Name: Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, chopped; 2 tbsp (30 ml) olive oil; 1 lb (450 g) ground chicken; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp onion salt; 1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped; Tabasco-style sauce, to taste; 12 taco shells; 12 large iceberg lettuce leaves, thinly sliced; 1 cup (100 g) cheddar, grated; 2 avocados, sliced; 3/4 cup (130 g) tomato, diced; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; 3/4 cup (180 ml) sour cream; Store-bought salsa; Cilantro leaves

Jump to Recipe·5 from 7 reviews

If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Chicken Tacos are a surefire crowd-pleaser. Packed with juicy, seasoned ground chicken and an irresistible line-up of fresh toppings, this recipe captures everything we love about Tex-Mex comfort food. Every bite is bursting with colorful veggies, creamy avocado, and just enough kick from your favorite hot sauce. Whether you’re hosting a taco night with friends or craving a quick meal with lots of flavor, Chicken Tacos never disappoint!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Tacos are all about balancing bold flavors with vibrant freshness. Even though the list is simple, each ingredient plays a crucial role in building that irresistible, savory taste and those signature crunchy, creamy textures we crave.

Onion: Adds a sweet, savory depth of flavor that forms the base of the chicken filling.
Garlic: gives the meat a wonderful aromatic boost; chop it fresh for the most flavor.
Olive oil: Helps deliver that perfect sautéed flavor and moist texture to your filling.
Ground chicken: Lighter than beef but just as hearty, it soaks up all the spices beautifully.
Chili powder: Provides classic taco warmth and a punch of color.
Dried oregano: Lends a subtle, earthy herbal flavor that brightens the filling.
Onion salt: Enhances savoriness and balances the spices – don’t skip it if you can help it!
Lime juice: Adds zippy acidity that wakes up every bite.
Fresh parsley: A little sprinkle at the end gives gentle greenness and freshness.
Tabasco-style sauce: For that optional burst of heat tailored to your taste.
Taco shells: Crunchy vessels that hold everything together – heat them up for ultimate crispiness.
Iceberg lettuce: Shredded for refreshing crunch in every taco.
Cheddar cheese: Grated for the melty, cheesy finish every taco deserves.
Avocados: Sliced for creamy, buttery contrast.
Tomato: Diced for juicy, sweet bursts of flavor.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a mild, sharp bite and a pop of color.
Sour cream: For a luxurious, cool finish (and to tame any spicy heat).
Store-bought salsa: Adds instant zest and layered flavors—use your favorite variety.
Cilantro leaves: Finish with a sprinkle for extra brightness and classic taco aroma.

How to Make Chicken Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Taco Shells

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the middle. While it warms up, arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet. Just before serving, you’ll pop them in for about 5 minutes so they’re extra crisp and ready to cradle all the tasty fillings you’re about to make.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, pour in the olive oil and wait until it begins to shimmer. Toss in your chopped onion and garlic, stirring occasionally until they’re soft and fragrant. Don’t rush this part—the sweet, savory base builds deep flavor right from the start.

Step 3: Cook the Ground Chicken

Add the ground chicken to your skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink and starts to develop lovely golden edges. The browning adds irresistible flavor as it soaks up the aromatic onion and garlic.

Step 4: Season Generously

Sprinkle in the chili powder, dried oregano, and onion salt, and finish with a splash of fresh lime juice. Add the chopped parsley and as much Tabasco-style sauce as you like for heat. Give everything a good stir and let it cook for another minute or two, so the spices bloom. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper—you’ll know it’s ready when it smells so good you want to sneak a bite straight from the pan.

Step 5: Assemble Your Chicken Tacos

Quickly warm your taco shells in the preheated oven for five minutes so they’re perfectly crunchy. Now for the fun part! Layer the bottom of each shell with crisp lettuce, then pile on the warm chicken filling. Top it all with grated cheddar, creamy avocado slices, diced tomato, a scattering of green onions, and a generous swirl of sour cream. Finish with salsa and fresh cilantro leaves for maximum flavor and color.

How to Serve Chicken Tacos

Garnishes

Chicken Tacos shine brightest when you let everyone customize their own. Arrange bowls of fresh cilantro, extra sliced green onions, lime wedges, and your favorite salsa on the table. A sprinkle of extra cheddar or a dollop of sour cream can make each taco feel special. If you’re feeling adventurous, pickled jalapeños or radishes add a bright punch and extra crunch.

Side Dishes

For a true taco feast, serve Chicken Tacos with classic sides: think zesty Mexican rice, creamy refried beans, or street-corn salad (elote). Tortilla chips with guacamole or a fresh mango salsa keep things playful and colorful, while a simple green salad with lime vinaigrette balances the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Make your Chicken Tacos the star by setting up a DIY taco bar for friends and family. Offer different shell options—like flour tortillas or lettuce wraps—for a fun twist. For parties, prepare mini Chicken Tacos using tiny shells or assemble taco cups in muffin tins for easy, hand-held bites. Presentation makes all the difference, so feel free to get creative with how you serve them!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra chicken filling, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep toppings and shells separate, as this maintains the best textures and flavors when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers—no one wants a soggy taco!

Freezing

The seasoned ground chicken filling freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely before transferring to a zip-top freezer bag or container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you need a quick meal, simply thaw in the fridge overnight for Chicken Tacos in a flash.

Reheating

To reheat your chicken filling, gently warm it in a skillet over medium heat. If it looks a little dry, add a splash of water or extra lime juice. Heat taco shells in the oven so they’re crisp again, and refresh toppings right before assembling. Everything comes together just like it was made fresh!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Simply chop or shred cooked chicken breasts and toss them with the seasonings and cooked onions/garlic. The flavor is fantastic, though the texture will be a bit chunkier than with ground chicken.

What’s the best way to keep taco shells crispy?

Heating the taco shells in the oven right before serving is key—this drives off any moisture and makes them ultra-crisp. Filling the tacos just before eating helps too, so the shells don’t have a chance to get soggy.

Are Chicken Tacos spicy?

Chicken Tacos have mild heat as written, but you control the spice level. Adjust the amount of Tabasco-style sauce or swap in a milder or hotter chili powder according to your preference. Remember, extra salsa on the side satisfies heat lovers, too!

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just swap the traditional taco shells for gluten-free corn shells or even lettuce wraps. Double-check your seasonings and sauces to make sure they’re gluten-free if you’re cooking for someone with allergies.

How do I meal prep Chicken Tacos for busy nights?

Cook the chicken filling and chop all your toppings ahead of time. Store everything in separate containers—then, just heat the shells and chicken before assembling when you’re ready to eat. It’s a total lifesaver for those jam-packed weekdays!

Final Thoughts

Chicken Tacos have a way of bringing people together—bite after bite, they deliver so much flavor and fun. With this simple, endlessly customizable recipe, you’ll find yourself making taco night a regular tradition. Gather your favorite toppings and invite someone to the table tonight; you’re about to discover why Chicken Tacos are a forever favorite!