Easy Chicken Tacos
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With a simple spice rub, the chicken is cooked quickly on the stovetop! Serve with pico de gallo, avocado + lime wedges!
Featured Comment
I think this will be my go-to weeknight meal for the next few weeks. No, wait, months probably. Because, guys, we just brought home a little baby corgi brother for Butters. So to say my hands will be full with these two little buggers is clearly an understatement.
reasons to make easy chicken tacos
- Truly the easiest weeknight chicken tacos ever (also great for lazy weekends)
- Includes a simple make-ahead spice rub using pantry ingredients already on hand (chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano and garlic powder), no marinade involved here
- So customizable – can be served in warm tortillas as tacos or burritos, and leftovers can be served as bowls, quesadillas or salads – the sky is the limit!
tips and tricks for success
- Use a cast iron skillet. Cast iron skillets retain heat much better than a nonstick skillet, allowing for even cooking and a better sear.
- Grill outdoors. When the weather permits, use an outdoor grill for even more smoky, charred flavors.
- Make ahead of time. The spice rub can be mixed, prepped and stored in an airtight container ahead of time, cutting prep time even more. Season the chicken with the spice mixture when ready to cook.
- Let your meat rest. Let your chicken rest for at least 5 minutes prior to dicing into bite-size pieces, allowing the juices to redistribute – this will allow for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Use flour or corn tortillas. Tacos are traditionally made with corn tortillas but small flour or corn tortillas can be used depending on personal preference.
- Double up the tortilla. Street tacos are typically served on two tortillas, known as la copia or “the copy”. This practice helps keep the filling together, and if the first tortilla breaks, the back up tortilla can be used for the rest of the filling.
- Serve with your favorite toppings. Serve with pico de gallo, salsa verde, guacamole, avocado, cilantro, cotija cheese or lime.
what to serve with chicken tacos
Tools For This Recipe
Large cast iron skillet
Easy Chicken Tacos: Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, chicken breasts can absolutely be used here but chicken thighs have more dark meat and a higher fat content which will yield juicier, more flavorful chicken.
Yes! We have a recipe for that here.
Yes, we have a recipe for that here.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Easy Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
- 12 mini flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 cup pico de gallo, homemade or store-bought
- 1 avocado, halved, peeled, seeded and diced
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Equipment
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Season chicken with chili powder mixture.
- Heat canola oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Working in batches, add chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 4-5 minutes per side. Let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.
- Serve chicken in tortillas, topped with pico de gallo, avocado, cilantro and lime.
Video
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This is my go to recipe ! its the best. Going to try and use it and bake it in the oven as I have to multitask and need to be hands free some hoping it turns out !
This was amazing! I didn’t have enough chicken so I subbed it a little with large mushrooms. Highly recommend.
This recipe could not be any easier! Simple ingredients! And best of all it’s delicious. Thank You❣️
Was looking for a chicken taco recipe to switch it up a little. So I googled recipes, this was the first one to pop up and boy am I glad!!! Had all the staples in my pantry and the chicken whipped up quickly. I go too alot off ratings and seeing this one was pretty high really sealed the deal. Thank you for sharing it.
Amazing! Made myself with a few modifications! Add Greek yogurt to spice mixture and tortillas! Delicious!
This was so good! Thank you! Would the spices work for ground beef tacos?
This was so good! Thank you for the recipe. Do you think the spices would work with ground beef for tacos?
This was outstanding. Absolutely Delicious. I diced the chicken first into bite size pieces, seasoned it with the spices then cooked it in the cast iron skillet. I added Mexican corn to the skillet while the chicken cooked. You can add any topping you like – it’s now the only way I will make fresh tacos! Yum
This is cooked regularly at our house. Damn delicious!
Thank you for the easy tacos recipe, Chungah! It was a big hit with the whole fam. I added some chopped Japanese sweet potato and refried beans. Btw. your blog looks beautiful! I feel like I remember Damn Delicious from years ago.. and your dogs. 🙂
I loved this seasoning mix. I didn’t have any boneless chicken on hand, only quarters. I separated the thighs and legs, put them in a large bowl. I then drizzled with a bit of lime juice and massaged the seasoning blend into them real good. I baked at 350 f. I made some Mexican rice. I cut my chicken off the bone and served on top of a rice bowl with lots of toppings! Hubby had his chicken with tortillas on the side. We loved this spice. It is now in my recipe box for frequent use! Thank you!
I have looked @ your recipes many times! Have to tell you that every time I open your site I absolutely melt when I see your picture! Thank you for the eye candy and some great recipes!
awesome!
Excellent!! My husband and I loved it. I did use olive oil. Used chicken breast tenderlions. Cut them into bite sized pieces before seasoning. Much easier!! Googled a homemade Pico de gallo recipe. Everything blended well together. This will definitely go on our regular dinner rotation!!
My family absolutely loved these tacos! They have a regular place in our dinner rotation now.
How many does this serve?
In the box with the prep and cook times, it says it yields 6 servings.
Easy, quick and tasty! Thank you
It says 6.
Quick, easy and taste delicious.
Yuuuummm, yuuummmm!
Yum, was a big hit! Will be a keeper to make again!! Thank you!