Easy Weeknight Chicken Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Marinating Time
1 hr
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Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
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Servings
12 tacos
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Calories
152 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Tex-Mex
Easy Weeknight Chicken Tacos
Description
Chicken breasts are marinated for one hour in a mixture of garlic powder, salt, paprika, pepper, cayenne, dried parsley, lime juice, and olive oil to infuse flavor and tenderize. After marinating, the chicken is cooked over medium-high heat until reaching a safe internal temperature, then chopped into bite-sized pieces. The cooked chicken is served on warmed flour or corn tortillas.
Toppings include fresh cilantro, diced Roma tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled queso fresco, which add vibrant color, freshness, and a mild salty contrast to the spiced chicken. The balance of smoky paprika and lime juice brightens the meat, while cayenne adds mild heat.
This recipe offers a straightforward approach to flavorful chicken tacos suitable for weeknight dinners. Substituting chicken thighs is possible but requires longer cooking. The meal can be customized with preferred garnishes or hot sauces and pairs well with rice or beans.
Marinating allows the chicken to absorb the spice blend, improving tenderness and taste. Cooking to 165°F ensures safety while keeping the meat moist. Serving on warmed tortillas enhances texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 4 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon parsley dried
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons lime juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
For Serving
- 1/2 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 2 medium Roma tomato diced
- 1/2 medium red onion diced
- 1/2 cup queso fresco crumbled
- 12 (6-inch) flour tortillas or corn
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, salt, paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, lime juice, and olive oil. Pour over chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag.
- Let marinate in the fridge 1 hour.
- Heat a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove from pan and chop chicken into small pieces.
- Serve on warmed tortillas and top with desired toppings.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can replace breasts but increase cooking time slightly to ensure doneness.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12tacos
Amount Per Serving
Calories 152 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1taco | |
| Calories | 152kcal | 8% |
| Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
| Protein | 11g | 22% |
| Fat | 6g | 9% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 28mg | 9% |
| Sodium | 240mg | 10% |
| Potassium | 240mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 245IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 4mg | 4% |
| Calcium | 56mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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