Soft Chicken Tacos
A fun, build-your-own taco night classic. Tender, seasoned chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas make for a delicious and satisfying weeknight dinner ready in under 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
Prepare the chicken and toppings.
- If not already done, cut the chicken breast into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Finely chop the onion, shred the lettuce, and dice the tomatoes.
- Measure out all the spices into a small bowl for easy access.
TIPGetting all your toppings ready first makes assembly quick and easy.Cook the onions and chicken.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until it softens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes.
Season the chicken and simmer.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the water, stir everything together, and bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
TIPThe internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).Warm the tortillas.
While the chicken simmers, warm the tortillas. You can wrap the stack in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds, or warm them one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 20 seconds per side.
Assemble your tacos.
Set up a taco bar with the warm tortillas, seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa, and sour cream. Let everyone build their own tacos to their liking.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy the tacos while the chicken and tortillas are warm.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the chicken filling just before serving.
- 2Don't overcrowd the pan when browning the chicken. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure it sears rather than steams.
- 3If you prefer shredded chicken, cook the breasts whole in the sauce, then remove, shred with two forks, and return to the skillet.
- 4Leftover chicken filling is great for salads or quesadillas and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegan
Replace chicken with a can of black beans or lentils. Sauté with the onions and spices, and use your favorite vegan cheese and sour cream alternatives.
spicySpicy
Add 1-2 finely chopped jalapeños when you sauté the onions, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices for extra heat.
low carbLow carb
Skip the tortillas and serve the chicken filling over a bed of shredded lettuce to create a delicious taco salad. Top with all the regular fixings.
quickQuick
Use a store-bought rotisserie chicken (shredded) and a packet of taco seasoning to save time on cooking and measuring spices.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast provides high-quality lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, and helps you feel full and satisfied.
Fiber from Whole Grains
Using whole wheat tortillas increases the dietary fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The fresh toppings like tomatoes and lettuce provide essential vitamins such as Vitamin C and K, while onions offer beneficial antioxidants.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, chicken tacos can be a very healthy meal. This recipe uses lean chicken breast, whole wheat tortillas for fiber, and plenty of fresh vegetables. To keep it light, be mindful of the amount of cheese and sour cream you add.
