Quick and easy chicken tacos are ready and on the table in under 20 minutes. Juicy chicken thighs are seasoned with taco seasoning and cooked on the stovetop for a quick dinner.
Top them with corn and red cabbage slaw to elevate your taco Tuesdays!
Making a quick and delicious meal is easy when your short on time, especially when you need a healthy recipe for chicken thighs.
These chicken thigh tacos are so filling, delicious and perfect for any busy weeknight dinner.
The best part is that in just under 20 minutes, you'll have the tastiest, juiciest chicken tacos you've ever had!
Why you'll love this chicken taco recipe
- Versatile: Customize these easy chicken tacos with your favorite fillings and toppings.
- Budget-friendly: Chicken thighs are an inexpensive cut of chicken, making them an easy-on-the-wallet meal option.
- Great for meal prep: Make the chicken ahead of time to eat later in the week. The chicken can also be frozen for a quick dinner.
- Quick and easy: This 20-minute meal is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing option that both kids and adults will love.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Tender juicy chicken thighs are preferred for this recipe but chicken breasts or tenderloins are also good options.
- Taco Seasoning: We like to use the Siete brand taco seasoning. You can also make a homemade taco seasoning with a blend of common herbs and spices.
- Tortillas: While homemade sourdough tortillas are the best, this recipe can also be used with corn or flour tortillas, or even taco shells from the store. If you'd like to keep it low carb, use lettuce wraps. You could also use the chicken in burritos, quesadillas or black bean burrito bowls. Or pile it on top of nachos!
- Avocado Oil: This neutral-flavored oil is perfect for cooking chicken thighs but olive oil is good too.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Toppings: The tacos in the photos are topped with red cabbage and corn slaw - it's citrusy from lime juice, spicy from jalapeño's, and packed with flavor. If you'd rather have something traditional, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, tomato, fresh cilantro, hot sauce or guacamole are always good options!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend
Mix the following spices and herbs in a bowl, then put them in a container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep your taco seasoning in the pantry for up to a year for the best taste.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons cumin
- ½ teaspoon coriander
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
How to make Easy Chicken Tacos
- Season the chicken thighs. To a large bowl, add the chicken thighs and taco seasoning. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken thighs so it's evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken thighs. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the avocado oil. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Once the chicken is done, set aside on a separate plate and allow to rest.
- Warm up the tortillas. Place a clean, non-stick pan over medium heat. Warm the tortillas for 10-15 seconds on each side.
- Assemble the tacos. Cut the chicken thighs into strips or bite-sized pieces. Pile onto the tortillas and dress with your favorite toppings.
Tips
- After cooking the chicken, let it rest before cutting. This keeps the juices in, making it tender and juicy.
- A cast iron skillet is great for cooking chicken thighs and warming tortillas. The heat seals in the juices by searing the outside.
What should you serve with chicken tacos?
Make up a batch of Instant Pot Black Bean Soup or serve the chicken with black bean burrito bowls.
Guacamole, refried beans, cilantro lime rice, and salsa are more traditional ways to serve tacos.
Make sure to check out our Instant Pot Mexican shredded chicken tacos for another flavorful twist for taco nights!
Store
Place the chicken thighs and slaw in an air-tight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
More easy chicken recipes
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Easy Chicken Tacos
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb. chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- 8 6" tortillas
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Topping
- red cabbage and corn slaw
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a bowl, add the chicken thighs and taco seasoning. Rub the taco seasoning, salt and pepper over the chicken thighs so their evenly coated.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. When skillet is hot, add the avocado oil. Place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 7 minutes. Flip and cook for another 7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Once the chicken is done, set aside on a separate plate and allow to rest.
- Place a clean, non-stick pan over medium heat. Warm the tortillas for 10-15 seconds on each side.
- Cut the chicken thighs in strips. Place onto the tortillas and serve with red cabbage and roasted corn slaw or your favorite toppings!
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