Chicken Tacos Recipe
These Chicken Tacos Recipe blend juicy, spiced chicken, fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and warm tortillas into a quick, delicious weeknight dinner. Perfect for Taco night any time of year, from summer cookouts to cozy winter dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts), trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (avocado oil works too)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas (6-inch)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
- 0.5 cup crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar
- 0.125 Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- 1 cup fresh tomato salsa (store-bought La Costeña or homemade)
- 1 ripe avocado, mashed with a squeeze of lime and pinch of salt
- Optional: diced jalapeño, red onion, or mango for extra zing
Instructions
- Pat thighs dry, then rub with olive oil. Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. Massage spices into the meat for even coating.
- Warm a large nonstick or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until a few drops of water sizzle and dance.
- Add chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 4–5 minutes—you want a golden crust. Flip and cook another 4 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board. Let it rest 5 minutes—this keeps it juicy—then slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- While chicken rests, heat tortillas one at a time on the skillet for 20 seconds per side or hold briefly over a gas flame for charred edges. Stack and wrap in a clean towel.
- Lay tortillas flat, top with chicken, shredded lettuce, salsa, guacamole, and cheese. Add cilantro and a lime wedge on the side.
- Squeeze fresh lime over each taco just before digging in. A tiny drizzle of hot sauce amps up the spiciness.
- Tacos are best fresh—if you let them sit, tortillas can get soggy.
Notes
Let the chicken come to room temperature before cooking so it sears evenly. Fresh lime juice brightens everything—don’t skip it.
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