Easy Chicken Taco Meat
Transform your taco nights with this quick and flavorful Easy Chicken Taco Meat recipe! Made with lean ground chicken, aromatic spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika, and a bright splash of lime juice, this dish is a savory, zesty crowd-pleaser that's ready in just 25 minutes. Freshly minced garlic and diced onion add depth, while a touch of tomato paste creates a rich base that clings perfectly to the meat. With its versatile and healthy profile, it's perfect for stuffing into tortillas, topping your favorite salads, or even sprinkling over nachos. A hearty, homemade taco filling that’s both simple and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small, diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 0.25 cup water
- 1 small, juiced lime
- 2 tablespoons, chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.
Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Stir to coat the meat in the spices.
Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the water and stir. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite taco shells, tortillas, or over a salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
217 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 12.8 g | 16% | |
| Saturated Fat | 3.2 g | 16% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 98 mg | 33% | |
| Sodium | 347 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 5.6 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.5 g | ||
| Protein | 19.4 g | 39% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 36 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 352 mg | 7% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
