Delicious Chicken Tacos: Quick Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up a batch of delicious chicken tacos! This recipe brings tender chicken, vibrant toppings, and easy steps for a truly satisfying weeknight dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Mexican
Dietary: Gluten-Free (with corn tortillas)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken & Marinade

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 cup chicken broth
04 - 2 limes

→ Seasonings & Spices

05 - 2 tsp chili powder
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp garlic powder
08 - 1 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

→ Fresh Toppings

11 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
12 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
13 - 1-2 avocados, diced or mashed
14 - 1/4 cup crumbled Cotija cheese

→ Tortillas & Serving

15 - 12 small corn tortillas

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken breasts really dry. It’s a game-changer, honestly. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When it shimmers, carefully add the chicken. You want a beautiful golden-brown sear on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. This step isn't just for looks; it locks in so much flavor. I always get excited when I hear that sizzle – it’s the sound of deliciousness starting to happen!
02 - Once seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle generously with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good stir to coat the chicken evenly. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds. This is where all those spices really meld together, and the whole kitchen starts to smell absolutely incredible. Don't peek too much, let it do its thing!
03 - Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should be super tender and fall apart easily. If it's a bit tough, pop it back in the broth for a few more minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the remaining broth and stir to coat. This ensures every single piece of chicken is juicy and packed with flavor. I sometimes sneak a little taste here – oops! So good!
04 - While the chicken is resting, it’s time for the tortillas. I like to warm my corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute per side, until they’re soft and pliable and maybe have a few little brown spots. You can also wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for 30 seconds. Don't skip this step, hon; a cold, stiff tortilla is just a sad taco waiting to happen!
05 - This is where you get to customize your delicious chicken tacos! While the chicken simmers, prep your toppings: thinly slice the red onion, chop the fresh cilantro, dice or mash the avocado, and crumble the Cotija cheese. I usually have a little assembly line going on my counter. This step is all about texture and freshness, so make sure everything is ready to go. Sometimes I get a little messy here, but that’s fine, it means I’m having fun!
06 - Now for the best part! Fill each warm tortilla with a generous spoonful of the shredded chicken. Top with your prepared red onion, cilantro, avocado, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over everything is absolutely essential. The aroma alone will make your mouth water. Serve immediately and watch them disappear! These delicious chicken tacos are truly a joy to eat.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before searing; it makes a huge difference in getting that golden crust.
02 - Leftover chicken filling is fantastic for meal prep, just store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
03 - If you don't have Cotija cheese, crumbled feta or even a mild goat cheese can work in a pinch.
04 - A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end is crucial – it brightens all the flavors beautifully!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - two forks
04 - knife
05 - measuring spoons/cups

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 35g

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