If you’re craving a meal that’s bursting with flavor, texture, and comfort, then you absolutely need to try this Best Chicken Tacos Recipe. These tacos are everything you want in a meal—savory, tender chicken, fresh toppings, and just the right amount of spice. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll be hooked. It’s a fun, delicious, and satisfying dish that works for a casual dinner, a taco night with friends, or even meal prep for the week. Let’s dive into this game-changing taco recipe, shall we?
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Why You’ll Love Best Chicken Tacos
These tacos are not just tasty—they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole group, they’re the perfect choice for a fuss-free and fun meal. Here’s why:
Flavor Packed: The chicken is marinated in a perfect blend of spices, and once cooked, it’s juicy and packed with flavor. Add the fresh toppings, and it’s a burst of deliciousness in every bite.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, these chicken tacos are a total win for busy weeknights or last-minute meals. You won’t be spending hours in the kitchen—just pop everything together and you’re done!
Customizable: You can make these tacos your own with endless topping options. Want to keep it classic with lettuce, cheese, and salsa? Go for it! Or get creative with pickled onions, avocado, or even a drizzle of sour cream.
Kid-Friendly: The tender chicken and fun taco format are sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, the kids will love assembling their tacos!
Healthy-ish: Using lean chicken breast and fresh veggies for toppings makes these tacos a great option for a balanced meal without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients in Best Chicken Tacos
Making these tacos doesn’t require a ton of ingredients, but each one plays a crucial role in bringing the flavors together. Here’s what you’ll need:
Chicken Breasts: The lean star of the show. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts soak up all the seasonings and stay juicy when cooked just right.
Taco Seasoning: A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and more. It’s the secret to bringing all the flavors together. You can use store-bought or make your own.
Olive Oil: Used to cook the chicken and give it a nice sear.
Lime: For a pop of acidity that brightens up the chicken and the toppings.
Taco Shells or Tortillas: Whether you go for crispy taco shells or soft flour tortillas, either works perfectly with this chicken.
Toppings: You can use any toppings you love, but I recommend fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Here’s how to make these mouthwatering tacos step by step:
Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any fat off the chicken breasts. Then, coat the chicken in taco seasoning and drizzle with a little olive oil to help it cook and caramelize. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown on the outside and cooked through on the inside. If you’re using a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks. The chicken should pull apart easily and remain juicy.
Warm the Taco Shells or Tortillas: While the chicken rests, heat your taco shells or tortillas in a dry skillet or oven. This step ensures they’re nice and warm for the best taco experience.
Assemble the Tacos: Take a warm taco shell, and fill it with a generous scoop of shredded chicken. Then, pile on your favorite toppings—lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime for that perfect zing.
Serve and Enjoy: Your tacos are ready to go! Serve them with a side of Mexican rice, chips, or even a little guacamole for the ultimate taco night experience.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350 (depending on your toppings)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Best Chicken Tacos
These tacos are great on their own, but if you’re looking to amp up the meal, here are a few side dish ideas:
Mexican Rice: Fluffy, seasoned rice is the perfect accompaniment to soak up all the taco goodness.
Guacamole: Creamy, fresh guacamole is always a hit with tacos. Plus, it adds that extra rich flavor.
Black Beans: Whether you’re serving them as a side or adding them to your tacos, black beans are a hearty and healthy option.
Corn on the Cob: Charred corn on the cob with a sprinkle of chili powder and lime is the ultimate side for taco night.
Additional Tips
Prep the Chicken in Advance: If you’re meal prepping, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Make It Spicy: Want a little heat? Add some sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to your tacos.
Use Ground Chicken: If you prefer ground chicken instead of shredded, that’s a great option too. Just cook the ground chicken with taco seasoning until browned and crumbly.
Customize Toppings: You can switch up the toppings based on what you like or what you have on hand. Avocados, sour cream, shredded lettuce, or even pickled onions are all great options.
Storage Tips: If you have leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the skillet or microwave.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. They’re a bit juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.
Q2: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the chicken and toppings ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the tacos right before serving to keep the shells crispy.
Q3: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A3: Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Q4: Can I use corn tortillas?
A4: Absolutely! Corn tortillas would be a great gluten-free option and will add a slightly different flavor to the tacos.
Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A5: Reheat the chicken in the skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, or microwave it in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: How do I make the tacos crunchy?
A6: If you want crunchy tacos, you can fry the taco shells in a little oil before filling them. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Q7: Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
A7: Yes, store-bought taco seasoning works perfectly if you’re in a pinch. Just make sure to adjust the amount to taste.
Q8: Can I add cheese to the chicken while cooking?
A8: Yes! If you like cheesy chicken tacos, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top of the chicken as it finishes cooking, and let it melt.
Q9: What can I use as a topping instead of sour cream?
A9: Greek yogurt is a great healthier alternative to sour cream. You can also try a drizzle of crema or avocado.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Absolutely! Just double the chicken and taco shells, and you’ll be ready to feed a larger crowd.
Now that you have the recipe, it’s time to get cooking! These Best Chicken Tacos are an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’ll become a favorite in no time. The best part? You can customize them however you like. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Best Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Tacos
- Method: undefined
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Taqueria-Style Chicken Tacos are packed with flavor, juicy shredded chicken, and all the classic garnishes. A simple and quick recipe for the best tacos you’ll ever taste!
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup homemade taco seasoning, or a taco seasoning packet
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for the pan, divided
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 12 corn tortillas, plus more
- 1 batch Pico de Gallo
- 1 bunch cilantro, chopped (if you don’t make Pico de Gallo)
- 1 small white onion, chopped (if you don’t make Pico de Gallo)
- Mexican Crema, or sour cream
- 1 cup Queso Fresco, crumbled (or cotija)
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- jalapeno, sliced
- radishes, sliced thin
- restaurant style salsa
- avocado tomatillo salsa
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken thighs and rub it in. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours in the fridge. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a 12-inch saute pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon oil. Once hot, add chicken thighs in batches, cooking for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip, add butter, and cook for 2 more minutes until golden brown. Remove chicken and tent with foil to keep warm. - Assemble the Tacos:
Warm tortillas and top with shredded chicken, pico de gallo, cilantro, onion, crema, queso fresco, and salsa. Garnish with lime wedges, jalapeno slices, and radishes. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg