Ground Chicken Tacos
This ground chicken taco recipe is a great alternative to the ever-popular beef taco. It's just as delicious and easy to make. These Ground chicken tacos are made with fresh ingredients that are simple to prepare yet create an amazing Taco experience!
Ingredients
Taco Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons chilli powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Chicken Tacos
- 1 tablespoon oil neutral oil like avocado
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 bell pepper small, diced
- 1 red onions diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1/3 cup cilantro minced, divided
- 1/2 cup Homemade salsa or store bought
- 1-2 tabelspoons water
Taco Assembly
- 8 Taco shells
- 8 soft flour tortillas
- 1 cup cheddar cheese
- 2 avocadoes diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- 3 scallions diced
- 1/3 cup cilantro minced
- 1 lime cut into wedges
- 1/2 cup homemade salsa
- 1/4 cup jalapeños slices
Instructions
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Start by mixing the Taco seasoning together in a bowl.
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Now start cooking the chicken filling for the ground chicken tacos. Start by adding the oil in a heavy duty skillet over medium high heat.
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Then add in the onions and bell peppers and cook for 5 minutes until softened.
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Now add in the chicken, taco seasoning, garlic and half the cilantro. Cook while mixing over medium high heat until the chicken has cooked through. This takes 8-10 minutes.
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At that point add in the salsa and water, and lower the heat to medium. Let the chicken absorb some liquid from the water and salsa.
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The chicken is ready after 5 minutes when you add the salsa, so turn off the heat and add in the remianing cilantro.
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For assembling the tacos shells: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. In a baking sheet, spread the soft tortillas in a singla layer and sprinkle a layer of cheese of each one.
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Place the tray in the oven for 6-8 minutes until the cheese has melted completely. Remove from the oven and place a hard shell tortilla over the melted cheese then press the sides of the soft tortilla around it.
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Now start assembling your tacos: Place a genrous amount of the ground chicken mixture in each taco shell.
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Top with your favorite taco toppings listed above. Finish with a lime wedge, more cilantro and enjoy
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Expert Tips For Chicken Tacos
- Use homemade or store bought Taco Seasoning, I love homemade and I use it in this Lamb Tacos.
- Cook the onions and peppers for a few minutes before adding in the ground chicken, this allows the flavors to become richer and deeper.
- Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground chicken if you'd like to make it even lighter.
- Once the ground chicken is cooked and ready, I love adding Homemade Salsa or store bought and cook that for 5 minutes with a tablespoon of water. This helps deglaze the pan and also add extra moisture to your ground chicken!
- The chicken mixture can be cooked a week in advance and stored in the fridge or frozen for 3 months.
- Use your favorite taco shell--we used a combo of soft and hard with a layer of cheese in the middle for a sturdy cheesy taco shell.
- The toppings and salsa you can use here are endless!
Can I use beef taco seasoning for chicken?
Yes, you absolutely can. You can use whatever taco seasoning you like or have on hand. It will change the flavor ever so slightly, but it doesn't affect the end result.
Variations:
- Healthy Ground Chicken Tacos: Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add chipotle powder or jalapeños.
- Creamy Chicken Tacos: Add small amount of cream cheese or Greek yogurt to filling.
- Mediterranean Chicken Tacos: Add oregano, feta, cucumber and yogurt sauce.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos: Mix in small amount of BBQ sauce.
- Keto Chicken Tacos: Serve in lettuce cups.
- Air Fryer Chicken Taco: Use our Air Fryer Chicken Breast meat for the filling.
Storage & Reheating
- Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat: heat in a skillet over medium, add in a splash of water. Do not microwave as it becomes rubbery.
- Freeze: Up to 3 months
- Do not freeze assembled tacos.
Why is my ground chicken dry?
- Overcooked
- Too lean
- No added moisture
What is it tastes bland?
- Under seasoned
- No acid
- No salt
Why is it watery?
- Excess liquid in packaged chicken
- Overcrowded pan
What if it's rubbery?
- Cooked too long
- High heat
Why is it sticking to the pan?
- Not enough oil
- Pan not preheated
Are ground chicken tacos healthy?
Yes. They are leaner than beef tacos and high in protein.
How long do you cook ground chicken?
8–10 minutes until it reaches 165°F.
Why is my ground chicken dry?
It was overcooked or too lean.
What seasoning is best for chicken tacos?
Chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, oregano, salt, and lime.
Can you use ground chicken instead of beef for tacos?
Yes, but increase seasoning and spices.
Do you need oil for ground chicken?
Yes, because it is a lean protein and needs fat for browning.
What temperature should ground chicken be cooked to?
165°F internal temperature.
Cooking Safety
- Always cook ground chicken to 165°F.
- Avoid cross contamination.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.