Chicken Tacos
Quick and flavorful chicken tacos made with juicy spiced chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings, this recipe offers bold flavors, simple ingredients, and endless customization to satisfy all tastes.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos per serving) 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken and Spices
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for cooking)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Tortillas
- 8 soft corn or flour tortillas
Fresh Toppings
- Fresh lime juice, from 1 lime
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim excess fat from chicken breasts or thighs. Cut into thin, bite-sized strips for even, quick cooking. Pat dry with a paper towel to help seasoning adhere.
- Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drizzle olive oil over chicken strips and toss with spice blend until well coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then arrange chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, turning once. Juices should run clear.
- Warm the Tortillas: While chicken cooks, warm tortillas for a few seconds on each side in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with cooked chicken. Top with desired garnishes such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add sour cream or avocado for extra creaminess. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate chicken in spice mix for 15-30 minutes for deeper flavor when time allows.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook chicken in batches for better searing.
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for best caramelization.
- Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean towel to maintain softness.
- Fresh lime juice enhances flavor and brightness in every bite.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, quick chicken recipe, easy tacos, Mexican chicken, weeknight dinner, taco night, gluten free tacos