Simple Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe

There’s something magical about taco night in my kitchen. It always feels like a celebration. But here’s the twist: instead of the usual beef tacos, I’ve been making these ground chicken tacos, and they’ve quickly become a family favorite. They’re lighter, healthier, and just as bold in flavor. Best of all, you can have them on the table in 30 minutes flat.

Whether you’re serving them up in soft tortillas, layering them into a taco bowl, or baking them with cheese for a crispy finish, this recipe is versatile enough to keep taco night exciting every single week.

Why This is the Best Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe

Here’s why I think you’ll love this recipe as much as I do:

• Lighter but still indulgent: Ground chicken has fewer calories than beef, but when seasoned right, it’s just as satisfying.
• Quick and easy: Only 20 minutes of cook time, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customizable: Tacos are all about toppings. Spice them up, cool them down, or load them with veggies.
• Family-friendly: Kids and adults both love the flavor.

👉 If you’re in the mood for something richer, check out my Kobe Beef Tacos for a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence.

Ingredients for Healthy Ground Chicken Tacos (and Substitutions)

Here’s what you’ll need for the best ground chicken tacos recipe:

• Ground chicken – Choose one with a little fat (93/7) for juicier tacos.
• Taco seasoning – Use store-bought for convenience or try my homemade blend below.
• Tortillas – Corn tortillas give a more authentic Mexican vibe, flour tortillas are softer, and lettuce wraps make it low-carb.
• Toppings – Salsa, guacamole, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, chopped onion, avocado slices, lime wedges.

Substitutions

The beauty of tacos is that you can make them your own, so here are some of my favorite swaps.

• Swap ground chicken with ground turkey, beef, or even salmon.
• For a Tex-Mex twist, add black beans or roasted corn.
• Craving fusion? Use naan or pita instead of tortillas.

👉 If you’re a steak lover, my Wagyu Tacos Recipe is a fantastic variation for special nights.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Skip the packet! This smoky, bold blend takes 2 minutes to make and keeps for months:

• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional for heat)

Mix and store in a jar. Use 2–3 tablespoons per pound of ground chicken.

Best Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe

Juicy, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes, these ground chicken tacos use a bold homemade taco seasoning and simple technique to stay tender. Serve in warm tortillas with fresh toppings, or turn them into baked tacos, taco bowls, or smash tacos.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican / Tex-Mex

Servings 4 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground chicken 93/7 recommended
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2–3 tbsp taco seasoning homemade or store-bought
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or water
• 8 small tortillas corn or flour
• 1 cup pico de gallo or salsa
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso Oaxaca
• 1 avocado sliced or mashed
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/3 cup diced red onion
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional: sour cream or Greek yogurt pickled onions, jalapeños
• Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
• Skip the packet! This smoky bold blend takes 2 minutes to make and keeps for months:
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne optional for heat
• Mix and store in a jar. Use 2–3 tablespoons per pound of ground chicken.

Instructions

 

• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a little oil. Add the ground chicken and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles as it browns. Do not stir constantly. Let it sit for short bursts so you get those delicious golden-brown bits that add extra flavor.
  
• Once the chicken is no longer pink, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Pour in about half a cup of chicken broth or water and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the chicken soaks up all that smoky, savory flavor.
  
• While the chicken simmers, warm up your tortillas. You can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a few minutes, or toast them directly on a dry skillet until they are soft, warm, and just a little charred. This step makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.
• Spoon the seasoned chicken into your warm tortillas. Now the fun part: toppings. Add salsa, avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or whatever your heart desires. A squeeze of lime on top brings everything to life.
  
• 💡 Variation Ideas
• Baked ground chicken tacos: Fill hard taco shells with the cooked chicken, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until everything is hot and crispy.
• Ground chicken taco bowl: Skip the tortillas and build a nourishing bowl with rice, beans, corn, and avocado.
• Ground chicken smash tacos: Roll the chicken into small balls, season them, and smash them flat in a hot skillet until the edges turn crispy and golden.

Notes

• Use ground chicken with a little fat for juicier tacos.
• Add a spoonful of tomato paste or salsa while simmering for extra moisture and depth.
• For healthier tacos, use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps and load up on fresh toppings.
• Meal prep friendly: cooked taco meat keeps 4 days refrigerated or up to 3 months frozen.
• Spice control: reduce cayenne in the seasoning for mild, or add chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
• Food safety: cook to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Nutrition (per serving, approx.):

• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Total Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Cholesterol: 105 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and meant as an estimate. If you follow a special diet, please double-check using your own calculations.

How to Make Simple Ground Chicken Tacos Step by Step

1. Cook the chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in a little oil. Add the ground chicken and let it cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small crumbles as it browns. Do not stir constantly. Let it sit for short bursts so you get those delicious golden-brown bits that add extra flavor.

2. Season the meat

Once the chicken is no longer pink, sprinkle in the taco seasoning. Pour in about half a cup of chicken broth or water and stir well. Let the mixture simmer for around 5 minutes until it thickens slightly and the chicken soaks up all that smoky, savory flavor.

3. Warm the tortillas

While the chicken simmers, warm up your tortillas. You can wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a few minutes, or toast them directly on a dry skillet until they are soft, warm, and just a little charred. This step makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

4. Assemble the tacos

Spoon the seasoned chicken into your warm tortillas. Now the fun part: toppings. Add salsa, avocado slices, shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or whatever your heart desires. A squeeze of lime on top brings everything to life.

💡 Variation Ideas

• Baked ground chicken tacos: Fill hard taco shells with the cooked chicken, sprinkle cheese on top, and bake until everything is hot and crispy.
• Ground chicken taco bowl: Skip the tortillas and build a nourishing bowl with rice, beans, corn, and avocado.
• Ground chicken smash tacos: Roll the chicken into small balls, season them, and smash them flat in a hot skillet until the edges turn crispy and golden.

👉 Love one-pan meals? My One-Skillet Cheesy Ground Chicken Pasta Recipe has that same weeknight magic.

The Secret to Juicy Ground Chicken Taco Meat

The biggest mistake people make with ground chicken tacos is ending up with dry meat. Since chicken is leaner than beef, it needs just a little extra care to stay moist and flavorful. Luckily, it only takes a few simple tricks to keep your taco filling juicy and delicious every time.

• Do not go too lean: Choose ground chicken with a small amount of fat. It makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
• Add moisture as it cooks: Stir in a splash of chicken broth, a spoonful of salsa, or even a little tomato paste. These add depth and prevent the meat from drying out.
• Cook at the right temperature: Medium-high heat is perfect. It allows the meat to brown and develop flavor without overcooking and turning tough.

👉 Want to taste the juicy difference? My Wagyu Steak Tacos are the perfect contrast to lean chicken.

Fun Serving Ideas & Variations: Taco Bowls, Baked Tacos, and Smash Tacos

One of the best parts about tacos is how flexible they are. You can keep them simple for a quick weeknight dinner or dress them up for a party. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy ground chicken tacos:

• Classic tacos: Stick with tradition and serve the chicken in warm corn tortillas topped with pico de gallo, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
• Ground chicken taco bowl: Skip the tortillas and build a hearty bowl with rice, beans, roasted corn, avocado, and salsa. This option is perfect for meal prep or a lighter lunch.
• Baked tacos: Fill hard taco shells with seasoned chicken, top with shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly and crispy. It is a fun twist that kids especially love.
• Ground chicken smash tacos: Form small balls of seasoned chicken, press them flat in a hot skillet, and cook until the edges turn golden and crispy. The texture is irresistible.
• Healthy twist: Swap the tortillas for lettuce wraps or use whole wheat tortillas for extra fiber. These options are fresh, light, and still full of flavor.

Storing & Freezing Ground Chicken Tacos

One of the best things about this ground chicken taco meat is how well it keeps. You can make a batch on Sunday and enjoy easy tacos, bowls, or even nachos throughout the week without extra effort.

• Store: Place the cooked taco meat in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. It makes a quick grab-and-heat option for busy lunches or weeknight dinners.
• Freeze: Let the chicken cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Label with the date and store for up to 3 months. Freezing in smaller portions makes it easier to defrost just what you need.
• Reheat: For the juiciest results, reheat the taco meat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps it from drying out. If you are in a hurry, you can also microwave it, just cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

👉 Pro tip: Double the recipe and freeze half so you always have seasoned taco meat ready for a no-stress taco night.

Helpful Tips & Tricks for Simple Ground Chicken Recipes

Cooking with ground chicken is simple, but a few little tricks can take your tacos from good to unforgettable. These are the tips I use in my own kitchen whenever taco night rolls around:

• Double the seasoning recipe: It takes just a minute to mix up a jar of homemade taco seasoning, and having it on hand makes weeknight dinners so much faster. Keep it in an airtight jar in your spice cabinet and you’ll always be ready for taco night.
• Boost the flavor with chipotle: Stir in a spoonful of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, slightly spicy kick. It adds incredible depth to the chicken and pairs beautifully with fresh toppings.
• Balance the heat with something creamy: If your tacos end up spicier than you expected, toppings like sour cream, avocado, or a dollop of Greek yogurt will cool everything down while adding richness.
• Create a taco bar: Set out warm tortillas, bowls of seasoned chicken, and a variety of toppings. Let everyone build their own tacos with the flavors they love. It is interactive, fun, and perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
• Don’t skip the lime: A quick squeeze of lime juice right before serving brightens up the flavors and ties everything together.
• Warm the tortillas properly: Heating tortillas in a skillet or wrapping them in a clean towel after microwaving keeps them soft and pliable, so they don’t tear when filled.

These small details might seem simple, but together they make taco night something you’ll look forward to every single week.

FAQs About Healthy Ground Chicken Tacos