Ground Chicken Tacos

Taco night is a non-negotiable around here, and these Ground Chicken Tacos are one of my favorite quick meals to whip up on a busy weeknight. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken, your favorite tortillas, and all the toppings you love—this one’s a crowd-pleaser that’s light, customizable, and downright delicious.

Why I Love This Recipe

This is one of those recipes I find myself making over and over again. It’s easy, fast, and you can make a big batch for the week. The seasoned ground chicken is flavorful without being heavy, and it works beautifully not just in tacos but in bowls, salads, or even wraps. Once the chicken is cooked, all that’s left is warming some tortillas and setting out your toppings. It’s a build-your-own-taco kind of situation, and that always makes dinner feel fun—especially when you’re feeding a group or dealing with picky eaters.

While I love heartier tacos like chicken tinga or picadillo, this ground chicken version is lighter and quicker, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need to pull off these tacos, plus a few ways you can mix things up:

Ingredients

• Ground chicken – Lean, flavorful, and cooks quickly. Ground turkey or ground beef are great substitutes.
• Taco seasoning – I always use my homemade mix. It’s a blend of pantry spices and gives the chicken great depth.
• Tortillas – I usually go for soft flour tortillas, but corn tortillas are great too.
• Shredded cheese – A combo of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack is my go-to.
• Salsa – Use what you love: red or green, mild to spicy.
• Avocado or guacamole – Creamy avocado or guac adds that rich, cool contrast to the warm spices.

Substitutions & Extra Ideas

• Swap in ground beef or turkey if that’s what you have.
• Use the chicken mix in bowls with rice or quinoa.
• Add it to taco salads, use it in wraps or burritos, or even stir it into a quick pasta for a Tex-Mex twist.
• Want a baked option? Roll it into tortillas and bake them for flautas.

How to Make Ground Chicken Tacos

This comes together in under 30 minutes, start to finish:

1. Cook the Chicken
   Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and let it cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.
2. Add Seasoning
   Sprinkle in all your taco seasoning and give it a good stir so the spices coat the meat evenly.
3. Simmer
   Cook until the chicken is no longer pink. Once it’s cooked through, pour in 2 tablespoons of water, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 10 minutes. This step helps rehydrate the meat and brings the flavor together.
4. Assemble Tacos
   Warm your tortillas (a dry skillet or open flame does the job), and layer on the ground chicken. Top with cheese, salsa, guacamole, or anything else your heart desires.

How to Store Ground Chicken

If you’ve got leftovers, pack them up in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3–4 days. When reheating, make sure the chicken reaches 165°F to stay food-safe.

How to Freeze Ground Chicken

This recipe freezes beautifully. Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It’ll keep well for up to 2–3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the simmer step with water after the chicken’s cooked—it helps loosen any bits stuck to the pan and keeps the meat juicy.
• Want to add more bulk? Stir in some canned black beans or corn during the last few minutes of cooking.
• If you like things spicy, toss in some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne with the taco seasoning.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of the sodium content—store-bought mixes can be a little salty, so taste before adding extra salt.

What kind of tortillas work best?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well here. I prefer flour tortillas for a softer bite, but corn adds a bit more texture and traditional flavor.

Can I make this in advance?
Yes, the ground chicken can be cooked up to 3 days ahead of time. Just reheat and serve when you’re ready.

How to Serve

I usually put everything out family-style—warm tortillas, a big bowl of the seasoned chicken, and all the toppings in small bowls. That way, everyone can build their own taco just how they like it. Add a side of chips and salsa or a quick salad, and dinner’s sorted.

Leftover Ideas

• Taco Bowls – Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa with beans, corn, salsa, and avocado.
• Wraps or Burritos – Roll it into a tortilla with cheese and rice for an easy lunch.
• Salad Topper – Toss it over chopped romaine with black beans, corn, and a creamy dressing.
• Loaded Nachos – Layer it over tortilla chips with cheese and bake until melty.

Try other recipes:

• Ground Chicken Nuggets
• Ground Chicken Meatballs
• Ground Chicken Tacos