Americans eat more than 4.5 billion tacos every year. If you want to be a part of this love for tacos, start with this delicious recipe. It has flavorful, shredded chicken and spices in a warm tortilla. This meal will surely be a new family favorite.
This article will give you all you need to make these chicken tacos just how you like them. We’ll share the ingredients, how to cook them, and what to add on top. Let’s make your Taco Tuesdays (or any day) better with these amazing chicken tacos.
Key Takeaways
- This chicken tacos recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- The shredded chicken is seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and paprika, for a delicious taco filling.
- The recipe is versatile, allowing you to customize the chicken tacos with your favorite toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro.
- This dish can be made in the air fryer or Instant Pot for even easier preparation.
- The chicken taco recipe is a healthy and satisfying option, with the lean protein from the chicken breast and the potential for nutrient-dense toppings.
Chicken Tacos: We love them!
Chicken tacos are a beloved Mexican favorite. They make for a perfect meal, any day. This recipe brings you tasty home-made chicken tacos.
The seasoned chicken becomes juicy with a spicy kick. These tacos are fast and simple to make. You can add toppings of your choice, making them a hit with everyone.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
This recipe uses chicken breasts, which are easy to find. It spices up the chicken with five special herbs. And the result is a taste that’ll make you come back for more.
Serve these up on a busy night or when friends are over. They’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy and Delicious Meal for Any Day
Chicken tacos are an easy and delicious meal for every day. You can pick corn or flour tortillas.
Heating the tortillas adds a smoky touch. Use your gas burner or a skillet for this. It makes the meal even better.
5 Chicken Tacos Recipes: Easy, Simple & Fast
Chicken tacos are a versatile and delicious dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them spicy, sweet, or savory, these easy, simple, and fast chicken taco recipes are sure to please.
1. Classic Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken and taco seasoning. Cook until chicken is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Warm tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave.
Step 3: Fill each tortilla with cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Top with sour cream and serve with lime wedges.
Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for extra flavor.
2. Spicy Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup spicy salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream mixed with hot sauce
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, chili powder, and cayenne pepper. Cook until chicken is fully cooked, about 10-12 minutes.
Step 2: Warm tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave.
Step 3: Fill each tortilla with cooked chicken, shredded red cabbage, sliced jalapeños, and chopped cilantro.
Step 4: Top with spicy salsa and the hot sauce sour cream mixture.
Tip: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spiciness.
3. Mango Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, cumin, and paprika. Cook until chicken is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Warm tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave.
Step 3: In a bowl, mix diced mango, red onion, and cilantro to make a mango salsa.
Step 4: Fill each tortilla with cooked chicken, shredded lettuce, and mango salsa.
Step 5: Top with sour cream.
Tip: Use fresh mango for the best flavor and texture.
4. BBQ Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Lime wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook and shred chicken breasts. Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
Step 2: Warm tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave.
Step 3: Fill each tortilla with BBQ chicken, coleslaw mix, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 4: Top with chopped green onions and serve with lime wedges.
Tip: Add a bit of honey to the BBQ sauce for a touch of sweetness.
5. Avocado Lime Chicken Tacos
Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 ripe avocados, sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until chicken is fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes.
Step 2: Warm tortillas in a separate pan or in the microwave.
Step 3: Fill each tortilla with cooked chicken, sliced avocados, chopped cilantro, and diced tomatoes.
Step 4: Top with crumbled feta cheese and serve with lime wedges.
Tip: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos just before serving for a burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Breast
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are key in making the filling for chicken tacos. They’re easy to cook and easy to find, making them top choice.
Spices and Seasonings
A mix of chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne boosts the flavor in our chicken taco seasoning. It’s a simple blend of 5 spices that works wonders for the chicken.
Tortillas and Cheese
Use warm corn tortillas for these healthy chicken taco recipes. But if you like, you can swap them for flour tortillas. Top with Monterey Jack cheese or any cheese that melts for a gooey finish.
Using these few, but tasty, ingredients lets you make a dish that everyone will love.
Cooking the Chicken Tacos
To start, shred the chicken for the tacos. First, cut the chicken into small pieces. Then, mix it with a spice blend made from
5 ingredients
This special mix gives the chicken a tasty flavor.
Preparing the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into small, even cubes. This helps them cook fast and even. Next, cover them well with the spice mix.
Cooking the Seasoned Chicken
Now, cook the seasoned chicken perfectly. Heat a skillet and add the chicken. Cook, stirring, until it turns golden-brown and is done. This takes about 8-10 minutes.
Remember, the time can change based on your chicken cube size.
Assembling the Tacos
With the chicken ready, it’s taco time. Warm tortillas until they’re soft and a bit charred. Put the chicken and sprinkle cheese on each one.
You can add your favorite toppings like pico de gallo or avocado.
Want a crunchy taco? Briefly cook them in a skillet. This melts the cheese and crisps the tortillas.
Taco Tuesday treats like
air fryer or instant pot chicken tacos
.
Baked chicken tacos are a healthy option too.
Whichever you pick, you get a meal loved by all.
chicken tacos recipe
This chicken tacos recipe lets you make a favorite Mexican meal at home. It uses shredded chicken, which is full of flavor. This dish is perfect for anyone wanting an easy chicken tacos meal.
Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
---|---|---|---|
15 minutes | 10 minutes | 25 minutes | 12 |
Start with 700g / 1.2 lb of boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the tenderest meat. The chicken taco seasoning is a mix of cumin, paprika, and more. It makes the chicken taste amazing.
- First, season the chicken with the taco seasoning mix. Be sure to cover it well.
- Then, cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. It should be brown and cooked through in about 10 minutes.
- After cooking, shred the chicken into pieces with two forks.
- Warm the tortillas and add the chicken, cheese, and favorite toppings like tomatoes, onions, or avocado.
These chicken tacos will be a hit at home. They’re easy to make and very tasty. Enjoy them any day of the week for a fast meal.
Variations and Toppings
The basic chicken tacos recipe tastes great. But, you can make them even better with different toppings and flavors. Here are some popular choices:
Pico de Gallo
Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa. It’s made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and seasonings. This salsa gives the chicken tacos a zesty and lively taste.
Avocado
Avocado, either sliced or mashed, makes the chicken tacos creamy. It blends well with the other toppings.
Cilantro and Lime
Adding chopped cilantro and a bit of fresh lime juice makes the tacos lively. It brings out the best in the flavors.
You can add these and more toppings to your tacos. This way, you can make them just how you like and try different flavor mixes.
Cooking Tips
Here are a few important cooking tips for perfect chicken tacos.
Cooking Chicken to Perfection
Cook the chicken until it’s 165°F inside, making sure it’s safe to eat but still moist. A meat thermometer helps you know it’s fully cooked.
Charring the Tortillas
To make your tacos better, lightly burn the tortillas over a gas flame or in a skillet. This makes them crispy and adds a great taste.
By using these easy suggestions, your chicken tacos will turn out great.
Meal Prep and Storage
Chicken tacos are perfect for those wanting an easy meal prep. They work well for quick weeknight dinners or preparing in advance. Cooked chicken with seasoning can be stored for 3-4 days in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready. Then, add it to warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
If you plan to keep your chicken tacos for longer, you can freeze them. After cooking, let the chicken cool down first. Then, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It’s ready to be used whenever you need it by reheating and putting your tacos together.
Ingredient | Quantity |
---|---|
Extra Thin Corn Tortillas | 6 |
Cooked Chicken Breast | 6 oz |
Shredded Cheddar Cheese | 1/2 cup (56g) |
Air Frying Temperature | 400ºF for 8-10 minutes |
Smart Points per Taco | 3 |
Reheating Time | 2-4 minutes |
Nutritional Information per Serving | 110 calories, 3g total fat, 8g carbs, 12g protein |
Following these chicken taco meal prep tips, you’ll always have a tasty meal on hand. Use them for a fast dinner during the week or a gathering with friends over the weekend.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken tacos are a great choice for the main course. They’re even better with healthy chicken taco recipes and chicken taco beverages. This mix makes for a full, satisfying meal.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken tacos with Spanish rice, refried beans, elote, or a simple salad. These sides match the tacos well, making the meal complete.
Beverages
For drinks, consider agua fresca, horchata, Mexican beer, or margaritas. These beverages cool any heat from the spices. Plus, they add a fun drink to the meal.
Nutritional Information
Looking for healthy chicken taco recipes? Each baked chicken taco is a great choice. They have 154 calories, 12 grams of protein, and 3 grams of fiber. This makes them a tasty, fulfilling meal with the right balance. 34% of their calories come from carbs, 34% from protein, and 32% from fat.
If you choose these tacos over a Taco Bell crunchy taco, you get less fat but more protein. They also have fewer calories. Each taco gives you over 10% of your daily need for potassium, vitamin A, and calcium.
Nutritional Information (per taco) | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 246 |
Carbohydrates | 3g |
Protein | 33g |
Fat | 10g |
Saturated Fat | 2g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 2g |
Cholesterol | 143mg |
Sodium | 692mg |
Potassium | 28mg |
Customizing these healthy chicken taco recipes can boost their healthiness. Use whole-wheat or low-carb tortillas. Add nutrient-packed toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, and fresh herbs.
Conclusion
This chicken tacos recipe is both delicious and simple to make. It’s great for Taco Tuesdays or any night. The chicken is juicy and seasoned with spices, then wrapped in soft tortillas. It’s a dish that every member of the family will enjoy.
This recipe offers a lot of flexibility. You can pick your favorite toppings and it’s good for you. It’s perfect for quick dinners or big gatherings. These healthy chicken taco recipes are bound to be loved by all.
The best part? It takes less than 30 minutes to make. It uses easy-to-find, tasty ingredients. This recipe is perfect for busy nights or hanging out with friends. It really brings the flavors of Mexico to your table.
FAQ
What are the key ingredients in this chicken tacos recipe?
You’ll need chicken breast, a mix of spices (chili powder, cumin, etc.), tortillas, and Monterey Jack cheese.
How do you prepare the chicken for the tacos?
First, cut the chicken into small pieces. Then, season them with the spice mix. Finally, cook the chicken in a skillet until it’s brown and fully cooked.
What are some popular topping options for the chicken tacos?
Top your tacos with pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro, and lime.
How can you ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Use a meat thermometer to check the chicken reaches 165°F inside. Also, toast the tortillas in a hot skillet for more taste.
Can you make the chicken tacos in advance?
Absolutely, you can cook the chicken ahead of time. It stays good in the fridge for 3-4 days. When it’s time to eat, warm the chicken and fill your tacos.
What sides and beverages pair well with the chicken tacos?
Side dish options include Spanish rice, elote, or a basic salad. For drinks, try agua fresca, margaritas, or Mexican beer.
Are chicken tacos a healthy meal option?
Yes, chicken tacos are a good choice. They offer lean protein and lots of nutrients from the veggies and tortillas. It’s a balanced meal.