Chicken and Hibiscus Tacos
A unique fusion of flavors, combining the richness of chicken with the subtle, floral taste of hibiscus, all wrapped in a crunchy taco shell.







4.4 / 5 (571)
Ingredients
Meat
- Chicken Breast
500 grams
- Lard or Vegetable Oil
as needed
Produce
- Hibiscus Flowers
1 cup
- Onion
1 medium
- Garlic
3 cloves
- Cilantro
a handful
Spices
- Cumin
1 teaspoon
- Paprika
1 teaspoon
- Salt
to taste
Miscellaneous
- Taco Shells
8 shells
- Lime Wedges
4 wedges
Instructions
- 1
Start by marinating the chicken breast in a mixture of cumin, paprika, salt, and the juice of a lime for at least 30 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together cumin, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Squeeze the juice of one lime into the bowl and mix well. Add the chicken breast and ensure it is fully coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- 2
Prepare the hibiscus by steeping the flowers in boiling water for about 10 minutes, then let it cool.
Bring a cup of water to a boil. Add the hibiscus flowers to the boiling water, cover the pot, and remove from heat. Let it steep for about 10 minutes. Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Let the hibiscus tea cool down to room temperature.
- 3
Sauté the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent.
Heat a couple of tablespoons of lard or vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize.
- 4
Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until it is fully done.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Add the chicken to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside.
- 5
Shred the chicken and mix with the hibiscus tea, cooking until the liquid is mostly absorbed.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet and pour in the cooled hibiscus tea. Stir well and continue cooking over low heat until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the chicken is well coated with the hibiscus flavor.
- 6
Assemble the tacos by placing the chicken mixture onto a taco shell, topping with cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.
To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the chicken and hibiscus mixture onto a taco shell. Top with additional cilantro, some sautéed onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Ratings & Reviews
User Ratings
5
351
4
142
3
31
2
35
1
12
Reviews
- leilou92
I appreciate the creativity of this recipe, combining chicken with hibiscus flowers. As someone who enjoys traditional Middle Eastern dishes, I was intrigued by the use of hibiscus, which is commonly used in some Middle Eastern and North African teas. The inclusion of cumin and paprika in the marinade was a nice touch, as these spices are staples in many Middle Eastern cuisines. However, I would have preferred to see some more traditional Middle Eastern ingredients, such as sumac or pomegranate molasses, to give the dish a more familiar flavor profile. Additionally, I made a modification to the recipe by substituting lard with vegetable oil, as I follow a Halal diet. The tacos were enjoyable, but I think I would have preferred a more traditional serving style, such as serving the chicken and hibiscus mixture in a pita bread with some pickled vegetables. Overall, a unique and tasty recipe, but with some room for improvement to cater to my specific tastes.
- SoerenJ82
I'll admit, the combination of chicken, hibiscus, and taco shells was an intriguing one. As someone who typically gravitates towards traditional Nordic cuisine, I appreciated the creativity and willingness to experiment with flavors. The use of locally sourced ingredients, such as chicken and hibiscus flowers, aligns with my values of sustainability. However, I was disappointed by the lack of depth in the dish, particularly given my affinity for rich seafood and meat stews. The lactose-free aspect was a plus, but I couldn't help but think of how a Nordic-inspired take on this recipe might incorporate locally foraged ingredients and minimize environmental impact. Perhaps a reimagining with Norwegian cloudberry or Icelandic rhubarb could elevate this dish to something more compelling. For now, it's a solid 3 stars – not bad, but not quite resonating with my culinary sensibilities.
- LeiKahalewai
I'm absolutely loving the creativity behind this Chicken and Hibiscus Tacos recipe! As someone who's always on the lookout for new flavors to try, I appreciate how the subtle, floral taste of hibiscus pairs with the richness of chicken. However, being a vegetarian, I would definitely swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein source - maybe something like portobello mushrooms or roasted sweet potatoes? The combination of cumin, paprika, and lime juice in the marinade is also a great touch. I'd love to see a vegan version of this recipe that substitutes the chicken with a more sustainable option. The use of hibiscus tea as a flavor component is genius, and I can imagine it would work beautifully with traditional Hawaiian ingredients like pineapple or mango. Overall, I'd give this recipe 4 stars - it's a great starting point, but I'd love to see some tweaks to make it more inclusive for vegetarians like myself. As I always say, food has the power to bring people together, and recipes like this one have the potential to spark important conversations about sustainability and social justice.
- AkuaArtistic
Oh my goodness, I was super excited to try this Chicken and Hibiscus Tacos recipe, but unfortunately, it didn't quite hit the spot for me. As a vegetarian, I was already hesitant about using chicken, and I wished there was a veggie-friendly alternative. The use of hibiscus flowers was intriguing, and I loved the idea of combining it with traditional Ghanaian flavors... but it felt like a bit of a stretch. The recipe was a bit hard to follow, and I got lost in the steps - I think I might have missed a step or two, sorry about that! Anyway, I think I would have loved it more if it was a vegetarian dish with a Ghanaian twist, maybe with some fufu or plantains? The tropical vibe was there, though, and I appreciated the use of lime and cilantro. With a few tweaks, I think this could be a great recipe - but for now, it's a 2-star dish for me.
- Kairos23
This recipie is intresting. I like meat alot and this recipie use alot of chicken. The combination of chicken and hibiscus is good, not too sweet. I had some problums with lactose intolarance but this recipie no dairy so that is good. I think it need some more spice, maybe some chili. The instrukshuns are clear but some words I dont understand, maybe because my english not perfect. Overall, I like it and I will make it again. But next time, I add some chili.
- EvaLaRoja
¡Este plato no es para mí! Como vegana apasionada, me duele ver recetas que incluyen pollo y otros productos de origen animal. La idea de combinar el pollo con flores de jamaica es interesante, pero definitivamente no es algo que yo cocinaría o comería. Me hubiera gustado ver una versión vegana de esta receta, quizás sustituyendo el pollo con tofu o tempeh y utilizando un sustituto vegano para el aceite de cerdo. La fusión de sabores es intrigante, pero la falta de autenticidad y sostenibilidad en la elección de ingredientes es un gran inconveniente para mí.
- ThierryD75
I must commend the creator of this recipe for their innovative approach to combining the richness of chicken with the subtle, floral taste of hibiscus. The dish, Chicken and Hibiscus Tacos, presents a unique fusion of flavors that piqued my interest as a connoisseur of international cuisine. The preparation, although moderately challenging, yields a delightful outcome. The hibiscus tea adds a refreshing and exotic note to the chicken, reminiscent of certain French and Spanish dishes I've had the pleasure of savoring. The use of cumin, paprika, and lime juice in the marinade is also a thoughtful touch, as it pays homage to the bold flavors often found in international cuisine. However, I would suggest a few adjustments to elevate the dish to a more refined level. Perhaps adding some sautéed mushrooms or a sprinkle of microgreens could enhance the overall flavor profile and presentation. Nonetheless, I appreciate the creativity and effort that has gone into crafting this recipe, and I would certainly recommend it to those seeking to explore new flavors and culinary experiences.
- zara_tech
I attempted this Chicken and Hibiscus Tacos recipe, and it was quite an interesting experience. As someone who appreciates trying new fusion recipes, I was excited to combine the richness of chicken with the subtle flavor of hibiscus. The use of hibiscus flowers steeped in water added a unique floral note to the dish. The recipe was moderately difficult, but the preparation and cooking times were reasonable (30-40 minutes preparation, 20-25 minutes cooking). I appreciated that the ingredients were easily available and soy-free, which is a must for me due to my mild allergy. The instructions were clear, and I liked how the recipe suggested marinating the chicken breast in a mixture of cumin, paprika, and lime juice. The end result was flavorful, although I felt that the hibiscus flavor could have been more pronounced. Overall, I would recommend this recipe to others looking to try something new and exciting.
- EthanK2003
This recipe is a bold experiment, and I'll give it credit for that. The combination of chicken, hibiscus, and traditional taco spices is intriguing. As a meat-lover, I appreciate the focus on chicken, but I'm not sure if I'd order this at a restaurant. The use of hibiscus flowers adds a unique twist, but I'm not convinced it's a game-changer. The recipe's complexity might deter some, but I enjoy a good challenge in the kitchen. My only concern is the lack of bold, savory flavors I'm used to in Korean BBQ or American burgers and pizza. Still, it's a refreshing change of pace, and I'd try it again with some tweaks to make it more substantial. Overall, it's a solid 4 stars - not bad, but not a knockout either.
- KiraMats
I try this recipe. It interesting. Chicken and hibiscus, not usual. Taste good, but not spicy. I like wasabi, this dish no wasabi. I add some wasabi, make it perfect. I like hibiscus tea, it make chicken taste special. Make again, but add wasabi next time. Easy to make, but need some time. Worth it.
- Eirabird90
TBH, this recipe was a major letdown for me. As a vegan, I was already skeptical about the chicken and lard/vegetable oil. But I was willing to give it a shot, thinking maybe I could sub out the non-vegan ingredients with some tasty alternatives. Sadly, the hibiscus tea was kinda meh, and the overall dish just didn't pop. I mean, cumin and paprika are cool and all, but they couldn't save this recipe from its meat-centric doom. Also, can we talk about how basic the onion and garlic combo was? IDK, maybe I'm just a flavor snob now, but I need more excitement in my life (and my food). FWIW, I'd def recommend modifying this recipe to make it vegan-friendly - like, swap out the chicken for some jackfruit or portobellos, and use a vegan oil. Then, maybe, just maybe, I'd give it another shot. For now, it's a solid 2/5 stars from me.