Quick and Easy Spicy Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe
These Spicy Ground Chicken Tacos are the perfect weeknight dinner solution. They're packed with bold flavors, easy to make, and ready in just 20 minutes. The lean ground chicken mixed with taco seasoning creates a healthier alternative to traditional tacos, while fresh toppings like avocado, lettuce, and salsa add a refreshing crunch. With simple ingredients, this recipe offers endless customization options, making it perfect for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken lean or regular
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning store-bought or homemade with 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp chili powder optional for extra spice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 8 small tortillas corn or flour
- Taco toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup diced tomatoes
- 1 avocado sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup salsa
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 lime cut into wedges
Instructions
Cook the Ground Chicken:
- In a large non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes.
- Season the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, sprinkle in the taco seasoning and chili powder (if you prefer extra heat). Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. Add ¼ cup of water to help the spices incorporate and keep the chicken moist.
- Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until most of the liquid evaporates.
Warm the Tortillas:
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Once the chicken and tortillas are ready, it's time to assemble the tacos. Add about 2-3 tablespoons of the spicy ground chicken mixture to each tortilla.
- Top the chicken with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, cheese, sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro. Serve with a lime wedge for squeezing over the top.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Sugar: 2g
Notes
Tips for the Best Spicy Ground Chicken Tacos
- Add More Heat: For those who love a spicy kick, include fresh sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or an extra teaspoon of chili powder in the chicken mixture.
- Make It Healthier: Swap regular tortillas for whole wheat or gluten-free tortillas. You can also serve the taco filling in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
- Prep Ahead: Cook the chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet before serving.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch of the spicy ground chicken filling and freeze half for later use. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat when needed.
- Best Equipment: Use a non-stick skillet to avoid sticking and for easy clean-up.
Side Dish Suggestions:
- Mexican Rice: Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice. It's easy to make with a little tomato sauce, onion, and garlic in 20 minutes.
- Black Beans: Pair with black beans seasoned with cumin and a squeeze of lime for a fiber-packed side.
- Guacamole: Don’t forget the guacamole! It’s simple to whip up with ripe avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and salt.