Chicken Tacos
Easy Chicken Tacos recipe perfect for busy weeknights. This quick and flavorful dish combines tender, seasoned chicken with fresh toppings on warm tortillas, delivering a delicious Mexican-inspired meal in under 30 minutes. Fully customizable to suit different dietary preferences and spice levels, it’s a wholesome, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Can be gluten-free (use corn tortillas) or adjusted for dairy-free
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless) – about 1 lb (450 g)
- Taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika) – 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
- Small tortillas (corn or flour) – 8 to 10 pieces
- Fresh lime – 1, cut into wedges
- Shredded lettuce – 1 cup
- Diced tomatoes or salsa – 1 cup
- Grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend) – 1 cup
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream – for serving
- Avocado slices – 1 medium avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro – a handful, chopped
- Prep the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts or thighs into thin strips to ensure quick and even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere better.
- Season the Chicken: Mix the taco seasoning with olive oil in a bowl, then toss the chicken strips until evenly coated, infusing the meat with vibrant flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and lightly browned on the edges.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven to make them soft and pliable for folding.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with a generous scoop of cooked chicken. Layer on shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes or salsa, and grated cheese. Add optional toppings like sour cream, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro as desired.
Notes
- Use fresh tortillas and warm them before serving for better texture and flavor.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to get even searing; cook in batches if needed.
- Balance toppings by combining crunchy, creamy, and tangy elements for a perfect bite.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes to lock in juices for tenderness.
- Adjust seasoning quantities to control spice levels according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, easy dinner, quick recipe, Mexican, taco seasoning, weeknight meal, gluten free option