos offer a delightful textural experience in every bite.
* **Easy to Customize:** Feel free to adapt the recipe to your liking. Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, or swap out the chicken for another protein.
* **Street Food Vibe:** These tacos capture the essence of authentic street tacos with their small tortillas and fresh, vibrant ingredients.
* **Healthy and Delicious:** Packed with vitamins, minerals, and lean protein, these tacos are a satisfying and nutritious meal.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

### For the Butternut Squash:

* 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 4 cups)
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Chicken:

* 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* 1/2 cup chicken broth
* Salt and pepper to taste

### For the Tacos:

* Corn tortillas (street taco size)

### Toppings (Suggestions):

* Shredded cabbage
* Diced red onion
* Cilantro, chopped
* Avocado, diced or sliced
* Lime wedges
* Salsa (your favorite kind!)
* Queso Fresco, crumbled
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Pickled Onions
* Jalapenos, sliced (for extra heat!)

## Equipment

* Baking sheet
* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* Mixing bowls
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Roast the Butternut Squash

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
* In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the squash is evenly coated with the spices.
* Spread the seasoned butternut squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
* Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
* Once roasted, remove from the oven and set aside.

### 2. Prepare the Shredded Chicken

* While the squash is roasting, prepare the chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
* Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear on both sides until lightly browned. This helps to lock in the juices.
* Sprinkle the chicken with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
* Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the remaining sauce and toss to coat. Let it simmer for a few more minutes to absorb the flavors.

### 3. Warm the Tortillas

* There are several ways to warm your tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15-20 seconds per side, until pliable.
* Alternatively, you can wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave them for about 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.
* Another option is to warm them directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side, using tongs to flip them quickly. Be careful not to burn them!

### 4. Assemble the Tacos

* Now for the fun part! Lay out your warmed tortillas.
* Spoon a generous amount of shredded chicken onto each tortilla.
* Top with roasted butternut squash.
* Add your desired toppings: shredded cabbage, diced red onion, cilantro, avocado, salsa, queso fresco, sour cream, pickled onions, and jalapenos.
* Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco for a burst of freshness.

### 5. Serve and Enjoy!

* Serve your Butternut Squash Chicken Street Tacos immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!

## Tips and Variations

* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with black beans or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Season the beans with the same spices used for the chicken.
* **Add Some Heat:** If you like your tacos spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or use a spicy salsa.
* **Different Squash:** While butternut squash is the star of this recipe, you can also use other types of squash, such as acorn squash or delicata squash.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can roast the butternut squash and shred the chicken ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator and assemble the tacos just before serving.
* **Creamy Chipotle Sauce:** For an extra layer of flavor, drizzle the tacos with a creamy chipotle sauce. Blend together sour cream or Greek yogurt with a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and a squeeze of lime juice.
* **Grilled Corn:** Add some grilled corn kernels to the tacos for a smoky sweetness.
* **Spice Rub for Chicken:** Instead of cooking the chicken in broth and spices, try rubbing the chicken breasts with the spice mixture and then grilling or baking them until cooked through. Shred the chicken after it has cooled slightly.
* **Pickled Red Onions:** These add a tangy crunch that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash. You can easily make your own by soaking sliced red onions in a mixture of vinegar, water, sugar, and salt.
* **Mango Salsa:** A sweet and spicy mango salsa would be an amazing addition to these tacos. The sweetness of the mango pairs well with the savory chicken and squash.
* **Queso Fresco vs. Cotija:** Queso Fresco is a mild, crumbly cheese that is commonly used in Mexican cuisine. Cotija is a harder, saltier cheese that can also be used. Choose whichever one you prefer, or even a combination of both!
* **Tortilla Options:** While corn tortillas are traditional for street tacos, you can also use flour tortillas if you prefer. Look for small, street taco-sized tortillas for the best experience.
* **Make it a Bowl:** If you’re trying to reduce carbs or simply prefer a bowl, you can serve the butternut squash chicken and toppings over a bed of rice or quinoa.

## Serving Suggestions

These Butternut Squash Chicken Street Tacos are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with some sides to complete the feast. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mexican Rice:** A classic side dish that pairs perfectly with tacos.
* **Refried Beans:** Another classic Mexican staple.
* **Elote (Mexican Street Corn):** Grilled corn on the cob, slathered in mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** A crowd-pleasing appetizer.
* **Mexican Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy side dish.
* **Watermelon Agua Fresca:** A light and refreshing drink.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate, per taco)

* Calories: 250-350
* Protein: 20-25g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 25-35g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Get Creative and Enjoy!

These Butternut Squash Chicken Street Tacos are a canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings, sauces, and flavors to create your own signature taco. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process!

## Printable Recipe Card

Enjoy your flavor fiesta! These Butternut Squash Chicken Street Tacos are a guaranteed hit!