4 Years...And 'All' He Got Were Chicken Tacos

Last Saturday, The Man and I celebrated our Anniversary, as we do annually around the beginning of March. This year, I wanted no responsibility in planning anything. Quite frankly, I made the decision that I didn't want to make any decisions this past weekend. We (he) planned a mini trip and I left all the details in his hands; hotel, dinner, transportation, cocktails, everything. I was swept away to Santa Fe, where on Saturday, our day commenced, (began and ended, to be exact) with cocktails. More importantly, other than the trip, we exchanged gifts. Thinking I was being cute and clever, I got him a few vibrant pieces of local art, and grilling tools. (I'm hopping he does not grill the art). He one-up-ed the shit out of me with an exquisitely astonishing Hobo bag. After a lovely staycation this past weekend (where I planned and paid for nothing) with the man who has put up with me for four years, I felt compelled to do something else nice for him. (Yes, he already received the back-up-gift...twice). So upon our return on Sunday, I chose to cook him a scrumptious dinner.

That's right. You're getting the recipe now. And, naturally, the story that accompanies my thoughts along with it. You're welcome.

(Fifi in Crock Pot...yes, I washed it out)

What I made? Crock Pot chicken tacos. How they tasted? Amazing!

On Sunday, post our day of day drinking, which turned into night drinking, which composed itself into dehydration and mini hangovers, I constructed the modern working womans' meal. And not only was it fantastically tantalizing for our taste buds, to make this meal was stupid simple.

Fast Pace, Slow Cooker, Soft Chicken Tacos (yields about 4-6 moderate appetites)

The Goods, or at least what I used.

-3 boneless skinless chicken breast
-3 boneless skinless chicken thighs
-1 pkg McCormick Taco Seasoning
-1 jar (16oz) salsa ...I used Kyleitos, Mild. (it comes from Texas. See?!? Good things do come from Texas)
-1 small yellow or white onion, good chop
-1 bunch fresh cilantro, de-stemmed (I washed, picked, and froze the remaining)
-sour cream (As much as you want to slather on your tacos)
-cheese, yellow
-1-2 tomatoes, diced
-2-3 juicy limes
-pkg Gordita sized tortillas (I like Bueno's Grandma Style Small Tortillas)

What to do With the Goods, or at least what I did with them.

-In a Crock Pot, put all of the chicken, jar of salsa, taco seasoning, and 1/4-1/2 of your chopped onion in. Cook on high for 4-6 hours or low for 6-8.

(simmerin' chicken)

I stirred my dinner project about once an hour and at about hour 4.5 (of cooking on HIGH) I took two forks and began shredding the chicken, old school style. I also mixed in about 1/4 c of fresh chopped cilantro and turned the temp to warm.

The tacos were served with homemade guacamole (avocados, spices, lime, tomato, onion... I imagine there is a more bad ass recipe for this elsewhere, so I didn't list mine), sour cream, cheese, more onion (I smelled good for days), chopped tomato, chopped cilantro, and a lot of lime!

(now we're getting fancy, we've got garnish photos)

It is true, I have worked my way through the kitchen slowly with minimal tools and a minimalists idea of counter space. Some things I have prepared have turned to poo, and others are decadent. These tender, EASY, soft chicken tacos by far take the cake. Plus, I looked like every man's (wet) dream, prancing around in an apron cooking hearty food for my hungover poodle pants. (Sexy dream turned into not-so-sexy nightmare when he realized I was wearing grandpa gray sweatpants underneath and I was a main component in the onion smell lingering in the house).

I was too lazy (maybe hungover, still) to make beans and rice, or any other side dish to pair with my tacos, so they went solo. The verdict, nevertheless, was delicious food and a delicious weekend.

(the finished product)

Cheers!