Spicy Chicken Tacos

Spicy Chicken Tacos are an easy chicken taco recipe filled with simple and clean ingredients. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and pleases the whole family!

*Original recipe, post, and pictures updated March 2018*

Spicy Chicken Tacos

I’m digging this easy chicken tacos recipe up from the archives and giving it a major facelift! As many of you know Mexican cuisine is my absolute favorite and we eat it often here at home.

I love making these clean eating tacos because they use everyday ingredients and take less than 30 minutes to get to the table. No one is complaining about that!

A few other easy chicken dishes I have are: Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken (also really good for tacos!), 30 Minute White Chicken Chili, and Sheet Pan Chicken Fajita Nachos.

Ok, I realize the title of says “spicy” but they are very easy to adjust to your needs. Trust me I have kids that won’t touch it if I use the word spicy.

How to make these Chicken Tacos Spicy or Mild:

For mild chicken tacos:

• Remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno pepper. This makes it mild enough even my “can’t stand anything hotter than ketchup” kids eat it.
• Use smoked paprika instead of chipotle chili powder.
• Don’t use cayenne powder.

For spicy chicken tacos:

• Leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno pepper.
• Use a serrano pepper instead of the jalapeno.
• Use plenty of cayenne pepper.
• And be sure to top the tacos with plenty of hot sauce. 🙂

Can these be made ahead:

Sure and there are a couple things you can do to make these ahead. The meat can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Then just reheat before serving. Or you can freeze this chicken taco meat in a freezer safe container for up to 2-4 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

What to serve with these clean eating Spicy Chicken Tacos:

• All the toppings!! Lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado…you name it.
• Homemade Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Quick and Easy Refried Beans
• Spanish Rice

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Spicy Chicken Tacos

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

10 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Spicy Chicken Tacos are an easy chicken taco recipe filled with simple and clean ingredients. It takes less than 30 minutes to make and pleases the whole family! 

Course: Chicken, Main

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: chicken tacos

Servings: 4 -6

Calories: 151 kcal

Author: Malinda Linnebur

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite sized pieces
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 large jalapeno, finely chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder
• salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste
• juice of ½-1 lime
• flour or corn tortillas

Instructions

1. In a large skillet brown chicken pieces, onion, pepper, garlic, and olive oil over medium heat until chicken is cooked through. 

2. Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika or chipotle, salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice.  I sometimes will add 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to make it a little saucy. Serve with desired toppings. 

Recipe Notes

For mild chicken tacos:

• Remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno pepper. This makes it mild enough even my “can’t stand anything hotter than ketchup” kids eat it. 
• Use smoked paprika instead of chipotle chili powder.
• Don’t use cayenne powder.

For spicy chicken tacos:

• Leave the seeds and ribs in the jalapeno pepper.
• Use a serrano pepper instead of the jalapeno.
• Use plenty of cayenne pepper.
• And be sure to top the tacos with plenty of hot sauce. 🙂

Make-ahead options:

• The meat can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Then just reheat before serving.
• Or you can freeze this chicken taco meat in a freezer safe container for up to 2-4 months. Thaw overnight and reheat before serving.

What to serve with these tacos:

• Homemade Pico de gallo
• Guacamole
• Quick and Easy Refried Beans
• Spanish Rice

NUTRITION INFO: Nutrition info calculated for just the taco meat. It doesn’t include toppings or tortillas. 

 

Nutrition Facts

Spicy Chicken Tacos

Amount Per Serving

Calories 151 Calories from Fat 81

% Daily Value*

Fat 9g14%

Saturated Fat 1g6%

Cholesterol 36mg12%

Sodium 116mg5%

Potassium 330mg9%

Carbohydrates 5g2%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 13g26%

Vitamin A 412IU8%

Vitamin C 9mg11%

Calcium 23mg2%

Iron 1mg6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.