Taco Chicken
Transform your weeknight dinners with this zesty and flavor-packed Taco Chicken recipe, perfect for tacos, salads, or a protein-rich main course! Juicy, boneless chicken breasts are marinated in a bold blend of taco seasoning, lime juice, garlic powder, and paprika, then seared to perfection for a smoky char. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a must-try for busy nights or casual gatherings. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for an extra burst of freshness, and enjoy this versatile dish wrapped in tortillas, spooned over greens, or paired with your favorite sides. Ideal for fans of Tex-Mex flavors, this Taco Chicken recipe is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again!
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Taco seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
- 4 wedges Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick, using a meat mallet or rolling pin. This ensures even cooking.
In a small bowl, mix together the taco seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper to create a marinade.
Rub the marinade evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of olive oil if necessary.
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the hot skillet or grill pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving them to achieve a good sear.
Flip the chicken over and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Adjust cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the chicken.
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Slice the chicken into thin strips for tacos or serve whole if desired. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for extra flavor, if using.
Serve the taco chicken in tortillas, over salads, or as a main dish with your favorite sides!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1645 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.2 g | 73% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 3954 mg | 172% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 60.4 g | 22% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 15.7 g | 56% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.2 g | ||
| Protein | 221.6 g | 443% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 239 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 11.8 mg | 66% | |
| Potassium | 2264 mg | 48% | |
*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.
