These well-seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos are a lean yet flavorful twist on a classic!
It is believed that tacos were first introduced to Los Angeles in the early 1900s by Mexican migrants. Since then, they have become one of the most beloved foods, not only in the U.S., but in every corner of the world. The great thing about tacos is their versatility. Basically, there are tacos to suit every taste and diet. I love traditional tacos with ground beef, but I definitely won’t say no to a few shrimp tacos with a cold beer!
I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy authentic tacos in Mexico, which are stuffed with shredded, slow-cooked, or grilled meats and different toppings like cotija cheese, fresh radishes, and white onions. Similar to the classic beef recipe, these chicken tacos are filled with seasoned ground chicken and topped with cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and tomatoes. While ground chicken is not as juicy as beef, it’s certainly leaner. Besides, the taco seasoning mixed with water and onions adds plenty of moisture and flavor. The corn tortillas are also a nice break from the old-school taco kits and have the authentic Mexican street taste.
Ground chicken tacos are simple to make and quite tasty! Even picky eaters ask for more. I find that kids (and grown-ups!) love the autonomy of adding various toppings themselves. This also gives you, the home chef, a break in the kitchen. Make taco night something fun you all look forward to!
Are These Ground Chicken Tacos Healthy?
Yes, ground chicken tacos are relatively healthy. Using ground chicken cuts the calories, fat, and cholesterol. This recipe also features garlic, onions, lettuce, and tomato, which are all rich in vitamins and antioxidants. If desired, you can skip the corn tortillas and serve the filling on romaine lettuce leaves to dial down the carb count. To make vegetarian tacos, I use chickpeas and black beans mixed with onions, garlic, and taco seasoning. They are hearty and delicious!
DIY Taco Seasoning For Better Health
It’s simple enough to buy premade taco seasoning, but I’m not kidding when I tell you it’s almost just as easy to make your own! Some store-bought taco seasoning contains sugar and other additives like maltodextrin, a ground carb, and silicon dioxide, which is pretty much sand. There’s no need to freak out if you have been eating them—these additives are considered safe. Still, I can’t help but wonder if they affect the quality and taste. Of course, you could also just buy a fancy organic seasoning, but they’re usually pretty expensive. Just make this super easy Whole30 Taco Seasoning recipe. And if you’re like me, you probably have most of the spices in your kitchen cupboard!
Can I Prep This Ahead?
To make ground chicken tacos ahead, pre-chop and refrigerate your veggies in an airtight container. Store the cooked chicken and onion mixture in the fridge for up to 3 days, then reheat in a skillet until piping hot. Keep the chicken, veggies, cheese, and tortillas separate, then assemble when ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions
Go all out and have a fiesta with these ground chicken tacos! Every great taco dinner needs to start with the Best Guacamole Recipe Ever! If you want to keep it interesting, add a side of this zesty Grilled Pineapple Mango Salsa With Corn and Mexican Brown Rice. Along with your ground chicken tacos, you will find options like these gluten-free Twice-Baked Mexican Sweet Potatoes, Mexican Grilled Corn Salad With Jalapeño And Avocado, and Chile Con Queso with fresh veggies. Of course, no fiesta is complete without the perfect margarita. Try this refreshing Watermelon Margarita for a good time!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup water
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Add ground chicken to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no pink remains, about 7 minutes.
- Stir in taco seasoning and water. Reduce heat and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, about 5 minutes.
- Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
- Assemble tacos by placing chicken on tortillas, topping with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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