Southwestern Taco Chicken
Bursting with bold, smoky flavors, Southwestern Taco Chicken is a quick and flavorful dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or lively taco nights. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned with a vibrant blend of spices—garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and more—then seared to golden perfection for a mouthwatering finish. A squeeze of fresh lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro add a bright, zesty touch, making each bite irresistible. This versatile recipe can be served as a taco filling, paired with Mexican-style rice and beans, or layered over a crisp salad for a lighter option. Ready in under 40 minutes, this gluten-free, crowd-pleasing recipe is a must-try for fans of bold Southwestern cuisine!
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, chopped
Directions
Step 1
Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and, using a meat mallet or rolling pin, lightly pound each piece to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch.
Step 2
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3
Drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of each piece.
Step 4
Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 5
Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 6
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken moist.
Step 7
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro before serving.
Step 8
Serve the Southwestern Taco Chicken as a filling for tacos, paired with rice and beans, or atop a fresh green salad.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (775.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1441.8 |
| Total Fat 53.7g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 11.3g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g | |
| Cholesterol 572.0mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2923.9mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 11.7g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 3.1g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 0.9g | |
| Protein 215.3g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
| Calcium 117.1mg | 0% |
| Iron 8.1mg | 0% |
| Potassium 189.2mg | 0% |
Source of Calories