Chicken tacos are a popular Mexican dish made with chicken as the primary filling. They typically consist of tortillas (usually soft corn or flour tortillas) filled with seasoned and cooked chicken, along with various toppings and garnishes. The toppings can vary but often include ingredients such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and cilantro.
Chicken Tacos
4
servings30
minutes30
minutesThe chicken for chicken tacos can be prepared in various ways, such as grilled, roasted, sautéed, or shredded, and it’s commonly seasoned with a blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, garlic, and paprika. The choice of seasonings and toppings can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making chicken tacos a versatile and delicious meal that can be adapted to various flavor profiles. They are often served in Mexican and Tex-Mex restaurants and are a favorite in many households for homemade meals.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Filling:
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Taco Assembly:
8 small corn or flour tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup diced onions
1 cup shredded cheese (e.g., cheddar, Monterey Jack)
1/2 cup sour cream
Salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Start by preparing the chicken filling. If using chicken breasts, slice them into thin strips. If using chicken thighs, you can leave them whole.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and season it with the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it’s cooked through and nicely browned, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds on each side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds.
- Once the chicken is done, you can assemble your tacos. Place a scoop of the cooked chicken in the center of each tortilla.
- Add your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, and shredded cheese.
- Drizzle with sour cream and add salsa, guacamole, and chopped cilantro if you like.
- Serve the chicken tacos hot and enjoy!
