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Chicken Tacos

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.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: chicken tacos, easy dinner, quick recipe, Mexican, taco seasoning, weeknight meal, gluten free option