There’s nothing like the satisfying crunch of a taco, especially when it’s homemade and bursting with flavor. This ground chicken taco recipe has become my go-to for weeknights when I want something that feels festive yet comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Chicken tacos are often overlooked in favor of beef, but trust me, ground chicken holds its own beautifully when seasoned right. It’s lighter, cooks faster, and absorbs all those bold Mexican spices perfectly. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a family dinner, or a quick meal for friends, this recipe is the kind that brings everyone to the table with a smile.
Table of contents
Ground Chicken Taco Recipe Card
Ground Chicken Taco Recipe
4
servings10
minutes15
minutes320
kcalThese ground chicken tacos are packed with bold flavor, ready in under 30 minutes, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, they combine lean ground chicken, fragrant spices, and fresh toppings for a meal everyone will love.
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Ingredients
1 lb ground chicken
2 tablespoons homemade or store-bought chicken taco seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
0.25 cup water
Taco shells (soft or hard)
Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, salsa
Directions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Brown the Chicken: Add ground chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and fully cooked.
- Add Seasoning: Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of chicken taco seasoning, and pour in 1/4 cup of water. Stir to coat the chicken in the seasoning. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spoon the seasoned ground chicken into taco shells and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa
Notes
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste.
- Taco Shell Choice: You can use soft tortillas or crispy taco shells based on preference.
- Seasoning: Use a homemade chicken taco seasoning for a more customizable flavor.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 25g
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What Makes These Tacos So Good
A Healthier Alternative
One of the major benefits of using ground chicken in tacos is that it’s a healthier option compared to other ground meats. Chicken is lower in fat, especially when using lean ground chicken, which means you’re getting a lean source of protein without all the excess calories. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking to cut down on saturated fats but still want something hearty and flavorful.
By swapping out ground beef for ground chicken, you can easily create a lighter version of your favorite taco dish. The flavor still stands strong, but you’re saving on calories without compromising on taste. It’s also a great option for anyone who’s trying to reduce their red meat intake, or for those who follow a poultry-based diet.
Quick and Easy Prep Time
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ground chicken cooks quickly—often in just 7-10 minutes—making it a perfect weeknight meal when you’re short on time. You can have your tacos assembled and on the table in under 30 minutes, which means less time spent cooking and more time to enjoy with your family or friends.
Bold and Flavorful Seasonings
What truly makes these tacos special is the seasoning. The mix of cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of oregano creates a flavorful base for the chicken. But it’s the addition of fresh lime juice and coriander that gives it that bright, fresh flavor that really makes these tacos shine.
Pro Tips for Success
Cooking ground chicken can be tricky, it’s lean and can dry out if you’re not careful. Here’s how to get perfectly juicy and flavorful results every time:
- Don’t skip the oil. Ground chicken needs a little fat for flavor and texture. Olive oil or avocado oil works great.
- Brown the meat properly. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes before stirring to get those golden bits that add depth.
- Add moisture. Stirring in a bit of tomato sauce or chicken broth keeps the filling tender.
- Balance the flavors. A squeeze of lime or a dash of vinegar at the end brightens everything up.
- Toast your spices. Adding your spice blend early in the cooking process brings out richer, bolder flavors.
If you want to perfect your taco technique, check out Serious Eats’ guide to building better tacos!
Best Tortillas for Ground Chicken Tacos
Corn Tortillas
If you love authentic Mexican flavor, corn tortillas are your best friend. They have a subtle earthiness that complements the spices in ground chicken beautifully. To keep them from breaking, warm them directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
Flour Tortillas
Flour tortillas are softer, larger, and a little more neutral in taste — perfect if you like to load up your tacos with plenty of toppings. They also hold up well with juicy fillings, making them ideal for chicken tacos with salsa or guacamole.
Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Tortillas
For a healthier or gluten-free twist, whole wheat, cassava, or almond flour tortillas work just as well. They add a nutty undertone and a boost of fiber while still giving you that satisfying taco feel.
Pro Tip: Always warm your tortillas before assembling your tacos. Cold ones tend to tear, while warm tortillas wrap snugly around your filling. You can warm them in a hot skillet or wrap them in foil and pop them in a 200°F oven for a few minutes.
If you’d like to try your hand at making tortillas from scratch, I recommend checking out the King Arthur Baking’s homemade tortilla recipe It’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding.
Variants of the ground chicken taco recipe:
1. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to your chicken mixture for a smoky, spicy kick. Top with avocado crema or a drizzle of sour cream to balance the heat.
2. Greek Chicken Tacos
Swap the taco seasoning for oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. Serve the filling in pita bread or soft tortillas with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and a spoonful of tzatziki. It’s like a Mediterranean vacation in every bite.
3. BBQ Chicken Tacos
Mix barbecue sauce into your cooked ground chicken for a sweet-savory twist. Add coleslaw and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top, it’s a fun spin on classic tacos.
4. Lettuce Wrap Chicken Tacos
For a light, low-carb option, skip the tortillas altogether. Use crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves to hold your chicken filling and top with diced mango or pineapple salsa.
5. Creamy Lime Chicken Tacos
Stir a spoonful of Greek yogurt or sour cream into your taco meat and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime. This creates a creamy, tangy flavor that makes the tacos feel extra indulgent.
Taco Troubleshooting and Reader Questions
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken and will still give you a lean and flavorful taco filling. The taste is very similar, though turkey may be slightly more savory.
To boost flavor, try adding spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and a dash of hot sauce can also add a bright kick to the filling.
Yes! You can cook the ground chicken mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble the tacos with your preferred toppings.
To make this recipe vegetarian or vegan, substitute the ground chicken with a plant-based alternative. Plant-based ground meat (such as Beyond Meat or Impossible Foods) can be used as a direct replacement for the chicken. You could also use crushed tempeh or tofu for a plant-based option that offers a similar texture to ground meat. Just be sure to season it generously with your taco spices to ensure maximum flavor.
For a completely vegan experience, swap any dairy toppings for non-dairy options, such as vegan sour cream and dairy-free cheese.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it , my go-to ground chicken taco recipe that never fails to impress. It’s easy, flavorful, and fits right into any dinner plan, from weeknights to weekends. Once you’ve tried this version, you’ll find endless ways to customize it to your liking.
If you want more lunch ideas check out our Easy Goulash Recipe !
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