These GROUND CHICKEN TACOS are a flavorful, weeknight-friendly meal that’s anything but boring. Seasoned with smoky chipotle, cumin, and paprika, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, they’re perfectly juicy and packed with zest. Whether loaded with guacamole, salsa, or your favorite toppings, these tacos are sure to become a family favorite!
Tacos are a staple in our house, and these ground chicken tacos have become one of our go-to recipes for quick, flavorful meals. They’re packed with smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors that make every bite exciting. We started experimenting with ground chicken as a lighter alternative to beef, and it turned out to be a total game-changer. It’s lean, absorbs all the spices beautifully, and cooks up in no time—a must for busy weeknights.
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is to customize. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of cumin, chipotle chili powder, garlic, and paprika, creating a bold and slightly smoky flavor. A touch of tomato paste and chicken broth adds richness and keeps the meat juicy, while fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice brighten it all up at the end. And let’s be honest, tacos are all about the toppings—guacamole, pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, sour cream—anything goes.
The best part? This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast but still want something satisfying. Plus, it’s made with pantry staples you probably already have on hand, so there’s no need for a last-minute grocery run. I love that it’s versatile enough to work with soft tortillas, crispy taco shells, or even over a bed of greens for a taco salad.
These ground chicken tacos are more than just a quick dinner; they’re a fun, interactive meal that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re hosting a casual taco night or just trying to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this recipe is sure to be a hit. I hope it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in ours!
IN THIS RECIPE...
This ground chicken taco recipe is wonderfully straightforward—it’s the kind of dish where the ingredients and instructions speak for themselves. The spices, fresh cilantro, and squeeze of lemon bring out bold, classic taco flavors, while the tomato paste and broth keep the chicken perfectly juicy. Since it’s easy to follow and doesn’t require much extra explanation, we thought it’d be fun to explore some creative ways to use these ingredients beyond traditional tacos.
Toppings to Take Your Tacos to the Next Level
Toppings are where tacos really come to life, and the options are endless! Here are some of our favorites to inspire you:
- CLASSIC TOPPINGS: Sour cream, shredded cheese, diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and salsa (mild, medium, or spicy—your choice!).
- CREAMY OPTIONS: Guacamole, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of chipotle mayo for extra indulgence.
- PICKLED ADDITIONS: Pickled red onions, jalapeños, or even pickled radishes for a tangy crunch.
- FRESH FINISHES: Chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten every bite.
- CRUNCHY EXTRAS: Crushed tortilla chips, crispy onions, or toasted pepitas for added texture.
- SPICY ENHANCEMENTS: A few dashes of hot sauce, fresh chili slices, or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for heat lovers.
Other Ways to Enjoy These Tacos
If you want to switch things up, these ground chicken tacos are incredibly versatile:
- TACO BOWLS: Skip the shells and serve the chicken over a bed of rice or greens with all your favorite toppings.
- LETTUCE WRAPS: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves like romaine or butter lettuce as your taco base.
- QUESADILLA FILLING: Use the seasoned ground chicken as a filling for cheesy quesadillas.
- NACHOS: Spread tortilla chips on a baking sheet, top with the chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and bake until melted.
- TACO-STUFFED PEPPERS: Hollow out bell peppers, fill them with the chicken mixture, and bake for a fun, hearty twist.
Related Recipes
Easy and Delicious Weeknight Ground Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ cup cilantro roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste can be replaced with salsa
- ⅛ cup chicken broth can be replaced with water
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
For Serving
- taco shells
- sour cream
- guacamole *see our recipe*
- salsa
- pickled jalapeños
- shredded cheese
- any other taco fixings you prefer
Instructions
To Cook
- Heat oil in a medium skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat.2 tablespoons neutral oil
- Once the oil is heated, add the ground chicken, season with kosher salt, and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sauté for 2-3 minutes. Don't worry if the chicken is not fully cooked at this point.1 pound ground chicken, 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- Stir in the tomato paste and sauté for another 2-3 minutes. Add the remaining dried spices and chicken broth and mix thoroughly. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer until about a tablespoon of liquid remains.1 teaspoon cumin powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, ⅛ cup chicken broth
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the cilantro and lemon juice. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.¼ cup cilantro, 2 teaspoons lemon juice
To Serve
- Assemble your tacos with sour cream and guacamole on the bottom, followed by your ground chicken, pickled jalapeños, salsa, and shredded cheese. These are the fixings we prefer but feel free to use whatever you like!taco shells, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pickled jalapeños, shredded cheese, any other taco fixings you prefer