10 Quick and Easy Chicken Taco Recipes
Did you know that over 50 million tacos are consumed in the United States every week? If you’re a fan of this delicious and versatile dish, you’re in the right place! In this blog, we’ll explore 10 quick and easy chicken taco recipes that will not only satisfy your cravings but also make mealtime a breeze. From zesty lime chicken tacos to creamy avocado delights, get ready to discover some mouthwatering ideas that promise to spice up your weeknight dinners!
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Speedy Salsa Chicken Tacos
These Speedy Salsa Chicken Tacos are special because they combine fresh, zesty flavors with the convenience of a quick preparation, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 8 taco-sized flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with cumin and chili powder.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken, cooking for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
4. In the same skillet, add the salsa and bring it to a simmer. Return the chopped chicken to the skillet and stir to combine, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. Warm the flour tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until soft and pliable.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the salsa chicken in each tortilla, then adding shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Tips:
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken in salsa for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Feel free to customize the toppings with your favorite ingredients like jalapeños or avocado.
- Leftover chicken can be used for salads or wraps the next day.
Five-Minute Taco Chicken Wraps
This quick and flavorful Five-Minute Taco Chicken Wraps dish combines zesty spices and savory chicken for a delicious meal in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
Preparation Time: 2 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with taco seasoning until evenly coated.
2. Warm the flour tortillas in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds until pliable.
3. On each tortilla, layer the seasoned chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
4. Drizzle with salsa and add sour cream if desired.
5. Roll the tortillas tightly to form wraps and serve immediately.
Tips:
- Feel free to substitute chicken with canned beans for a vegetarian option.
- Customize your toppings with avocado, jalapeños, or corn for added flavor.
- Make sure your tortillas are warmed for easier rolling and better texture.
One-Pan Taco Chicken Feast
This One-Pan Taco Chicken Feast brings together zesty flavors and effortless cooking, making it an ideal dinner choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 1 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, coat the chicken breasts with olive oil and taco seasoning, making sure they are evenly coated.
3. Place the seasoned chicken in a large oven-safe skillet.
4. Add diced bell peppers, onion, black beans, corn, and salsa around the chicken in the skillet.
5. Cover the skillet with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
6. Remove the foil, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted.
7. Once done, take it out of the oven, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the taco seasoning and olive oil for a few hours before cooking.
- Feel free to add any additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more variety.
- This dish pairs well with rice or tortillas for a complete meal.
Zesty Lime Chicken Tacos
This Zesty Lime Chicken Tacos recipe is special for its vibrant blend of zesty lime and savory chicken, delivering a fresh and exciting flavor in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup diced avocado
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, and salt to create a marinade.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and add them to the marinade. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
4. While the chicken is cooking, warm the corn tortillas in a separate pan or microwave until soft.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing the cooked chicken onto the tortillas, then topping with shredded cabbage, cilantro, avocado, and diced tomatoes.
6. Squeeze extra lime juice on top for an added zesty kick before serving.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for longer if you have time.
- Experiment with different toppings like jalapeños or sour cream for added taste.
- Use leftover chicken for salads or wraps the next day.
BBQ Chicken Taco Delight
BBQ Chicken Taco Delight is a mouthwatering fusion of smoky, tangy barbecue chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, mixing until fully coated.
2. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken mixture and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the coleslaw mix and ranch dressing, mixing well.
4. Warm the flour tortillas in a pan or microwave for a few seconds until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the BBQ chicken and coleslaw on each tortilla.
6. Top with shredded cheese and chopped cilantro, then roll up the tortillas to enclose the filling.
7. Serve immediately and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Taco Delight!
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add sliced jalapeños for some spice.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
- Feel free to customize toppings like avocado or tomato based on your preference.
- Make these ahead of time and reheat them in the oven for a quick meal.
Creamy Avocado Chicken Tacos
This Creamy Avocado Chicken Tacos recipe combines succulent chicken with rich avocado and zesty lime, creating a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- Salt to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocado until smooth.
2. Add the Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and salt to the mashed avocado; mix well to create a creamy sauce.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken with a pinch of salt and stir until evenly coated.
4. Warm the tortillas in a skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes on each side until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos by spreading a generous amount of the avocado sauce onto each tortilla, topping with shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and feta cheese if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious creamy avocado chicken tacos!
Tips:
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Customize your toppings with jalapeños or lettuce for an extra crunch.
- Store leftover creamy avocado sauce in an airtight container to enjoy later.
Spicy Garlic Chicken Street Tacos
These Spicy Garlic Chicken Street Tacos are packed with bold flavors and a delightful kick, making them perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup salsa
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the garlic, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and lime juice to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated, and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 7-8 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
5. Warm the corn tortillas in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
6. Assemble the tacos by placing the sliced chicken on each tortilla and topping with cilantro, onions, avocado, and salsa.
Tips:
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños as a topping.
- Let the marinade sit longer for more intense flavor.
- Use grilled chicken for a smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices.
Crunchy Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos
These Crunchy Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos are special for their combination of zesty spices, tender chicken, and a delightful crunch that makes every bite irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup sour cream
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to warm the taco shells.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and heat it up.
3. Season the chicken breasts with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
6. While the chicken is resting, place the taco shells in the preheated oven to crisp for about 5 minutes.
7. Once the taco shells are ready, fill each shell with sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
8. Top with salsa and sour cream before serving.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, try baking the taco shells for a few extra minutes.
- Feel free to customize toppings with avocado, jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Make extra chicken to use for salads or wraps during the week.
Tropical Pineapple Chicken Tacos
This Tropical Pineapple Chicken Tacos recipe is a delightful fusion of juicy chicken, sweet pineapple, and vibrant spices that bring the taste of paradise to your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine diced chicken, olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
3. Add the diced pineapple to the skillet with the cooked chicken and stir. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the pineapple is heated through.
4. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or microwave until pliable.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing the chicken and pineapple mixture onto each tortilla. Top with chopped red onion and cilantro.
6. Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Tips:
- For added heat, consider adding diced jalapeño to the chicken mixture.
- These tacos pair beautifully with avocado or guacamole for a creamier texture.
- Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp for a different twist on this recipe.
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Taco Bowls
This Cilantro-Lime Chicken Taco Bowl combines zesty lime and fresh cilantro for a refreshing twist on a classic dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup corn, frozen or canned
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, and chopped cilantro to create a marinade.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
3. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the rice according to package instructions.
4. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
6. To assemble the taco bowls, start with a base of rice, then add black beans, corn, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and shredded cheese.
7. Garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips:
- For added spice, sprinkle some jalapeños on top of your taco bowls.
- Use leftover chicken for meal prep and keep the bowls in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite toppings like sour cream or salsa.
