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Basic Chicken Tacos
These basic chicken tacos are a staple for a reason – they’re ridiculously easy to make and packed with flavor! With tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and just the right amount of spice, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ready Time
40 mins
Yields
4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 packet of taco seasoning
- 8-10 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (Cheddar or Monterey Jack work well)
- 1 can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
Instructions
Heat about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the diced bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until tender.
Add the diced jalapeño and cook for 1 minute. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned, about 5-6 minutes.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Sprinkle the packet of taco seasoning over the chicken mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the seasoning is fragrant.
In a separate pan, warm the tortillas over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side.
This will make them more pliable and easier to fold. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the chicken mixture onto a tortilla, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese, some diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious basic chicken tacos!
Notes
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best results.
You can also use chicken thighs or a combination of both if you prefer.
For a milder flavor, use only half of the jalapeño pepper or substitute with a milder pepper like Anaheim or Poblano.
For an extra kick, add more jalapeño or use hot sauce to taste.
If using frozen peppers, thaw and pat dry with paper towels before dicing to remove excess moisture.
Taco seasoning packets can vary in flavor and heat level.
Feel free to adjust the amount of seasoning or add your own spices to customize the flavor.
To save time, prep the vegetables and chicken in advance, storing them in separate containers in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
For crispy tortillas, grill or cook them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
This will give them a nice texture and flavor.
Customize your tacos with your favorite toppings like diced avocado, sour cream, diced lettuce, or sliced radishes.
Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite!
Nutrional Value
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 36g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 30g