Easy Chicken Tacos: Flavorful Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up these easy chicken tacos for a weeknight dinner! Tender chicken, vibrant toppings, and a simple seasoning blend make for a satisfying, quick meal.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Dietary: Gluten-Free (with corn tortillas)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (1.5 lbs)
02 - Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
03 - Yellow Onion (1 small, diced)

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
05 - Taco Seasoning (2 tbsp, store-bought or homemade)
06 - Lime (1, juiced)

→ Fresh Toppings

07 - Corn Tortillas (12 small)
08 - Fresh Cilantro (1/4 cup, chopped)
09 - Red Onion (1/4 cup, finely diced)

→ Optional Extras

10 - Avocado (sliced)
11 - Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack)
12 - Sour Cream or Crema

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your chicken breasts and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. We're talking about half-inch cubes here, so they cook quickly and evenly. Sprinkle them generously with a pinch of salt and black pepper. This is where I always get a little messy, chicken juices everywhere! But it's totally worth it for even cooking and building flavor from the start of your taco journey. Don't forget that seasoning!
02 - Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in your diced yellow onion. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it’s fragrant – don't let it burn, or it gets bitter! The smell, oh my gosh, that's when you know something good is happening in your kitchen, setting the stage for amazing tacos.
03 - Now, add your seasoned chicken to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Spread it out in a single layer and let it sear for 3-5 minutes without stirring, letting it get a nice golden-brown crust. This is crucial for flavor! Then, stir the chicken, breaking up any clumps, and cook until it's almost done, about 5-7 more minutes. Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another minute until fragrant and coating all the chicken. Don't overcrowd the pan; I learned that the hard way. Chicken needs space to get that lovely sear, not steam!
04 - While your chicken finishes up, it's tortilla time! I usually do this in a separate dry skillet over medium heat, one by one, for about 30 seconds per side until they're soft and pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds, or even briefly char them over an open flame for a smoky flavor – just be careful! It’s a little dance, but warm tortillas are non-negotiable for good tacos.
05 - Once the chicken is fully cooked and coated in that delicious seasoning, remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze in the fresh lime juice and give it a good stir. Now for the fun part: assembly! Lay out your warm tortillas. Pile a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture into each one. This is where my kitchen often looks like a taco bar exploded, but it's happy chaos, right? Everyone gets to be their own chef for these tacos.
06 - Top your tacos with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro and finely diced red onion. If you're using optional toppings, now's the time for avocado slices, a sprinkle of cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Pile it high! Don't be shy with the toppings. That first bite? Pure bliss, honestly. The combination of tender chicken, zesty lime, and fresh crunch is just *chef's kiss*. Enjoy your hard work!

# Notes:

01 - Personal cooking tip I've learned through experience: Don't overcook the chicken, it dries out fast!
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: Always store chicken and toppings separately to avoid sogginess.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: Ground turkey works great if you're out of chicken, just as flavorful.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: A drizzle of homemade lime crema takes these tacos to the next level.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - measuring spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350 kcal
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 30g

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