Quick & Flavorful Chicken Tacos for Any Night (Print Version)
Whip up these easy, flavorful chicken tacos! Juicy chicken, vibrant toppings, and a quick spice blend make weeknights delicious.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Dairy-Free (if using dairy-free toppings), Gluten-Free (if using corn tortillas)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Players
01 -
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 large, about 1.5 lbs)
02 -
Olive Oil (2 tbsp)
03 -
Yellow Onion (1 small, diced)
04 -
Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
05 -
Chicken Broth (1/2 cup)
→ Spice Blend Magic
06 -
Chili Powder (1 tbsp)
07 -
Cumin (1 tsp)
08 -
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
09 -
Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp)
10 -
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
→ Fresh Toppings & Add-ons
11 -
Shredded Lettuce
12 -
Diced Tomatoes
13 -
Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
14 -
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
15 -
Salsa
16 -
Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
17 -
Lime Wedges
→ For Serving
18 -
Corn or Flour Tortillas (12 small)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, let's get that chicken ready! I usually cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces, just so they cook evenly and shred easily later. Then, dice that onion and mince the garlic. This is where the kitchen starts to smell good, honestly. It’s like the opening act of a delicious play. Don’t rush this part; good prep makes for happy cooking. I once tried to mince garlic super fast and almost took off a finger, oops!
02 -
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your diced onion. Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Oh, that smell! This is where the base of your flavorful chicken tacos really begins to form. Just be careful not to burn the garlic; it can turn bitter so fast, a mistake I've made more times than I'd like to admit.
03 -
Now, add your chicken pieces to the skillet. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up, making sure every piece of chicken is coated in that glorious spice blend. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it's browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. It's looking good, smelling even better! This is where the magic happens, giving those flavorful chicken tacos their signature taste.
04 -
Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This step is key for juicy chicken, trust me. I used to just cook it until browned and call it a day, but the simmer makes all the difference. The broth helps create a little sauce too, which is just delicious.
05 -
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be super tender and easy to shred. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with any remaining juices and stir to coat. This ensures every shred is packed with flavor for your flavorful chicken tacos. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, but it's worth it!
06 -
While the chicken is resting or shredding, warm your tortillas. I usually do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave for 30-60 seconds. Then, it's assembly time! Fill each warm tortilla with a generous amount of the shredded chicken. Add your favorite toppings, and boom! Flavorful chicken tacos are ready. This is my favorite part, building a little masterpiece!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the pan, honestly. Chicken needs space to get happy and browned.
02 -
Leftover chicken keeps great in the fridge for 3-4 days, just store it separate from the wet toppings.
03 -
No chicken? Ground turkey or even black beans work in a pinch, I've done it!
04 -
A squeeze of lime over everything right before serving? Game changer, trust me.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Knife
04 -
Two forks
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 350-450
Total Fat: 15-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 25-35g
Protein: 30-40g