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The Best Chicken Tacos Ever Recipe

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4.4 from 50 reviews

These flavorful chicken tacos are made with tender, juicy boneless skinless chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices and lime juice, then pan-cooked to perfection. Topped with a fresh mixture of red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and lime juice, and served on warm charred corn tortillas, these tacos deliver the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make an easy and delicious meal for any taco lover.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (16 tacos, 4 tacos per serving)

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Juice of 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Topping

  • 1/3 cup finely chopped red or sweet onion
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped cilantro
  • 1 finely chopped jalapeño
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

  • 1 lime, cut into 8 wedges
  • 16 small corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large zipper-top plastic bag or shallow dish, combine the chicken thighs with garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, black pepper, lime juice from 2 limes, and olive oil. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then use your hands or tongs to thoroughly coat the chicken in the marinade. Let it rest for about a half hour to enhance the flavor, or proceed immediately for a quicker meal.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil once hot, then add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook for 12 to 14 minutes, flipping once, until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. For larger thighs, reduce heat to medium and cook for up to 25 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Topping: While the chicken cooks, combine chopped red or sweet onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and juice of one lime in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring well to blend all flavors.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: After wiping the skillet clean, place it back on medium-high heat. Stack two tortillas together and place them on the skillet. Cook until the bottom starts to char lightly, then flip and cook the other side, warming the tortillas through without cooking the middle on the skillet. Repeat with all tortillas.
  5. Chop the Chicken: Once rested, cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for easy taco filling.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Place about 1/8 of the chopped chicken onto each set of two stacked tortillas. Top with an equal portion of the onion, cilantro, and jalapeño mixture. Serve each taco with a lime wedge to squeeze over before eating for a fresh, zesty finish.

Notes

  • Letting the chicken marinate for up to 30 minutes enhances the flavors but is optional for a quicker meal.
  • If preferred, chicken breasts can be used, but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
  • For extra heat, add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the marinade or topping mix.
  • To keep the tortillas warm before serving, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel.
  • Use fresh lime juice for the best bright flavor instead of bottled lime juice.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/the-best-chicken-tacos-ever-recipe/