Ground Chicken Tacos

Looking for a delicious twist on traditional tacos? Try these mouthwatering ground chicken tacos bursting with Mexican flavors!

Tender ground chicken seasoned with chipotle pepper, cumin, and taco seasoning, stuffed into warm corn tortillas, and topped with your favorite garnishes. This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite and a go-to for taco night. Let's dive into the recipe and explore the delightful world of these delectable ground chicken tacos!

Looking for more taco recipes? Try my Fish Tacos or Jackfruit Tacos.

Or for more ground meat recipes, try my Turkey Shepherd's Pie.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Spicy: This recipe delivers a burst of delicious flavors with the combination of chipotle pepper powder, cumin, and taco seasoning. The spices add a smoky, slightly spicy kick to the ground chicken, creating a tantalizing taste experience.
• Versatile and Customizable: These ground chicken tacos are highly versatile, allowing you to personalize them to suit your taste. From choosing your preferred toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, or avocado, to adjusting the spice level, you can easily customize the tacos to your liking.
• Quick and Easy: With a prep and cook time of around 25-30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a delicious meal in a short amount of time. The straightforward instructions make it easy to whip up a satisfying meal without a fuss

Ingredients & Substitutions

Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in recipe card. 

• Ground chicken - Provides a lean and flavorful protein base for the tacos. You can also use ground turkey or ground beef as alternatives.
• Avocado oil - Adds a subtle richness and enhances the flavors. If unavailable, you can substitute with olive oil or vegetable oil.
• Chipotle pepper powder - Offers a smoky and mildly spicy taste. If chipotle pepper powder is not on hand, you can use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor without the heat.
• Ground cumin - Adds a warm and earthy flavor to the dish. No direct substitute, but you can omit it if needed.
• Taco seasoning - Provides a convenient blend of spices that adds depth and complexity to the ground chicken. Alternatively, you can make your own taco seasoning using a combination of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Onion powder - Enhances the savory notes in the recipe. If you don't have onion powder, you can use finely minced fresh onions as a substitute.
• Garlic powder - Adds a rich and aromatic flavor to the dish. If you don't have garlic powder, you can use fresh minced garlic cloves as an alternative.
• Tomato paste (low sodium) - Adds a tangy and slightly sweet element to the ground chicken mixture. If low sodium tomato paste is not available, regular tomato paste can be used. Just adjust the salt content accordingly.
• Corn tortillas - Provides a traditional and gluten-free base for the tacos. If corn tortillas are not preferred or available, you can use flour tortillas as a substitute.
• Toppings (e.g., avocado lime crema, fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, thin slices of avocado, diced onions) - These toppings add freshness, creaminess, and additional flavors to the tacos. Feel free to customize with your preferred toppings or add extras like shredded cheese, salsa, or hot sauce.

Equipment Needed

• Skillet or frying pan - For cooking the ground chicken and spices.
• Wooden spatula or silicone spatula - To break up and stir the ground chicken while cooking.
• Cutting board and knife - For chopping onions, mincing garlic, and any other ingredient preparation.
• Small bowl - To mix the spice blend before adding it to the ground chicken.
• Spoon - For stirring and combining the spices with the ground chicken.
• Small skillet or griddle - For warming up the corn tortillas.
• Serving plates or platter - To assemble and serve the ground chicken tacos.
• Optional: Additional bowls or plates for toppings - If using a variety of toppings, separate bowls or plates can be used to arrange them.

How to Make this Recipe

Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card. 

To make these delicious ground chicken tacos, start by heating avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken and use a wooden spatula or silicone spatula to break up the meat and cook it until it changes color. As the chicken cooks, you can prepare the spice blend. In a small bowl, combine chipotle pepper powder, ground cumin, taco seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder. Once the ground chicken is cooked, sprinkle the spice blend over the meat and stir well to evenly coat everything.

Next, add tomato paste to the skillet and continue cooking for a couple of minutes, stirring frequently to incorporate the flavors. If the mixture starts to become dry, you can add a splash of low-sodium chicken broth to keep it moist. While the chicken simmers, warm up the corn tortillas in a separate skillet or griddle until they become pliable.

Assemble the tacos by spooning the flavorful ground chicken onto each tortilla. Now comes the fun part - adding the toppings! Feel free to get creative and use toppings such as fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, thin slices of avocado, and diced onions. These will add extra freshness and texture to your tacos.

Once all the toppings are added, the ground chicken tacos are ready to be served. Place them on serving plates or a platter, and they're good to go. This recipe offers a fantastic blend of flavors and can be customized to suit your preferences. With the warm tortillas, savory ground chicken, and tasty toppings, these tacos are sure to be a hit for any meal.

Variations

• Vegetarian Variation: Replace the ground chicken with plant-based ground meat alternatives such as crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Adjust the seasonings accordingly and follow the same cooking method.
• Spicy Variation: If you enjoy extra heat, increase the amount of chipotle pepper powder or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the spice blend. This will give the tacos an extra kick of spiciness.
• Grilled Variation: Instead of cooking the ground chicken in a skillet, you can grill it for a smoky flavor. Season the chicken with the spices, shape it into patties or small meatballs, and grill until fully cooked. Then, chop or shred the grilled chicken and use it as the filling for your tacos.
• Slow Cooker Variation: For a convenient and hands-off approach, you can prepare the ground chicken filling in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and cook for 4-6 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld together slowly and creates a tender and flavorful filling.
• Tex-Mex Variation: Add additional Tex-Mex-inspired ingredients to the ground chicken mixture, such as black beans, corn kernels, or diced bell peppers. These additions will provide extra texture and flavor to your tacos.
• Lettuce Wrap Variation: For a low-carb or gluten-free option, skip the tortillas altogether and use large lettuce leaves as wraps. Fill each lettuce wrap with the ground chicken mixture and your favorite toppings.
• Breakfast Variation: Turn these tacos into a delicious breakfast option by adding scrambled eggs to the ground chicken mixture. Cook the eggs separately, then combine them with the cooked ground chicken and seasonings. Serve the breakfast tacos with toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, and avocado.

Wine Pairing

• Rosé: A dry or off-dry rosé with good acidity can complement the flavors of the tacos. Look for a rosé with fruity undertones and refreshing acidity to balance the spices.
• Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine, known for its zesty and herbaceous character, can be a great match. Its vibrant acidity and citrusy notes can enhance the flavors in the tacos.
• Light-bodied red wines: Opt for a lighter red wine such as Beaujolais or Pinot Noir. These wines have bright fruit flavors and moderate tannins that won't overpower the dish. They can provide a nice contrast to the spiciness of the ground chicken.
• Sparkling wine: A dry sparkling wine, such as a Brut or Extra Brut Champagne or a dry Prosecco, can offer a refreshing and versatile pairing. The effervescence can cleanse the palate and complement the flavors in the tacos.
• Mexican beer or Margarita: If you prefer a beverage other than wine, consider pairing the tacos with a Mexican beer like a crisp lager or a classic Margarita. These options can provide a refreshing contrast to the spices and add a touch of authenticity to the Mexican-inspired dish.

FAQ's

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey can be used as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. It will still provide a lean and flavorful protein base for the tacos.

How spicy are these tacos?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste. The chipotle pepper powder provides a mild to moderate level of heat. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of chipotle pepper powder or add additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While the ground chicken mixture is best served fresh, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat the mixture on the stovetop before assembling the tacos for the best flavor and texture.

Are corn tortillas necessary, or can I use flour tortillas?

Corn tortillas are traditionally used for authentic Mexican-style tacos. However, you can certainly use flour tortillas if you prefer or if that's what you have on hand. Just be aware that the flavor and texture of the tacos may differ slightly.

What are some additional toppings I can add?

The toppings mentioned in the recipe, such as fresh chopped cilantro, sour cream, sliced avocado, and diced onions, are great options. However, feel free to get creative and add your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce.

Can I freeze the leftover ground chicken mixture?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover ground chicken mixture. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before using.

Tips

• Use dark meat ground chicken: Dark meat, preferably from boneless chicken thighs, will provide more flavor and moisture to the ground chicken mixture. It helps prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.
• Adjust the spice level to your preference: If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper powder or omit it altogether. On the other hand, if you like more heat, increase the amount or add additional spices like crushed red pepper flakes.
• Prepare the toppings and condiments in advance: To streamline the assembly process, chop the cilantro, dice the onions, slice the avocado, and gather other toppings beforehand. This way, you'll have everything ready when it's time to assemble the tacos.
• Warm the tortillas properly: Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet or griddle with a little oil until they become pliable. This step helps enhance their flavor and texture while preventing them from breaking during assembly.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning: While cooking the ground chicken, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more spices, salt, or other seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
• Customize with additional toppings: Feel free to experiment with additional toppings such as shredded cheese, salsa, pickled jalapeños, or hot sauce. These can add extra layers of flavor and texture to the tacos.
• Double-check the meat's doneness: Ensure that the ground chicken is cooked thoroughly by checking for no traces of pink and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This step is crucial for food safety.
• Serve immediately: Ground chicken tacos are best enjoyed immediately after assembly while they're still warm and fresh. This ensures the optimal taste and texture experience.

Looking for more recipes?

Looking for more taco recipes? Try my Fish Tacos or Jackfruit Tacos.

Did You Make this Recipe?

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Recipe Card

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