Ground Chicken Tacos
Using ground chicken instead of traditional cuts keeps the tacos tender while absorbing every bit of seasoning.
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Serving platter or taco plates
Ingredients
For the Ground Chicken Filling
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for a little heat
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Tacos
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato diced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 1 avocado sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
Prep Your Ingredients
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. Keeping them small helps them cook quickly and evenly.
- Dice the tomato and slice the avocado. Set aside for topping.
- Wash and shred the lettuce so it’s ready for assembly.
- Pro Tip: For extra flavor, let the chopped onions sit for 5 minutes after cutting—they’ll release a sweeter aroma when cooked.
Cook the Ground Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add the ground chicken, breaking it apart with your spatula. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—if the chicken steams instead of browning, it won’t develop that savory depth of flavor.
Season the Chicken
- Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper over the chicken.
- Stir well to coat evenly and cook for another 2–3 minutes so the spices bloom and infuse the meat.
- Pro Tip: Taste a small piece and adjust seasoning as needed—ground chicken can handle a little extra punch!
Warm the Tortillas
- While the chicken finishes cooking, heat a second skillet over medium heat.
- Warm each tortilla for about 20–30 seconds per side, just until soft and pliable.
- Stack them on a plate and cover with a clean towel to keep warm.
- Pro Tip: For slightly crispy edges, leave them in the skillet an extra 5 seconds per side—just don’t let them burn!
Assemble the Tacos
- Spoon the seasoned chicken onto the center of each tortilla.
- Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomato, avocado slices, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime and optional toppings like sour cream or salsa.
- Pro Tip: Layer heavier toppings (like cheese) directly on the chicken first to help everything stay in place when eating.
Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange the tacos on a serving platter or individual plates.
- Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
- Encourage everyone to add their own favorite toppings—it’s part of the fun!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 380–420 kcal
- Protein: 26–30g
- Carbohydrates: 28–32g
- Fat: 18–22g
- Saturated Fat: 6–8g
- Fiber: 4–6g
- Sugar: 3–5g
- Sodium: 480–650mg