Chicken Soft Tacos
Chicken Soft Tacos are a quick and flavorful meal featuring juicy, spiced chicken strips wrapped in warm, soft tortillas with fresh toppings. Perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lime juice juice of 1 lime
- 8 small soft flour tortillas 6-inch size
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 0.5 cup diced tomatoes
- 0.25 cup finely chopped red onion
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 avocado sliced or mashed
- optional toppings sour cream or plain yogurt, shredded cheese, hot sauce
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss well until they are fully coated with the spice mixture. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips in a single layer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Remove from heat and squeeze the juice of one lime over the chicken for a bright, zesty finish.
Warm the Tortillas
- While the chicken is cooking, warm the tortillas. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds. Keeping tortillas warm makes them pliable and easier to fold.
Assemble the Tacos
- Lay out a warm tortilla and place a few strips of the cooked chicken in the center. Top with shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and avocado. Add any optional toppings like sour cream or shredded cheese, and finish with a drizzle of hot sauce if you like it spicy.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your chicken soft tacos immediately while they’re warm and fresh. These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Medium Bowl
- Large Skillet
Notes
For extra juicy chicken, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour if you have time. Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and tender meat. Warm tortillas properly to prevent tearing. Avoid overloading tacos to keep them neat. Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors. Use a cast iron skillet or grill pan for nice sear and char. Variations include adding cayenne pepper for spice, grilling chicken outdoors, vegetarian substitutions, fresh fruit salsa, and dairy-free topping options. Store leftovers in airtight containers and warm separately before serving.