The Best Cheese for Chicken Tacos (+10 Alternatives)

If you’re a fan of Mexican cuisine, then you know that tacos are a staple dish.

They are simple, tasty, and can be customized to suit your preferences.

Chicken tacos are a popular variation, but what really takes them to the next level is adding some cheese.

But with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose which one to use.

That’s why we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best cheese for chicken tacos, plus ten alternatives.

Whether you prefer a creamy, salty, or mild cheese, we’ve got you covered.

So, let’s dive in and find the perfect cheese to take your chicken tacos to the next level!

Read Also: What Sauce Goes on Chicken Tacos? (10 Amazing Sauces)

The Best Cheese for Chicken Tacos

When it comes to selecting your cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind.

You want a cheese that will complement the flavors of the chicken and the other ingredients in the taco, without overpowering them. The cheese should also have a texture that will melt well and distribute evenly throughout the taco.

After considering all these factors, we have determined that the best cheese for chicken tacos is Cotija cheese.

Cotija is a crumbly, salty cheese that is similar in texture to feta cheese. It is made from cow’s milk and originated in Mexico. Cotija cheese is a popular topping for many Mexican dishes, including tacos, tostadas, and salads.

The salty flavor of Cotija cheese pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken and the spices used in the taco seasoning. It also has a crumbly texture that makes it easy to sprinkle on top of the taco, and it melts well when heated, creating a gooey, cheesy goodness that spreads throughout the taco.

10 Alternatives to Cotija Cheese

While Cotija cheese is the best option, there are many other options to choose from if you want to switch things up. Here are ten alternatives to Cotija cheese that you can try in your chicken tacos:

1. Cheddar Cheese: A classic option that adds a sharp, tangy flavor to your taco.
2. Monterrey Jack Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese that melts well and adds a subtle flavor to your taco.
3. Queso Fresco: A crumbly cheese with a tangy, salty flavor that complements the chicken well.
4. Queso Blanco: A soft, mild cheese that is similar in texture to mozzarella.
5. Feta Cheese: A tangy, crumbly cheese that adds a salty flavor to your taco.
6. Parmesan Cheese: A hard, nutty cheese that can be grated on top of your taco for added flavor.
7. Blue Cheese: A strong, pungent cheese that adds a bold flavor to your taco.
8. Gouda Cheese: A mild, creamy cheese with a slightly sweet flavor that melts well.
9. Pepper Jack Cheese: A spicy cheese that adds a kick of heat to your taco.
10. Swiss Cheese: A mild, nutty cheese that is perfect for melting on your taco.

Each of these cheeses has its own unique flavor profile and texture, so you can choose the one that best suits your taste preferences.

How to Choose the Right Cheese

Now that you know the best cheese and ten alternatives for chicken tacos, you may be wondering how to choose the right cheese for your recipe.

Here are some factors to consider:

• Type of chicken: Depending on how you prepare your chicken, certain cheeses may complement it better than others. For example, if you’re using grilled chicken, you may want to go with a milder cheese that won’t overpower the smoky flavor. On the other hand, if you’re using spicy chicken, you may want to choose a cheese with a stronger flavor to balance out the heat.
• Other ingredients: Consider the other ingredients in your taco, such as salsa, guacamole, and sour cream. You want a cheese that will complement these flavors, rather than clash with them. For example, if you’re using a spicy salsa, you may want to go with a milder cheese to balance out the heat.
• Flavor profile: Think about the overall flavor profile you want for your taco. Do you want a cheese that is salty, tangy, or mild? Do you want a cheese that will add a lot of flavor, or one that will blend in more subtly?

How to Use Cheese in Chicken Tacos

Now that you’ve chosen the perfect cheese for your chicken tacos, it’s important to know how to use it properly. Here are three ways to incorporate cheese into your taco:

• Shredding and melting cheese: Shred the cheese into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top of your taco. If you want it to melt, heat the taco in the oven or microwave until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
• Crumbling cheese: Crumble the cheese into small pieces and sprinkle it over the top of your taco. This works best with crumbly cheeses like Cotija or feta.
• Mixing cheese with other ingredients: Mix the cheese with other ingredients in your taco, such as guacamole or sour cream. This creates a creamy, cheesy mixture that is distributed throughout the taco.

Conclusion

Cheese is a versatile and tasty addition to chicken tacos that can take your dish to the next level. While Cotija cheese is the best option for its salty flavor and crumbly texture, there are many other cheese alternatives you can try, such as Cheddar, Queso Fresco, or Blue Cheese, depending on your taste preferences.

When choosing the right cheese for your chicken tacos, consider the type of chicken you’re using, the other ingredients in the taco, and the overall flavor profile you want to achieve. And when it comes to using cheese in your taco, shredding and melting, crumbling, and mixing cheese are all great options.

By following these tips, you can create delicious, cheesy chicken tacos that will impress your friends and family. So go ahead and experiment with different cheese options and techniques, and see what works best for you!