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.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink.

Step 5

Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper evenly over the chicken. Stir to coat the meat in the spices.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and stir well to combine. Cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the lime juice and chopped cilantro.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately with your favorite taco shells, tortillas, or over a salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	726.4 grams (726.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	898

Total Fat 51.70g	66%
Saturated Fat 12.50g	63%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.40g
Cholesterol 385mg	128%
Sodium 1600mg	70%
Total Carbohydrate 27.80g	10%
Dietary Fiber 7.20g	26%
Total Sugars 8.40g
Protein 93.00g	186%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 183mg	14%
Iron 9mg	52%
Potassium 3075mg	65%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 49.1%

Protein: 39.2%

Carbs: 11.7%