Best of the Southwest Chicken Tacos
Juicy grilled chicken, melted cheese, and zesty toppings come together in warm corn tortillas for a Tex-Mex favorite. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breast, corn tortillas, (grated) cheddar cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) chicken breast
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup (grated) cheddar cheese
- 1 (sliced) avocado
- 1/2 cup (sliced) red onion
- 1/4 cup (chopped) cilantro
- 1 (cut into wedges) lime
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat grill to medium-high. Season chicken with taco seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp pepper. Brush with olive oil and grill 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through; let rest 5 minutes.
- Step 2: Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side. Divide chicken into 8 portions; place 1/4 cup cheese on each tortilla.
- Step 3: Top with 1/2 oz chicken, avocado slices, red onion, and cilantro. Fold tortillas and serve with lime wedges for squeezing.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Best of the Southwest Chicken Tacos take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Best of the Southwest Chicken Tacos?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Best of the Southwest Chicken Tacos?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Best of the Southwest Chicken Tacos for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Best of the Southwest Chicken Tacos?
Mexican chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★☆☆☆☆
Didn't come together the way I expected. Flavors were flat.
