Description
Chicken Tacos with Cheese are a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal featuring tender chicken seasoned with classic spices, melted cheese, fresh vegetables, and soft tortillas. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile recipe can be customized for spice levels, dietary preferences, and serving occasions, making it a delicious, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast or thighs
Dairy
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
Seasonings
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)
Base
- 8 soft flour or corn tortillas
Fresh Vegetables & Garnishes
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime (for juice)
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Avocado slices
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breast or thighs evenly with taco seasoning. Heat a drizzle of oil in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from heat and shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken cooks, warm the tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over a low gas flame until pliable and fragrant. Wrap warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them soft.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous portion of the shredded chicken in each warm tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the hot chicken so it melts slightly. Top with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillings for a bright finish.
- Final Touches: Add optional extras such as sour cream, avocado slices, or pickled jalapeños according to taste. Serve the tacos immediately for the best experience with warm chicken and gooey cheese inside soft tortillas.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality taco seasoning to enhance flavor depth.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- Wrap warmed tortillas in a towel to keep them soft until serving.
- Add shredded cheese while chicken is still hot for perfect melting.
- Prep fresh vegetables ahead to streamline assembly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: chicken tacos, cheese tacos, quick dinner, family-friendly tacos, easy Mexican recipe, melted cheese tacos, weeknight meal, customizable tacos