Taco Tuesday just got a healthy upgrade! Forget the heavy, greasy ground beef; this recipe for the best ground chicken tacos delivers big on flavor and satisfaction while keeping things light and nutritious. It's one of those easy recipes perfect for busy weeknights, a crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners, or a simple yet delicious meal for yourself. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest with this incredibly flavorful and surprisingly quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 12 corn or flour tortillas
- Toppings of your choice: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, salsa, avocado
Instructions:
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Brown the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Simmer the Taco Filling: Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained), black beans, taco seasoning, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the chopped cilantro.
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Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken mixture simmers, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven.
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Assemble Your Tacos: Fill each tortilla with the delicious ground chicken mixture and your favorite toppings.
Cooking Tips for Taco Perfection:
- Spice it up: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño to the taco filling.
- Add some veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to the skillet along with the onions.
- Make it a complete meal: Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice and your favorite guacamole for a truly satisfying meal.
- Don't overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook it until it’s just browned and cooked through.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken Tacos: Add a diced jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the filling for some extra kick.
- Shredded Chicken Tacos: For a different texture, shred the cooked chicken before adding it to the sauce.
- Vegetarian Tacos: Substitute the ground chicken with seasoned crumbled tofu or lentils for a delicious vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and serving size.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 30-35g
This easy ground chicken taco recipe is a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. It's a delicious and satisfying dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering. Enjoy!