Make easy and delicious one pan chicken tacos! They are packed with bold flavors and tender chicken and are ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for taco night!
When it comes to quick and easy dinners, these One Pan Chicken Tacos are a game-changer. With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can whip up a delicious and satisfying meal in just 10 minutes. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a hectic weeknight, these tacos are guaranteed to be a family favorite. Juicy, flavorful chicken wrapped in crispy tortillas makes for the perfect bite every time.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken Tacos
The key to juicy, tender chicken is poaching it on the stovetop with taco spices, salsa, and sautéed onions. This technique allows the chicken to absorb rich flavors while staying moist and easy to shred. In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious taco filling that is perfect for any occasion.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Customizable and Versatile:
- Perfect for both picky eaters and adventurous food lovers.
- Easily adaptable with your favorite toppings, sauces, and sides.
- Transform them into taco salads, burrito bowls, nachos, or lettuce wraps.
Quick and Effortless:
- Requires minimal prep and cooking time.
- Made with basic ingredients and a simple stovetop poaching technique to keep the chicken tender and juicy.
- Packed with bold Tex-Mex flavors from taco seasoning, salsa, and onions.
Ideal for Meal Prep:
- Stores well and tastes just as good reheated.
- Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 4 small tortillas (corn or flour)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- Salsa, sour cream, guacamole (optional)
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges for garnish
Tips:
- You can swap chicken for ground turkey or beef for a different protein option.
- For extra crunch, warm the tortillas slightly in the pan before serving.
Directions to Make One Pan Chicken Tacos
Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This ensures that every piece of chicken is flavorful.
Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully cooked and golden brown outside. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
Toast the Tortillas
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, place the tortillas. Cook each tortilla on each side for 1-2 minutes until it gets slightly crispy and golden. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the tortillas.
Assemble the Tacos
Return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and allow it to melt. Remove the skillet from heat once the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
Serve
Scoop the chicken mixture into the tortillas. Add your desired toppings: Pico de Gallo, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. For extra freshness, garnish with lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy!
How to Customize Your Tacos
- Creative Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, and onions for a delicious plant-based twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, red chili flakes, or your favorite hot sauce for an extra punch of heat.
- Grilled Flavor: Opt for grilled chicken instead of poached for a smoky, charred taste.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Serve the chicken in lettuce wraps for a lighter, healthier option.
Top Your Tacos Like a Pro:
Take your tacos to the next level with these delicious toppings:
- Cheese: Crumbled cotija, shredded cheddar, or a Mexican blend.
- Veggies: Crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, diced onions, and shredded cabbage.
- Creamy Additions: Sour cream, guacamole, or a zesty lime crema.
- Citrus Boost: A squeeze of fresh lime for that perfect tang.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your chicken tacos with these delicious sides to create a complete Tex-Mex feast:
- Burrito Bowls: Serve the chicken over cilantro-lime rice with beans.
- Chips and Dip: Enjoy with tortilla chips and dips like pineapple salsa or black bean dip.
- Mexican Rice and Beans: Classic refried beans or Mexican-style rice make the perfect pairing.
Alternative Cooking Methods
If you prefer a different cooking method, here are a few alternatives:
- Slow Cooker: Cook the chicken low and slow for melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Instant Pot: Get perfectly cooked chicken a fraction of the time using a pressure cooker.
- Whole Chicken: Shred a cooked whole chicken for an extra depth of flavor.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the cooked chicken (without tortillas) for up to 1 month. Reheat it in a skillet and assemble tacos fresh with new tortillas.
Tools You Will Need
- Stove:
- Skillet: A cast-iron skillet is ideal for even heat distribution and crisping the tortillas.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping the chicken and veggies.
- Tongs or Spatula: To flip the chicken and tortillas.
- Grater: For shredding cheese (if you prefer freshly grated cheese).
If you like this recipe check out some of my other favorite dinner recipes!
One Pan Chicken Tacos: The Perfect Weeknight Meal
Description
Make easy and delicious chicken tacos in one pan! They are packed with bold flavors and tender chicken and are ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for taco night!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Tacos:
Tips:
Directions
-
Prep the Chicken
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season them with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This ensures that every piece of chicken is flavorful.
Cook the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it's fully cooked and golden brown outside. Make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the middle.
Toast the Tortillas
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, place the tortillas. Cook each tortilla on each side for 1-2 minutes until it gets slightly crispy and golden. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the tortillas.
Assemble the Tacos
Return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and allow it to melt. Remove the skillet from heat once the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
Serve
Scoop the chicken mixture into the tortillas. Add your desired toppings: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and fresh cilantro. For extra freshness, garnish with lime wedges on the side. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
Serving Size 2 tacos per serving
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Protein 30g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
