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These 15-Minute Chicken Tacos are one of those go-to dinners I make on repeat, especially when I want big flavor without big effort. Tender seasoned chicken – seasoned with our tried and true taco seasoning, fresh lime, and simple toppings make this a family-friendly weeknight meal that’s perfect for busy schedules, meal prep, or Taco Tuesday. They’re also naturally clean and easily customizable for gluten-free, dairy-free, or Whole30 eating.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tacos
This is one of those recipes where it’s kind of a recipe, but it’s also so easy that I question if this really is a recipe. These chicken tacos have been on the dinner rotation for years, and we truly do not get tired of them! But here are a few reasons why you’ll love them too:
- Super fast: Dinner ready in about 15 minutes.
- Whole-food ingredients: Clean, simple, and family-friendly.
- Full of flavor: Homemade seasoning and bright lime juice.
- Flexible: Easy to adapt to your dietary needs.
- Minimal clean-up: One pan + fast prep = less stress at night.
A big win all around if you ask me!
Ingredients Needed
*Scroll down to the recipe card for the exact details.
Here’s what you’ll need and why it works:
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy, flavorful, and quick to cook.
- Homemade taco seasoning: More flavorful and cleaner than store-bought blends.
- Lime juice: Brightens every bite.
- Avocado or high-heat oil: Helps the chicken sear nicely.
- Optional toppings: Tortillas or lettuce wraps, fresh salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, cilantro, lime wedges, or even my super-easy slaw recipe!
How to Make These Chicken Tacos
- Prep the chicken: Pat dry and place in a bowl. Add the taco seasoning and lime juice, then toss until evenly coated.
- Heat the pan: Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook: Place seasoned chicken in the hot skillet and cook about 10 minutes, flipping once, until cooked through.
- Chop & mix: Remove, chop as desired, and return to the pan to mix with any remaining spices.
- Serve: Pile into warmed tortillas or lettuce wraps, then top with your favorites.
Pro Tip
Let each person build their own tacos — it’s fun for the family and great for picky eaters too!
Best Toppings + Serving Ideas
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve these tacos:
- Soft corn tortillas or gluten-free wraps
- Fresh pico de gallo or chopped tomatoes
- Creamy guacamole or sliced avocado
- Crisp shredded lettuce or cabbage
- Fresh lime wedges + chopped cilantro
- Salsa verde or your favorite hot sauce
Tips & Variations
Turn up the heat: Add extra chili powder or cayenne to the seasoning.
Try other proteins: Swap chicken for shrimp or turkey in a pinch.
Meal prep savior: Double the recipe and save leftover chicken for salads, bowls, or wraps later in the week.
Family-friendly swaps: Use mild seasoning and let everyone add spicy toppings themselves.
FAQ’s
Yes! These tacos are naturally dairy-free — just skip any cheese toppings and use compliant tortillas or lettuce wraps.
I love soft corn tortillas, but grain-free or gluten-free wraps work great too.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months — great for quick meals.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
If you like this taco recipe, check out these others:
- 30-Minute Loaded Taco Skillet [VIDEO]
- Fish Tacos with Tropical Salsa
- Pork Carnitas (Instant Pot and Slow Cooker)
- Simple Slow-Cooker Brisket & Hearty Brisket Tacos
- Slow-Cooker Short Rib Tacos
15-Minute Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs trimmed
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning blend
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (about 1/2 lime)
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
Instructions
- Pat chicken dry to remove excess moisture and place into a bowl.
- Add 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning. If you are all about the flavor, add 3 tablespoons. If you have some picky kids (or adults), use 2 tablespoons.
- Add lime juice and mix well until chicken is coated.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Once hot, add chicken in one layer. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through at 165ºF.
- Once done, remove and chop chicken as desired and place back into the skillet to coat with the spices.
- Serve immediately with your favorite taco toppings, or in a taco style salad.
This was SO good and so easy. Have now done a variety on this with other “cuisines” and has become a staple. Thanks again for another banger!
Love how easy this recipe is! Tastes great and on the table in 15 minutes!
Another rockstar recipe! My son just said: best chicken you ever made!
I gave you all the credit for the recipe.
Thanks so much.