If you're looking to spice up your dinner routine, you've got to contemplate these five best taco chicken recipes. Each one offers a unique twist, whether you prefer the smoky flavor of grilled chicken or the ease of a slow cooker. You might also enjoy the crunch of spicy baked chicken or the simplicity of a one-pan dinner. The real beauty lies in how you can customize each dish with your favorite toppings. Curious about which recipe will become your new go-to? Let's investigate the options that can transform your meals.
Grilled Taco Chicken
Grilled Taco Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the smoky taste of grilled chicken with zesty taco seasonings. Perfect for summer barbecues or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is simple to prepare and sure to impress your family and friends. The marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and can be served in a variety of ways, such as in tacos, over a salad, or with your favorite sides.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade blend)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine the taco seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they're fully coated in the marinade, and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
Grill the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Extra Tips:
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight to really let the spices seep in.
If you prefer a smoky flavor, you can add some wood chips to your grill while cooking.
Additionally, feel free to customize your taco toppings based on your preferences or what's in season.
Serving the grilled chicken with a side of grilled vegetables or corn on the cob can improve the meal and add a burst of color to your plate.
Enjoy your grilled taco chicken in your favorite style, whether it's in a taco shell or on a bed of fresh greens!
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken
Slow Cooker Taco Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or a fun family gathering. This recipe combines tender chicken with zesty taco seasoning and a variety of toppings, allowing you to customize each serving to your liking. Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you. The result is a flavorful dish that can be served in tacos, over rice, or even as a topping for nachos.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies (14.5 oz)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz)
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro, salsa
Cooking Instructions:
In your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts and sprinkle the taco seasoning over them.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, black beans, corn, and chicken broth. Drizzle the olive oil on top and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
When done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker and stir to combine with the other ingredients before serving.
Extra Tips:
For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slow cooker.
If you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a block of cream cheese during the last hour of cooking.
This dish is versatile, so feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand; for instance, you can use ground turkey instead of chicken or add bell peppers for added flavor.
Serve your taco chicken with a variety of toppings to let everyone customize their own meal. Enjoy!
Spicy Baked Taco Chicken
Spicy Baked Taco Chicken is a delicious and easy meal that brings the bold flavors of tacos right to your dinner table. This dish features chicken breasts coated in a zesty blend of spices and baked to perfection, providing a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
Serve it with your favorite taco toppings like avocado, cheese, and salsa for a complete meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, cilantro
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
Rub the olive oil over the chicken breasts and then generously coat them with the spice mixture.
Place the seasoned chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded cheese on top of the chicken and return to the oven until melted and bubbly.
Extra Tips:
For an extra boost of flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mix and olive oil for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator.
This will help the spices penetrate the meat more deeply.
You can also customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños to the baking dish for a fresh kick.
Serve the Spicy Baked Taco Chicken with warm tortillas on the side for a fun taco night experience!
Taco Chicken Salad
Taco Chicken Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty toppings, all tossed together for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad isn't only delicious but also customizable to suit your taste preferences.
Whether you're looking for a healthy option or a dish to impress your guests, this Taco Chicken Salad is bound to deliver on flavor and fun.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Tortilla chips for serving (optional)
To prepare the Taco Chicken Salad, start by seasoning the cooked chicken with taco seasoning and mixing it well to guarantee the chicken is evenly coated.
In a large salad bowl, combine the seasoned chicken, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, lettuce, avocado, cheese, red onion, and cilantro. Drizzle the salsa over the top, and gently toss the ingredients together until well mixed.
Serve the salad immediately, garnished with additional cilantro and a dollop of sour cream, if desired. For an added crunch, serve with tortilla chips on the side.
When making Taco Chicken Salad, feel free to modify the ingredients based on your preferences or dietary restrictions. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with grilled zucchini or tempeh, and add extra beans for protein.
You can also switch up the toppings by including your favorite items such as jalapeños, olives, or different types of cheese. To save time, consider prepping the ingredients in advance and storing them separately, so you can quickly assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.
Enjoy your flavorful creation!
One-Pan Taco Chicken Dinner
One-Pan Taco Chicken Dinner is a flavorful and convenient meal that packs all the vibrant tastes of tacos into a single dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe combines tender chicken, zesty spices, and colorful vegetables, all cooked together in one pan for easy cleanup.
With its delightful blend of toppings and sides, this dish is sure to please the entire family while delivering that satisfying taco experience.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with taco seasoning and add them to the pan, cooking for about 5-6 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. In the same skillet, add the diced onions and bell peppers, sautéing until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes, then return the chicken to the skillet.
Sprinkle the shredded cheese on top and cover, allowing it to melt for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Extra Tips:
For a little heat, feel free to add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning.
If you're looking to make this dish even heartier, consider serving it over rice or quinoa. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great option for meal prep.
You can also customize the toppings with avocado, sour cream, or your favorite salsa for an extra burst of flavor.