You will need 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. The chicken breast is lean and cooks quickly, making it an ideal choice for a fast meal. When seasoned and cooked correctly, it becomes juicy and flavorful.
Olive Oil
Use 2 tablespoons of olive oil to sauté the chicken. Olive oil adds richness and helps the spices adhere to the meat nicely. It also prevents sticking during cooking.
Taco Seasoning
A packet of taco seasoning (about 1 ounce) will elevate the flavor of your dish. This blend typically includes spices like cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder that complement the chicken perfectly.
Corn Tortillas
Purchase 8 small corn tortillas for serving. Corn tortillas are traditional for Mexican tacos and provide a lovely texture that pairs well with the seasoned chicken.
Fresh Toppings
Gather your favorite toppings like diced tomatoes (1 cup), shredded lettuce (2 cups), diced onions (1 cup), grated cheese (1 cup), and sour cream (½ cup). These fresh ingredients add crunch and creaminess that enhance the overall flavor of the taco.
# Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and quickly. Rinse under cold water if desired, then pat dry with paper towels before proceeding to season them.
Step 2: Heat the Olive Oil
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Make sure the oil is hot but not smoking; this ensures an even sear on the chicken pieces when added to the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the diced chicken to the skillet once the oil is ready. Sprinkle in your taco seasoning right away to coat the chicken thoroughly. Stir occasionally until fully cooked through—this should take about 6-8 minutes.
Seasoned chicken pieces cooking to golden perfection in the skillet
Step 4: Warm Up Tortillas
While the chicken cooks, warm your corn tortillas in a separate pan over low heat or directly over an open flame for a few seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your easy weeknight chicken tacos! Place some seasoned chicken onto each tortilla and top with diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, onions, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream as desired.
