Southwestern Taco Chicken
Bursting with bold, smoky flavors, Southwestern Taco Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or lively taco nights. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices—garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and more—then seared to golden perfection for a mouthwatering finish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a bright, zesty touch, making each bite irresistible. This versatile recipe can be served as a taco filling, paired with Mexican-style rice and beans, or layered over a crisp salad for a lighter option. Ready in under 40 minutes, this gluten-free, crowd-pleasing recipe is a must-try for fans of bold Southwestern cuisine!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, lightly pound each piece to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece.
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Serve the Southwestern Taco Chicken as a filling for tacos, paired with rice and beans, or atop a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1442 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 53.7 g | 69% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 572 mg | 191% | |
| Sodium | 2924 mg | 127% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 11.7 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.9 g | ||
| Protein | 215.3 g | 431% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 117 mg | 9% | |
| Iron | 8.1 mg | 45% | |
| Potassium | 189 mg | 4% | |
*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.
