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!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of olive oil if necessary.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

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.

Step 7

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.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Serve the taco chicken in tortillas, over salads, or as a main dish with your favorite sides!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1078.8 grams (1078.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1645

Total Fat 57.20g	73%
Saturated Fat 11.40g	57%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 592mg	197%
Sodium 3954mg	172%
Total Carbohydrate 60.40g	22%
Dietary Fiber 15.70g	56%
Total Sugars 4.20g
Protein 221.60g	443%

Vitamin D 7IU	35%
Calcium 239mg	18%
Iron 12mg	66%
Potassium 2264mg	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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 31.3%

Protein: 54.0%

Carbs: 14.7%