Craving delicious tacos but short on time? This easy chicken taco recipe is your answer! Forget complicated preparations; this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite.
What You'll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade – see below!)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
For the Tacos:
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings of your choice (see suggestions below)
Optional Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides.
- Season and Simmer: Stir in the taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade) and chicken broth. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid has reduced slightly.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken simmers, warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat, in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel, or even in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken and your favorite toppings.
Topping Suggestions:
The beauty of tacos is the endless possibilities for customization! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Classic: Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Spicy: Sliced jalapeños, pico de gallo, and a dollop of your favorite hot sauce.
- Fresh & Herby: Chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Creamy: Guacamole, salsa verde, or a creamy cilantro-lime dressing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Can I use leftover cooked chicken? Absolutely! This recipe works perfectly with leftover chicken. Simply shred or chop it and skip the initial cooking step.
What kind of tortillas are best? Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas have a more traditional, slightly drier texture, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable.
How can I make this recipe spicier? Add more cayenne pepper to the homemade taco seasoning, or use a spicier chili powder. You can also add chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the finished tacos.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Combine the chicken, taco seasoning, and chicken broth in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
How long will these tacos last? Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Make it Your Own!
This easy chicken taco recipe is a fantastic base for your culinary creativity. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, toppings, and even add other ingredients to the chicken mixture, such as black beans, corn, or bell peppers. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade tacos!
