Craving a quick, mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the vibrant streets of Mexico? Look no further! These sizzling Mexican Chicken Tacos are about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession. With perfectly seasoned chicken, crispy taco shells, and a symphony of fresh toppings, this recipe is guaranteed to turn an ordinary meal into a fiesta of flavors that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 taco shells
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breast into small, uniform cubes approximately 1/2 inch in size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is completely white and no pink remains.
- Sprinkle the entire packet of taco seasoning over the chicken, stirring thoroughly to ensure even coating. Continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow seasoning to blend with chicken.
- While chicken is cooking, preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) to warm taco shells. Place taco shells on a baking sheet and heat for 3-5 minutes until crisp and warm.
- Prepare toppings by shredding lettuce, dicing fresh tomatoes, and measuring out shredded cheese.
- Remove taco shells from oven and fill each shell with the seasoned chicken, distributing evenly.
- Top each taco shell with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
- Garnish with a dollop of sour cream and salsa on top or serve alongside for individual preference.
- Serve immediately while taco shells are still crisp and chicken is warm.
Tips
- Chicken Cutting Hack: For even cooking, ensure your chicken pieces are uniformly diced. This helps the meat cook quickly and absorb the taco seasoning evenly.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't just sprinkle the taco seasoning - massage it into the chicken for maximum flavor infusion.
- Taco Shell Pro Tip: Warm your taco shells just before serving to maintain that perfect crispy texture. Avoid over-heating, which can make them brittle.
- Topping Freshness: Chop your lettuce and tomatoes right before serving to maintain maximum crispness and flavor.
- Customization is Key: Set up a "taco bar" style serving, allowing everyone to add their preferred toppings and create their perfect taco experience.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can pre-cook the chicken and reheat it quickly when ready to serve, making this a great option for busy weeknights.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 441kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 42g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 128mg
