Are you wondering how to use taco seasoning with chicken to make flavorful dishes? This guide will teach you everything you need to know!
Adding Flavor
Chicken is one of the most popular protein choices, but it can sometimes become bland and repetitive. That’s where taco seasoning comes in. This spice blend is a combination of cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and other aromatic spices that elevate chicken dishes to the next level. With a few simple steps, you can learn how to use taco seasoning with chicken to create delicious and versatile meals.
For an easy way to create a homemade taco seasoning blend, check out this guide to making homemade taco seasoning. Additionally, for tips on how to cook chicken perfectly every time, see this article on chicken cooking techniques ..
Why Use?
Using taco seasoning with chicken has multiple benefits. It is a simple way to add complex flavors to otherwise plain chicken, creating a versatile dish that can be used in a wide variety of recipes.
- Bold Flavors: Taco seasoning is rich in spices such as cumin, paprika, and garlic, which give chicken a rich depth of flavor.
- Versatility: Seasoned chicken can be used in different dishes—like tacos, fajitas, salads, and casseroles—offering endless possibilities.
- Ease of Preparation: Taco seasoning is a convenient way to add flavor without spending extra time on complicated marinades or additional seasonings.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning to your taste, from mild to spicy, and control the amount of sodium and additives.
How to Use: Different Methods
There are several ways to use taco seasoning with chicken depending on the cooking method you prefer and the dish you’re making. Below, we explore some of the best ways to bring out the flavor of taco seasoning with chicken.
1. Grilling Chicken with Taco Seasoning
Grilling is one of the most effective ways to use taco seasoning with chicken. The smoky flavor from the grill combines perfectly with the spices.
- Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel.
- Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken and rub it in. Sprinkle the taco seasoning generously over both sides.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken on the grill, cooking for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve in tacos, salads, or grain bowls.
2. Baking
Baking is an easy method for making large quantities of taco seasoned chicken, perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season Chicken: Coat the chicken with olive oil and rub the taco seasoning evenly over each piece.
- Bake: Arrange the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This chicken can be used in tacos, fajitas, and salads.
3. Slow Cooking
Using a slow cooker is an easy way to make tender, shredded taco seasoned chicken. This method works well for tacos, burritos, and enchiladas.
- Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts
- Taco seasoning
- Diced tomatoes (1 can)
- Chicken broth (optional for added moisture)
- Instructions:
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place the chicken in the slow cooker. Sprinkle taco seasoning over it and add the diced tomatoes.
- Cook: Set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred: Shred the chicken with two forks and mix it with the juices for added flavor.
- Serve: Use the shredded chicken in tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas.
4. Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick and easy way to cook taco seasoned chicken. This method is perfect for a quick dinner.
- Ingredients:
- Chicken breast, cut into strips
- Taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Heat a Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken strips.
- Sauté: Cook the chicken strips for 6-8 minutes or until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.
How to Use in Recipes
Once you’ve mastered how to use taco seasoning with chicken, you can incorporate it into a wide range of delicious recipes.
1. Chicken Fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a popular and easy dish that pairs well with taco seasoning. The combination of chicken, bell peppers, and onions creates a delicious and colorful meal.
- Ingredients:
- Chicken breast strips
- Taco seasoning
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, green)
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Heat a Skillet: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add Vegetables: Sauté sliced bell peppers and onion until they begin to soften.
- Add Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
- Serve: Serve on warm tortillas with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
2. Chicken Taco Salad
This chicken taco salad is a great way to enjoy taco-seasoned chicken in a lighter format.
- Ingredients:
- Grilled or baked chicken with taco seasoning
- Romaine lettuce
- Black beans
- Corn
- Cherry tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado
- Salsa or vinaigrette
- Instructions:
- Assemble Salad: Start with a bed of romaine lettuce.
- Add Toppings: Add black beans, corn, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheese, and sliced avocado.
- Top with Chicken: Slice the seasoned chicken and place it on top.
- Drizzle: Drizzle with salsa or vinaigrette before serving.
3. Chicken Taco Soup
Chicken taco soup is a comforting dish that incorporates taco seasoning with chicken for an incredibly flavorful broth.
- Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Black beans
- Corn
- Onion
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Sauté Vegetables: In a pot, heat olive oil and sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add Ingredients: Add chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, and shredded chicken.
- Simmer: Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with cilantro and a squeeze of lime before serving.
4. Chicken Taco Casserole
A chicken taco casserole is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family gatherings.
- Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Tortilla chips
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded cheese
- Salsa
- Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Layer Ingredients: In a baking dish, layer tortilla chips, shredded chicken, black beans, corn, and cheese.
- Add Salsa: Pour salsa over the layers.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Chicken Taco Enchiladas
Chicken taco enchiladas are another excellent way to use seasoned chicken. These enchiladas are filled with flavorful chicken and topped with cheese and enchilada sauce.
- Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded cheese
- Enchilada sauce
- Diced onions (optional)
- Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble Enchiladas: Place shredded chicken and a sprinkle of cheese in each tortilla, roll them up, and place in a baking dish.
- Add Sauce: Pour enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with more cheese.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with diced onions or cilantro before serving.
6. Chicken Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Stuffing sweet potatoes with chicken with taco seasoning is a healthy, hearty, and flavorful option.
- Ingredients:
- Sweet potatoes
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Black beans
- Corn
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream (optional)
- Instructions:
- Bake Sweet Potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Pierce sweet potatoes with a fork and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until tender.
- Prepare Filling: In a skillet, combine shredded chicken, black beans, and corn, and cook until heated through.
- Assemble: Slice each sweet potato open and fill with the chicken mixture. Top with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
7. Chicken Taco Nachos
Chicken taco nachos are the perfect party food or snack. They’re easy to make and loaded with flavor.
- Ingredients:
- Tortilla chips
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese
- Black beans
- Diced tomatoes
- Jalapeños (optional)
- Sour cream
- Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Assemble Nachos: On a baking sheet, layer tortilla chips, shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, and diced tomatoes.
- Bake: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
- Serve: Top with jalapeños and sour cream before serving.
Different Types of Taco Seasoning
When exploring how to use taco seasoning with chicken, it helps to understand the different varieties available. You can choose or make different types of taco seasoning depending on your preference.
1. Mild Taco Seasoning
A mild taco seasoning blend uses less chili powder and cayenne pepper, ideal for those who prefer minimal spice.
2. Spicy Taco Seasoning
For those who love a bit of heat, a spicy blend includes more cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Smoky Taco Seasoning
Add smoked paprika for a smoky flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken.
4. Herb-Infused Taco Seasoning
Adding herbs like dried oregano or cilantro gives a unique aromatic profile to your chicken.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning is an excellent way to control the ingredients and flavor. Here’s an easy recipe to make your own taco seasoning at home:
- Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Mix all the ingredients together and store in an airtight container for up to six months.
Tips for Cooking
To get the most out of taco seasoning with chicken, follow these tips:
- Pat Chicken Dry: Dry chicken helps the seasoning stick better.
- Use Olive Oil: Olive oil helps the seasoning adhere to the chicken and keeps it moist.
- Avoid Overcrowding: When cooking in a skillet, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This ensures even cooking.
- Let Chicken Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps lock in the juices and makes the chicken more tender.
Creative Ways to Use
1. Chicken Taco Quesadillas
Quesadillas are a quick and easy way to use chicken with taco seasoning. They’re perfect for lunch or a snack.
- Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Shredded cheese
- Diced bell peppers
- Olive oil
- Instructions:
- Assemble Quesadilla: Place shredded chicken, cheese, and bell peppers between two tortillas.
- Heat Skillet: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil.
- Cook: Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Serve: Cut into wedges and serve with salsa.
2. Chicken Taco Lettuce Wraps
For a low-carb option, try using chicken with taco seasoning in lettuce wraps.
- Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken with taco seasoning
- Lettuce leaves (butter lettuce or romaine)
- Diced tomatoes
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream (optional)
- Instructions:
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon the shredded chicken onto large lettuce leaves.
- Add Toppings: Add diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately for a fresh, crunchy meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Use Taco Seasoning on Chicken?
Taco seasoning can be used on chicken by coating the chicken with the seasoning as a dry rub or mixing it into a marinade. Once seasoned, cook the chicken using your preferred method—grilling, baking, sautéing, or slow-cooking.
How to Cook Chicken with Taco Seasoning?
To cook chicken with taco seasoning, choose a cooking method such as grilling, baking, sautéing, or slow-cooking. Each method has its own benefits. Grilling adds a smoky flavor, while slow-cooking makes the chicken tender and juicy.
Can You Use Taco Seasoning for Chicken Fajitas?
Yes, taco seasoning works great for chicken fajitas. Simply season the chicken strips before cooking them with bell peppers and onions for a delicious fajita meal.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, learning how to use taco seasoning with chicken opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Whether you’re grilling, baking, or slow-cooking, taco seasoning provides the perfect balance of spices to enhance your chicken dishes. From classic tacos to inventive casseroles and soups, there’s no limit to what you can create with this versatile seasoning blend.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with different ingredients and cooking methods to find your favorite way to use taco seasoning. With these methods and recipe ideas, you’ll have a go-to guide for cooking flavorful chicken that never disappoints.