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Ground chicken tacos with toppings on a rustic plate

Ground Chicken Tacos for a Perfect Family Taco Night

Juicy, flavorful ground chicken tacos made in under 30 minutes. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or a fun family dinner night!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Taco Filling

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup water

To Serve

  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas warmed
  • 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend
  • 1 avocado or guacamole
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (optional)
  • Lime wedges
  • Salsa or pico de gallo optional
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add ground chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula, until fully cooked and lightly browned.
  • Stir in taco seasoning, tomato paste, and water. Mix until well combined and simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
  • Warm tortillas using a skillet, oven, or over a gas flame.
  • Assemble tacos by spooning in chicken and adding your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Taco Seasoning Substitute: If you're out of taco seasoning, mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Tortilla Tips: For a smoky, charred flavor, heat tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side using tongs.
  • Make It Low-Carb: Skip the tortillas and use lettuce wraps or serve as a taco bowl over cauliflower rice.
  • Protein Swap: You can substitute ground chicken with ground turkey or lean ground beef if preferred.
  • Storage & Reuse: Leftover taco meat can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Great for burrito bowls, taco salads, or quesadillas the next day.
  • Meal Prep Tip: Double the taco filling and freeze half for a quick future meal. Just defrost, reheat, and enjoy!
  • Kid-Friendly Idea: Set up a “taco bar” and let kids build their own tacos with bowls of toppings — makes dinner fun and interactive!