Best Chicken Tacos Recipe

There may be an abundance of restaurants, food trucks, and chain stores that offer a variety of tacos. That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the taste of legendary tacos at home. You can relish in the playfulness of experimenting with fillings and sides, like guacamole. Even more, the joy of savoring the delicate blend of spices awaits you.

This chicken taco recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a festive gathering, or just to satisfy your taco cravings. Street taco chicken recipes allow you to customize your tacos to your taste. Whether you’re a seasoned taco connoisseur or a curious newcomer, this authentic Mexican chicken taco recipe will surely become a favorite.

Easy Chicken Taco Recipe: Ingredients

To make things simpler, here’s a detailed breakdown of ideal ingredients for the perfect chicken taco:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 white onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
12 corn tortillas, warmed
Cilantro, chopped (optional)
Cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
Your favorite taco toppings (see suggestions below in step 5)

Easy Recipe for Chicken Tacos

After a busy day, a low-maintenance meal that still packs a punch of flavor is a must. Luckily, this recipe for chicken tacos can come together in 30 minutes.

Preparation and Cooking Times:

Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (chopping vegetables, preparing ingredients)
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (cooking chicken, simmering sauce)
Total Time: 25-35 minutes

Note: Keep in mind that times can vary depending on cooking equipment and specific methods used.

Let’s look at the easy steps you should follow:

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and shred it using two forks or with your fingers.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened for about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Assemble the Tacos: Warm your corn tortillas according to package instructions. Divide the shredded chicken and sauce evenly among the tortillas.
Top With Your Favorite Toppings: Some options include chopped cilantro, crumbled cotija cheese, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, salsa, sour cream, or pickled onions.

Pro Tip: Leftover shredded chicken works well in quesadillas, burritos, taco soup, taco casserole, or salad.

What Cheese Goes With Chicken Tacos?

We recommend a mild, crumbly cheese like cotija cheese. This adds a salty and slightly tangy flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Queso fresco (a type of Mexican white cheese) or even a shredded Mexican cheese blend is also suitable.

What Are Tacos Traditionally Served With?

Tacos are all about customization. But some traditional accompaniments elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas:

Fresh Toppings: Chopped onion, cilantro, and lime wedges are classic additions that add freshness and brightness to your tacos. However, traditional toppings can vary based on Mexican region or style.
Salsas: A variety of salsas, from mild pico de gallo to a spicy salsa verde, can add a delicious flavor boost.
Sides: Mexican rice, black beans, guacamole, or a simple side salad are perfect complements to your tacos.

What Are the Most Common Taco Fillings?

Chicken is just one of the many delicious taco fillings. Here are a few other popular options to try out:

Carnitas: Slow-cooked pork shoulder, shredded and bursting with flavor.
Al pastor: Marinated pork cooked on a vertical rotisserie, similar to shawarma.
Barbacoa: Shredded beef brisket, traditionally slow-cooked in an underground pit.
Asada: Marinated grilled skirt steak, known for its rich and savory taste.
Vegetarian Options: Explore meatless options like grilled vegetables, beans, or tofu.

Treat Your Tastebuds to Los Tacos Hermanos’ Authentic Mexican Tacos

No matter how you choose to customize your tacos, Los Tacos is always here to fulfill your cravings for authentic Mexican flavors. This easy chicken taco recipe is just a starting point for your taco adventures. Don’t miss out on the legendary taste of Los Tacos, where we use only the freshest ingredients.

Support your local restaurants and order directly from our website. Try our grilled chicken taco if you’re looking for an even quicker, tasty alternative to this recipe. To spice up the offer even more, you can enjoy free delivery up to 2 miles from our locations on orders above $30. For the full restaurant experience, you can enjoy true Mexican taco flavors at one of our Manhattan branches.

FAQs

Can I use ground chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Simply substitute ground chicken for the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Cook the ground chicken in the skillet until browned and crumbly. Lastly, add the other ingredients.

Can I use grilled chicken in this recipe?

Of course! For a smoky depth to the taste, skip steps 1 and 2 of this recipe, and instead, grill your chicken pieces for around 10-12 minutes per side for breasts and 7-8 minutes per side for thighs. You can add a touch more chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the sauce in step 3 to adjust flavors.

How long will the leftover taco filling last?

Store the cooked and shredded chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days only. Reheat gently before using it in your tacos.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker or Crock-Pot?

Yes! Combine all the ingredients except the tortillas and toppings in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until it’s cooked through and shreds easily.

Which taco shell is best for chicken tacos?

The best taco shell for chicken tacos depends on personal preference. Soft taco shells, often made of flour, can hold more filling. The more traditional corn tortillas have that extra crunch. Both options are available when ordering from Los Tacos Hermanos.