Chicken Tacos

Cooking Time:

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (chicken thighs will give you juicier meat)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 1 lime, juiced

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small soft tortillas (corn or flour, depending on preference)
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or cotija cheese)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional, for garnish)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for topping)
  • Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for topping)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

1. Season the Chicken:

  • In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
  • Rub the chicken breasts or thighs with olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken.
  • Squeeze the lime juice over the chicken for a bit of tang.

2. Cook the Chicken:

  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
  • Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using thighs, they will take a little longer.
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips or shredding with a fork.

3. Prepare the Toppings:

  • While the chicken is resting, prepare your taco toppings: shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes and red onion, chop cilantro, and prepare any other toppings you’d like to add (cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.).

4. Warm the Tortillas:

  • Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 20 seconds on each side or until warm and soft. Alternatively, you can microwave them by stacking the tortillas on a plate, covering with a damp paper towel, and heating for 30-45 seconds.

5. Assemble the Tacos:

  • To assemble, place a few slices of chicken in the center of each warm tortilla.
  • Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cheese.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, a drizzle of salsa or hot sauce, and a few fresh cilantro leaves.
  • Garnish with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor.

6. Serve:

  • Serve your delicious chicken tacos with extra lime wedges and your favorite sides (rice, beans, or chips). Enjoy!

Notes:

  • Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs will give you a juicier, more flavorful taco. Feel free to use whichever you prefer!
  • Make it Spicy: If you like spicy food, add a little extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken seasoning mix.
  • Meal Prep: The chicken can be grilled or cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it when ready to assemble the tacos.
  • Toppings: Customize the toppings with your favorites, such as avocado, jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tacos:

  • Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these chicken tacos are perfect for a busy weeknight.
  • Flavorful: The homemade seasoning gives the chicken a bold, savory flavor, and the lime adds a fresh, zesty punch.
  • Customizable: You can load them up with your favorite toppings and make them as mild or spicy as you like.

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