Traditional Mexican Chicken Tacos

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flaky corn tortillas filled with spiced chicken, fresh cilantro, and tangy lime crema for a vibrant flavor burst. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs corn tortillas, boneless chicken thighs, onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 30 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1 diced tomato. Cook for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Season 500g chicken thighs with 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and salt. Cook in the skillet for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Warm 12 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or oven at 180°C (350°F) for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Assemble tacos by placing 50g chicken on each tortilla, adding 1 tbsp chopped cilantro, and drizzling with 1 tbsp lime juice.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Traditional Mexican Chicken Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (20 min prep + 30 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 Traditional Mexican 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 corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Traditional Mexican 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 Traditional Mexican Chicken Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Traditional Mexican 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.

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