Print

Chicken Tacos with Cheese

Chicken Tacos with Cheese

Chicken Tacos with Cheese are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal combining tender, seasoned chicken with melted cheese and fresh vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This recipe highlights juicy chicken, melty cheese, and vibrant fresh toppings for a comforting and satisfying taco experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, finely chopped

Carbohydrates

  • 8 soft tortillas (flour or corn for gluten-free option)

Dairy

  • 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup crisp lettuce, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Seasonings & Condiments

  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp lime juice
  • Oil for cooking (such as vegetable or olive oil)

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Sliced jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Finely chop the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil, then cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken cooks, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the oven until soft and pliable to prevent cracking when filled.
  3. Assemble the Tacos: Place a generous spoonful of cooked chicken onto each tortilla. Top immediately with shredded cheese so it melts over the warm chicken. Add diced tomatoes, onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
  4. Final Touches: Add optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapenos as desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, cheesy chicken tacos with fresh garnishes.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and ensure proper browning.
  • Warm tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and prevent drying out.
  • Adjust chili powder and paprika to suit your preferred spice level without overpowering the cheese flavor.
  • Pre-chop vegetables ahead of time to speed up assembly.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tacos, cheesy tacos, quick chicken recipe, Mexican tacos, easy dinner, family-friendly tacos