Jones' Spicy Chicken Tacos

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy shredded chicken cooked in a smoky, spicy sauce, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh cabbage and avocado for a vibrant weeknight meal. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, large, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 3.9 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the 1.5 lb chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add the 1 large finely chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3 minutes until softened, then stir in the 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 minced jalapeño and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, then add 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 1 tbsp honey, scraping up any browned bits.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, then remove from heat.
  5. Step 5: Warm the 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side, then fill each with the chicken mixture, 1/2 cup shredded cabbage, 2 slices avocado, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Jones' Spicy Chicken Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Jones' Spicy 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Jones' Spicy 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 Jones' Spicy 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 Jones' Spicy Chicken Tacos?

Mexican mexican 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.

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