If you’ve ever wondered How to Use Taco Seasoning on Chicken to create mouthwatering dishes, you’re in the right place. Learn everything you need to know about transforming simple chicken with taco seasoning, from various cooking methods to creative recipe ideas.
Taco seasoning is a versatile blend that can easily turn an ordinary chicken dish into a flavorful and exciting meal. Imagine a mix of smoky paprika, earthy cumin, garlic, and just enough heat that infuses your chicken with rich, bold flavors. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or sautéing, learning how to use taco seasoning for chicken will make every meal a fiesta.
For an easy and healthy taco seasoning mix, check out this simple guide to homemade seasoning blends. Furthermore, this article on grilling techniques by Bon Appétit gives excellent tips for grilling chicken that’s full of flavor.
What Is Taco Seasoning?
Is a blend of aromatic spices used to bring bold flavors to a variety of dishes. It usually includes:
- Chili powder: Adds warmth and color.
- Ground cumin: Provides an earthy, slightly citrusy note.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Enhance the overall flavor.
- Paprika: Brings smokiness.
- Oregano and cayenne pepper: Add herby and spicy touches.
While pre-made versions are widely available, creating your own gives you the ability to control the ingredients. This means fewer preservatives, less sodium, and more tailored flavors. You can easily adjust the spice level and make it as smoky or mild as you like.
Why Use Taco Seasoning for Chicken?
- Flavor Enhancement: Taco seasoning adds a rich depth of flavor to otherwise bland chicken.
- Versatility: It can be used for dry rubs, marinades, or even in stews and soups.
- Quick and Easy: It takes only a few minutes to sprinkle seasoning over chicken, making it a simple way to enhance any dish.
- Customizable: Make your taco seasoning blend to suit your family’s taste—whether that’s spicy or mild.
How to Use : Different Methods
The ways to use taco seasoning for chicken are nearly endless, from grilling to slow cooking. Here are some popular methods:
1. Dry Rub Method
The dry rub method is the easiest way to add taco seasoning to chicken. It is quick, mess-free, and adds a strong burst of flavor.
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, taco seasoning, olive oil.
- Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- Apply Oil: Lightly coat each piece of chicken with olive oil. This helps the seasoning adhere while also preventing the chicken from drying out.
- Season Generously: Sprinkle taco seasoning over both sides of the chicken and rub it in gently.
- Cook the Chicken: You can grill, bake, or sauté the seasoned chicken. Grill over medium heat for 6-8 minutes per side, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or sauté in a skillet over medium-high heat until fully cooked.
2. Marinade Method
Marinating is a fantastic way to let taco seasoning for chicken penetrate the meat deeply, making it even more flavorful.
- Ingredients: Chicken thighs, taco seasoning, lime juice, olive oil.
- Instructions:
- Make the Marinade: Combine taco seasoning, the juice of one lime, and 1/4 cup of olive oil.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken thighs in a resealable bag or container and pour the marinade over them. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours.
- Cook: Grill, bake, or sauté the chicken as desired. Marinated chicken tends to be juicier and more tender.
3. Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer hands-off cooking, using taco seasoning for chicken in a slow cooker is a great option. This method is perfect for making shredded chicken for tacos, burritos, or nachos.
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes.
- Instructions:
- Add to Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts in a slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken and pour in a can of diced tomatoes.
- Cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. Use it as a filling for tacos, enchiladas, or burrito bowls.
Cooking Techniques: How to Use Taco Seasoning on Chicken
Knowing how to cook chicken with taco seasoning effectively is crucial for great results. Each method has its benefits and can yield different textures and flavors.
Grilled Chicken with Taco Seasoning
- Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat.
- Season Chicken: Rub taco seasoning on both sides of the chicken.
- Grill Time: Grill chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serving Suggestion: Grilled chicken pairs well with taco salads, wraps, or served over rice.
Baked Chicken with TS
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Place seasoned chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Cook for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
- Tip: Baked chicken is ideal for shredding and using in tacos or quesadillas.
Sautéed Chicken with TS
- Heat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon of olive oil.
- Sauté: Cook seasoned chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Result: Sautéed chicken has a delightful crust that makes it ideal for serving in tacos or taco bowls.
Using for Different Dishes
Learning how to use taco seasoning with chicken means you can create a variety of delicious dishes beyond simple tacos. Here are a few creative options:
1. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are easy to prepare and make for a vibrant, flavorful meal.
- Ingredients: Chicken strips, taco seasoning, sliced bell peppers, sliced onions.
- Instructions:
- Season and Cook: Season the chicken strips with taco seasoning. Sauté them with sliced bell peppers and onions until everything is tender.
- Serve: Serve the fajita mixture on tortillas, topped with sour cream, salsa, or cheese.
2. Chicken Taco Bowls
Create a deconstructed taco by making a chicken taco bowl.
- Ingredients: Seasoned grilled chicken, rice, black beans, corn, avocado, diced tomatoes.
- Instructions:
- Assemble Bowl: Add a base of rice, then top with seasoned grilled chicken, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes.
- Garnish: Add sliced avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a burst of freshness.
3. Chicken Nachos
For a crowd-pleaser, make chicken nachos using taco seasoning.
- Ingredients: Tortilla chips, shredded seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, jalapeños, black beans, salsa.
- Instructions:
- Assemble Nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet. Top with shredded chicken, cheese, jalapeños, and black beans.
- Bake: Bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Top with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Creative Recipe Ideas
Chicken Taco Pizza
A chicken taco pizza combines the best of both worlds.
- Ingredients: Pizza dough, taco seasoning, seasoned shredded chicken, salsa (as pizza sauce), shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, cilantro.
- Instructions:
- Prepare Dough: Preheat oven to 450°F and roll out pizza dough.
- Add Toppings: Spread salsa over the dough, then add seasoned chicken, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden.
- Garnish: Garnish with cilantro before serving.
Chicken Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffed sweet potatoes make for a hearty and healthy meal.
- Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, shredded seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake sweet potatoes until tender.
- Stuff Potatoes: Slice open the sweet potatoes and fill them with seasoned chicken, black beans, and corn.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle cheese on top and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Chicken Taco Soup
For something warm and comforting, try chicken taco soup.
- Ingredients: Chicken breasts, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, chicken broth.
- Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a pot.
- Simmer: Let it simmer for about 30 minutes, until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Shred the chicken, then serve the soup hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.
Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, use chicken taco seasoning to make flavorful lettuce wraps.
- Ingredients: Ground chicken, taco seasoning, lettuce leaves, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken: Brown ground chicken in a skillet, then add taco seasoning.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon the seasoned chicken into lettuce leaves and top with diced tomatoes and shredded cheese.
- Serve: Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy meal.
Chicken Taco Casserole
A chicken taco casserole is perfect for family gatherings or meal prep.
- Ingredients: Cooked shredded chicken, TS, black beans, corn, tortillas, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer tortillas, seasoned chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese.
- Repeat: Repeat the layers, ending with a cheese layer on top.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Chicken Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers
Stuffed bell peppers are a colorful and nutritious way to enjoy
- Ingredients: Bell peppers, shredded seasoned chicken, cooked rice, black beans, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Prepare Peppers: Cut off the tops of the bell peppers and remove the seeds.
- Mix Filling: Combine the chicken, cooked rice, black beans, and cheese.
- Stuff Peppers: Stuff the mixture into the bell peppers.
- Bake: Place the peppers in a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.
Chicken Taco Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and fun way to use.
- Ingredients: Flour tortillas, shredded seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, diced bell peppers, salsa, olive oil.
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Filling: Mix the shredded chicken with diced bell peppers and shredded cheese.
- Assemble Quesadillas: Place a tortilla on a clean surface, spread the filling over one half, and fold the tortilla.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a bit of olive oil. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa for dipping.
Chicken Taco Pasta Bake
A comforting chicken taco pasta bake is a great way to feed a crowd.
- Ingredients: Pasta (penne or fusilli), shredded seasoned chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, shredded cheese.
- Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix cooked pasta, seasoned chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn.
- Bake: Pour into a baking dish, top with shredded cheese, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Chicken Taco Baked Taquitos
Baked taquitos are a tasty and easy-to-make snack or appetizer.
- Ingredients: Corn tortillas, shredded seasoned chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, salsa, cooking spray.
- Instructions:
- Prepare Filling: Mix shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and salsa.
- Roll Taquitos: Spoon filling onto tortillas, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
FAQs
How to Cook Chicken with Taco Seasoning?
Cooking chicken with taco seasoning is simple. You can grill, bake, or sauté the chicken after applying the seasoning. Each method yields a unique result, from the char of grilled chicken to the juicy tenderness of baked chicken.
How to Use Taco Seasoning with Chicken?
Use taco seasoning with chicken to prepare various dishes, including fajitas, taco bowls, and nachos. Whether as a dry rub or part of a marinade, the seasoning enhances the flavor of your chicken.
Can You Use TS for Chicken Fajitas?
Absolutely! Taco seasoning works wonderfully in chicken fajitas. Just season the chicken strips before sautéing them with bell peppers and onions for a flavorful, easy meal.
Conclusion: How to Use Taco Seasoning on Chicken
Learning how to use taco seasoning for chicken will elevate your cooking, bringing a new level of flavor to otherwise ordinary dishes. Whether you are grilling, baking, or slow-cooking, taco seasoning can infuse your chicken with bold and exciting tastes. From classic tacos to creative recipes like chicken taco pizza and stuffed sweet potatoes, the possibilities are endless.
The beauty of using taco seasoning for chicken lies in its versatility and simplicity. You can create delicious meals with minimal effort, and each dish can be customized to suit your personal preferences. So next time you’re planning a meal, reach for that taco seasoning and let it work its magic.