Healthy Chicken Tacos

For those seeking an alternative to their usual weekday meal, healthy chicken tacos is one option worth considering. This meal is easy to make, can be tailored to suit individual dietary needs, and might just be the answer to achieving a balanced yet delicious diet.

Store-bought taco shells are available in whole grain options, which provide more dietary fiber and protein than the white flour alternatives. Filling the shells with grilled chicken is a healthy protein-packed solution, that the whole family can enjoy. Additionally, beef tacos can easily be substituted with tomatoes and shredded jack cheese as a vegetarian-friendly option.

When it comes to the toppings, there are countless healthy possibilities. Sliced bell peppers, onions, raw spinach, and black olives provide essential vitamins and minerals without a heavy caloric count. Adding salsa is an effortless way to add flavor, without piling on unhealthy amounts of sour cream and butter. If desired, fat-free Greek yogurt can be used as a stuffing substitute for a creamy-tangy depth.

Despite the fact that this meal can easily be adapted to suit individual dietary requirements, there are some caveats to keep in mind. Store-bought, pre-cooked chickens contain a high sodium content, and it’s important to check the nutrition label and opt for the low sodium versions. All-in-all, swapping a fast food joint for a plate of healthy chicken tacos is a great way to fill up while reaping the many rewards of a home-cooked meal. [ad_1]

These healthy chicken tacos come together in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights. They’re packed with flavor and totally customizable!

I LOVE tacos… fish tacos, cauliflower tacos, tempeh tacos… if it has the word taco in the name I’m here for it! That said, I figured it was about time to share my go-to healthy chicken taco recipe.

These tacos are so flavorful and delicious and the entire recipe comes together in 30 minutes from start to finish, which is ideal when you’re wanting to make a healthy dinner during those busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love These Tacos

Easy to make! These tacos cook up in about 30 minutes, making them perfect for a weekday taco night!
Packed with tons of flavor. The marinated chicken is chef’s kiss!
Totally customizable. Feel free to make this recipe your own with different seasonings and toppings.

Ingredients measured out to make Healthy Chicken Tacos: chicken thighs, garlic, olive oil, lime, chili powder, salt, cumin, red onion, tortillas, pico de gallo, queso fresco, sour cream, avocado and cilantro.

Ingredients Needed

chicken – the star of the show! I love using chicken thighs because they are fattier so have more flavor, but boneless skinless chicken breasts will also work and still be delicious.
olive oil, lime juice, garlic, sea salt, cumin and chili powder – all these ingredients combine to make a super simple marinade for the chicken.
tortillas – I used small corn tortillas to keep this recipe gluten-free, but feel free to use flour tortillas or your favorite style of tortilla.
toppings – my go-to taco toppings are red onion, cilantro, avocado, pico de gallo (or salsa), queso fresco, and sour cream (or Greek yogurt), but feel free to use your favorite toppings!

Six photos showing the steps to make chicken taco meat: marinating the chicken, grilling and chopping.

How to Make

Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, salt and cumin in a small bowl. Pour mixture over chicken thighs and let marinate for 15-30 minutes. You can definitely marinate the chicken longer (even overnight) if you want, but it’s not necessary!

Grill chicken thighs using an indoor or outdoor grill or cook the chicken on the stovetop in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked throughout (internal temperature should be 170-175°F). Once cooked, pull chicken from heat and let rest for 3-5 minutes.

Dice chicken thighs into cubes. Place chicken into a warm taco shell and add toppings of choice. Enjoy!

Customize Your Tacos

I love this recipe as is, but feel free to make these tacos your own! Here are some ideas:

Spices: Experiment with different spice blends in the marinade, such as chipotle powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano or even a taco seasoning blend.
Meat: If you prefer chicken breast you can use that instead of thighs. You can also try using pork, beef or tofu for a different protein option.
Toppings: Feel free to switch up the toppings to your liking. Some ideas: jalapeño slices, pickled red onions, fresh tomatoes, hot sauce, pineapple salsa or shredded lettuce.
Tortillas: I prefer to use either flour or corn tortillas, but you can also use a hard shell taco, grain-free tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Cheese: You can skip the cheese altogether if you need a dairy-free option or switch it up and use cheddar, pepper jack or a blend of shredded Mexican cheese.

Chicken tacos in a row on a serving board.

How to Serve Chicken Tacos

These chicken tacos are a meal on their own, but it’s always fun to have a few sides and a festive drink… especially if you’re hosting dinner. Here are some options:

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken in an air-tight container in the fridge for 4-5 days. Store any leftover toppings in separate containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. For reheating, I recommend warming the chicken over the stovetop to crisp it up a little.

More Mexican Favorites

Be sure to check out all of the chicken recipes as the full collection of Mexican recipes on EBF!