Quick Skillet Chicken Tacos: Flavorful Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up Quick Skillet Chicken Tacos tonight! This recipe delivers tender, flavorful chicken in minutes for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner everyone loves.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Dietary: Gluten-Free Option, Dairy-Free Option

# Ingredients:

→ Main Taco Fillings

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Flavor Power Spices

06 - 1 tbsp chili powder
07 - 1 tsp ground cumin
08 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
10 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Fresh Topping Essentials

11 - 1 fresh lime, for juice and wedges
12 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

→ For Serving & Assembly

13 - 8-12 small corn or flour tortillas
14 - Salsa (your favorite kind)
15 - Avocado or guacamole
16 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
17 - Shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or cheddar, optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First, get your chicken ready. I like to cut the breasts into bite-sized pieces, maybe half an inch or so. Smaller pieces mean more surface area for those delicious spices, and they cook faster, which is key for Quick Skillet Chicken Tacos. Then, chop your onion and bell pepper, and mince that garlic. I usually get a little messy here, it's just part of the process, but having everything prepped makes the actual cooking a breeze.
02 - In a medium bowl, toss your chicken pieces with the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, a good pinch of salt, and some fresh black pepper. Really get in there with your hands and make sure every piece is coated. This is where the magic starts to happen, you can almost smell the deliciousness already! I always taste a tiny bit of the seasoning mix to adjust – it’s a habit, but it helps.
03 - Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your diced onions and bell peppers. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and get a little translucent. Don't rush this step; those softened veggies are going to add so much flavor to your Quick Skillet Chicken Tacos. I usually get a little impatient here, but I remind myself it's worth the wait.
04 - Push the veggies to one side of the skillet, then add your seasoned chicken to the other side. Let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a nice sear, then stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink. This is where I sometimes accidentally crowd the pan, but try to give the chicken some space for that lovely browning.
05 - Once the chicken is mostly cooked, stir in your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn! Then, combine the chicken and veggies, and if you're using salsa, stir it in now. Let everything simmer together for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. The smell at this point? Oh my goodness, it’s irresistible.
06 - Take the skillet off the heat and squeeze in the fresh lime juice. This step is crucial for brightening up all those rich flavors. Give it a good stir. Now, taste and adjust any seasonings – maybe a little more salt or another squeeze of lime. Serve your warm Quick Skillet Chicken Tacos filling in warmed tortillas with all your favorite toppings. Enjoy the delicious chaos!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd your skillet! Cook the chicken in batches if needed for a better sear and even cooking. I learned this the hard way with soggy chicken.
02 - Leftover chicken filling keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
03 - No chicken? Ground turkey or even black beans make a fantastic alternative. I've swapped in ground turkey plenty of times, and it's a lighter, yet still delicious, option.
04 - Warm your tortillas! A quick zap in the microwave, a few seconds in a dry skillet, or wrapped in foil in the oven makes all the difference.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - mixing bowls

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 350
Total Fat: 15g
Total Carbohydrate: 20g
Protein: 30g

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