Elevate Your Dinner: Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos – My #ChoppedAtHome Challenge Creation
Are you one of the millions who eagerly tune into The Food Network’s Chopped? There’s something undeniably captivating about watching talented chefs transform a mystery basket of ingredients into a gourmet meal under immense time pressure. The creativity, the quick thinking, the unexpected flavor combinations – it’s a culinary spectacle!
As a passionate home cook, I’ve always admired the innovative spirit of the show. So, when the amazing team at Sargento® extended an invitation to participate in their #ChoppedAtHome Challenge, I couldn’t contain my excitement! The idea of tackling a mystery basket in my own kitchen, without the cameras and the intense clock, yet with the same spirit of innovation, was thrilling. I’m absolutely delighted to share the delicious outcome of this challenge with you: my Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos.
The #ChoppedAtHome Challenge: Unveiling the Mystery Ingredients
The essence of any “Chopped” challenge lies in its mystery ingredients. For this #ChoppedAtHome culinary adventure, Sargento® presented me with a unique quartet of items that sparked my imagination. My task was to craft a quick and easy recipe, ensuring these four ingredients were the stars of the dish:
- Sargento® Off the Block 4 Cheese Mexican
- Boneless chicken tenders
- Couscous
- Salsa
While I had the freedom to incorporate other ingredients to enhance flavor and texture, these four were non-negotiable. The challenge wasn’t just about using them, but about making them sing together in harmony, creating a dish that felt both familiar and surprisingly innovative.
A Sunny San Diego Memory: The Inspiration Behind the Tacos
Inspiration often strikes in the most unexpected moments, or sometimes, it’s a cherished memory that guides your creativity. For this particular recipe, my mind drifted back a few months to a beautiful, sun-drenched day in San Diego. My best friend of over 30 years and I were enjoying lunch at the iconic Hotel del Coronado. The highlight of that meal? Their incredible “Fork and Knife Fish Tacos.”
That experience – the warm sunshine, the joyful company, and the sheer delight of a taco so generously loaded and elegantly presented that it demanded to be eaten with a fork and knife – planted a seed. I remembered the exquisite layers of flavor and the satisfying feeling of a truly substantial taco. It was this sophisticated take on a classic that became the blueprint for my chicken taco creation, proving that a taco can be both hearty and refined.
Crafting the Perfect Blend: Sargento® Cheese at the Heart of the Dish
As a huge fan of Mexican food, I was thrilled to incorporate Sargento® cheese into this challenge. It’s a staple in my fridge, and for good reason. Sargento® is renowned for its commitment to quality, offering cheeses that are always cut from blocks of 100% real, natural cheese, ensuring superior taste and melt. The “Off the Block 4 Cheese Mexican” blend, specifically the Fine Cut Shredded variety, was a perfect fit for these tacos.
This exquisite blend features Monterey Jack, Mild Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero cheeses. It’s designed to melt beautifully, delivering a creamy, smooth texture and an authentic Mexican flavor that elevates any dish. From nachos to quesadillas, and now to my gourmet tacos, this cheese blend consistently delivers. Its rich, dairy goodness provides the ideal counterbalance to the savory chicken and spiced couscous, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Gourmet Presentation: The Art of the “Smear”
Just like on cooking shows and in upscale restaurants, presentation is key to a truly memorable dining experience. I decided to bring a touch of that culinary artistry to my #ChoppedAtHome creation, specifically employing the popular “smear” technique for plating. This method instantly elevates a dish, adding visual appeal and a sophisticated touch that makes eating feel like an occasion.
For my Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos, I started by elegantly smearing a generous portion of refried beans across one direction of the plate. Overlapping this, I added a vibrant smear of my favorite restaurant-style salsa in the opposite direction. This dynamic base not only looks impressive but also provides a delicious foundation for the main components of the taco. The creamy beans and zesty salsa set the stage for a delightful exploration of flavors and textures.
With the beautiful base established, it was time to thoughtfully layer the remaining taco ingredients, creating a harmonious and visually stunning masterpiece.
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Print Recipe
Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos – #ChoppedAtHome Challenge
Ingredients
- 14 ounces chicken breast tenders grilled and sliced
- FOR THE COUSCOUS:
- 1 cup pearled couscous
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1/3 cup sliced green onions
- 8 – 4 ” flour tortillas can substitute corn
- restaurant style salsa
- 1 can refried beans
- 1 avocado sliced
- small leaves of romaine lettuce
- 1 package Sargento® Fine Cut Shredded 4 Cheese Mexican Cheese
Instructions
- Bring 1 cup water to a boil in a microwave safe dish with a lid. Add couscous to boiling water, cover and let sit for about 10 minutes. Microwave for 1 minute, stir in tomato paste and spices. Fold in sliced green onions, set aside.
- Grill chicken breast tenders. Slice into small strips.
- In a frying pan sprayed with a little non-stick cooking spray, quickly “brown” your tortillas on both sides.
- Smear about 1/4 cup refried beans on a plate in one direction. Overlap with a smear of your favorite restaurant style salsa going the opposite direction. Lay a couple of pieces of romaine lettuce at the side of the beans and salsa.
- Plate two 4″ flour tortillas on top. Top with chicken and avocados slices.
- Using a scoop (like one you would use for ice cream) scoop two helping of couscous onto the tacos.
- Sprinkle generously with Sargento® Fine Cut Shredded 4 Mexican Cheese.
- Serve with a fork and knife.
Nutrition
Beyond the Recipe: Why These Tacos Are a Must-Try
What makes these Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos truly special, beyond just being a successful #ChoppedAtHome Challenge entry? It’s the delightful fusion of textures and flavors, coupled with an elegant presentation that transforms a casual meal into a culinary experience. The grilled chicken tenders are juicy and packed with savory goodness. The couscous, usually associated with Mediterranean cuisine, takes on a vibrant Mexican personality with the addition of cumin, onion powder, and tomato paste, offering a surprisingly satisfying and fluffy base.
The combination of warm, lightly browned tortillas, creamy refried beans, and bright, tangy salsa creates a foundational layer that’s bursting with traditional Mexican flavors. Add the rich, melting Sargento® 4 Cheese Mexican blend, and you have a symphony of taste in every bite. The fresh romaine lettuce and slices of ripe avocado provide a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness and adding essential crunch and healthy fats. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors and clever ingredient pairings, all designed to be savored with a fork and knife, allowing you to enjoy every meticulously crafted layer.
This recipe proves that creative cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few quality ingredients and a willingness to think outside the box, you can create a dish that is both easy to prepare and impressive to serve. It’s the kind of meal that sparks conversation, delights the palate, and makes you feel like a culinary champion, even without a Food Network judge in sight!
Your Turn: Join the #ChoppedAtHome Challenge!
My journey with the Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos was incredibly rewarding, and now I want to encourage you to unleash your inner chef! The Chopped At Home Challenge offers home cooks like us a fantastic opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. If you’re inspired by the mystery basket concept, I urge you to find out more about the challenge and how you can participate.
You can find all the details about the #ChoppedAtHome Challenge and how to submit your own culinary masterpiece here. Imagine the thrill of crafting your best recipe using the selected basket ingredients, always including Sargento® Shredded Cheese, for a chance to win a grand prize of $10,000! What exciting recipe would you submit using Sargento® Cheese and the mystery ingredients?
Sargento® Shredded Cheese is an unparalleled choice for any recipe. Available in 30 versatile varieties, unique blends, and distinct cuts, Sargento® always delivers on its promise of being cut from blocks of 100% real, natural cheese. This dedication to quality ensures superior flavor and melt, making it a reliable and delicious component for all your culinary endeavors. For more inspiration and innovative recipes, be sure to check out the Sargento Pinterest page at Pinterest.com/sargentocheese/ or visit Sargento.com for a wealth of information and delightful ideas.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sargento. The opinions and text are all mine, reflecting my genuine excitement and experience with their products and this fun challenge. I hope my Fork & Knife Chicken Tacos inspire your next cooking adventure!