# Easy Chicken Tacos

Juicy seasoned chicken, crisp toppings, and warm tortillas — weeknight tacos done right in under 30 minutes.

_Dinner · Mexican-American_

Prep: 10 min · Cook: 15 min · Total: 25 min · Yields: 4 servings

## Ingredients

- 1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
- ½ cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
- ½ cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 tbsp fresh cilantro (roughly chopped)

## Instructions

1. Combine the 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper in a small bowl and stir to mix.
2. Pat the 1.5 lb chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides.
3. Heat the 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Add the seasoned chicken and cook undisturbed for 6–7 minutes until a deep golden crust forms on the bottom.
5. Flip the chicken and cook for another 5–6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part.
6. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
7. While the chicken rests, warm the 8 tortillas directly over a gas flame for 20–30 seconds per side, or in a dry skillet over medium heat, until pliable and lightly charred.
8. Build each taco: layer the chicken onto a tortilla, then top with the shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese.
9. Finish with a dollop of sour cream, a squeeze of lime, and a pinch of fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

## Tip

> Let the chicken cook undisturbed for the full 6–7 minutes before flipping — pulling it early tears the crust and you lose the fond that carries all the flavor.

Tags: weeknight, 30-minute, one-pan, comfort-food

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Canonical: https://just-recipes.io/recipes/easy-chicken-tacos