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Easy 20 Minute Chicken Tacos

Quick and flavorful chicken tacos ready in about 20 minutes.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken thighs or chicken breasts, boneless skinless
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup tomato finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup cilantro finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeño finely chopped and deseeded
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • pinch salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Put the chicken, minced garlic, olive oil, 1 tablespoon lime juice (if using), chili powder, paprika (if using), garlic or onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper into a large bowl or a zip-top bag; mix or shake to coat the chicken evenly.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the chicken and cook 6–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and an instant-read thermometer registers 165°F (74°C).
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and let rest at least 5 minutes, then slice or chop into small cubes.
  • While the chicken cooks, combine the finely chopped tomato, jalapeño, onion, cilantro, 1 teaspoon lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl; stir to make the topping.
  • Warm or lightly char the tortillas over the stovetop flame or in a dry skillet until pliable and slightly charred, if desired.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing about 1/4 cup of the chopped chicken into each tortilla and topping with a few tablespoons of the onion–tomato mixture. Serve with cilantro sauce if desired.

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • zip-top bag or resealable bag
  • Large Skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Small Bowl
  • stovetop or gas flame (for charring tortillas, optional)

Notes

  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado or shredded cheese.
  • For cilantro sauce: mix 1/4 cup mayo or sour cream, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp minced cilantro, and a pinch of salt and pepper.