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Chicken Taco Recipes

February 08, 2015
Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
Chicken tacos are a nutritious alternative to traditional beef tacos and generally contain less fat and saturated fat. Plus, they're a quick and satisfying weeknight supper that generally pleases a crowd. From traditional chicken tacos stuffed with plenty of cabbage and cumin to Korean-inspired tacos boasting marinated chicken, peanuts, celery, and soy sauce, we promise these taco recipes won't disappoint. Turn leftover fillings into a taco salad, and tomorrow's lunch is packed and ready.
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BBQ Chicken-and-Black Bean Tacos

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez
View Recipe: BBQ Chicken-and-Black Bean Tacos

Easy assembly and bold flavors join forces for a dinner the whole family will love. A kid-friendly mix of quality convenience items and bright produce imparts fresh taste with minimal legwork. A probiotic-rich stand-in for sour cream, yogurt offers creaminess and helps bind the toppings. Rotisserie chicken, one of the most versatile supermarket proteins, makes for a fast and fresh meal. Look for BBQ sauce varieties with less than 250mg sodium and 5g sugar. We like Annie's Original BBQ Sauce.

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Mas Pollo, Por Favor!

Photo: Johnny Autry
View Recipe: Garlic-Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Trade in traditional ground beef for a healthier alternative—chicken. These protein-packed tacos are full of all the south-of-the-border flavors you love at a fraction of the calories.

Fresh garlic, minced chipotle chile, and bell peppers are a winning combination in these flavorful chicken tacos.

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Grilled Buffalo Chicken Tacos

Photo: Jennifer Causey
View Recipe: Grilled Buffalo Chicken Tacos

We took the finger-licking beauty of a Buffalo wing experience and wrapped it in a tortilla—because that's how you win a weeknight.

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Shredded Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Photo: Justin Walker
View Recipe: Shredded Chicken Tacos with Mango Salsa

Look for crema, the Mexican version of sour cream, in Mexican markets or the international aisle of most supermarkets. You could also thin sour cream with ½ teaspoon lime juice.

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Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos and Broccoli-Radish Salad

Photo: Rachel Johnson
View Recipe: Chiptole-Lime Chicken Tacos and Broccoli-Radish Salad

Ready in less than 15 minutes and under 400 calories, this recipe is the perfect addition to your Taco Tuesday rotation. A simple side salad is all this dinner needs to round out a balanced, delicious meal. 

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Beer-Braised Chicken Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Photo: Marcus Nilsson
View Recipe: Beer-Braised Chicken Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

Cabbage and apple slaw adds a nice crunch. When you pair the slaw with beer-braised chicken, the tacos take on a German flair.

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Kung Pao Chicken Tacos

Photo: Brian Woodcock
View Recipe: Kung Pao Chicken Tacos

Rev up dinner with tangy, smoky, or fiery flavors. Taking inspiration from those hip Korean taco trucks, we took a mixture usually served over rice and stuffed it into blistered tortillas.

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Chicken Carne Asada Tacos with Pickled Onions

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chicken Carne Asada Tacos with Pickled Onions

We replaced beef with seasoned chicken for a fresh take on this traditional Mexican dish.

 

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Shredded Chicken Tacos with Tomatoes and Grilled Corn

Photo: Iain Bagwell
View Recipe: Shredded Chicken Tacos with Tomatoes and Grilled Corn

These light and fresh tacos—full of protein and veggies—come together in a snap.

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Fiesta Chicken Tacos with Mango and Jicama Salad

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Fiesta Chicken Tacos with Mango and Jicama Salad

Add fresh fruits and vegetables to spicy chicken tacos for an inspired Mexican meal.

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Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream Recipe

Photo: John Autry
View Recipe: Ancho Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw and Avocado Cream

Crunchy cilantro slaw and cool, fresh avocado cream are all the dressing these chicken tacos will need.

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Chicken and Mushroom Tacos

Photo: Randy Mayor
View Recipe: Chicken and Mushroom Tacos

Simple to cook, fun to eat, and infinitely variable, tacos are an easy weeknight dinner option for busy households. Set up a taco bar with this flavorful filling of caramelized onions, chicken, and earthy mushrooms and whatever other toppings your family likes―sour cream, cheese, salsa, sliced avocado, raw onion or radish, and extra jalapeños are great options.

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Soft Chicken Tacos

Photo: Dennis Gottlieb
View Recipe: Soft Chicken Tacos

Juicy, flavorful thigh meat, plus plenty of ground cumin and a topping of shredded cabbage, gives these tacos authentic Mexican flavor.

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Chicken Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa

Photo: Oxmoor House
View Recipe: Chicken Tacos with Mango-Avocado Salsa

Your family will thank you when these tacos hit the table. We left the seeds in the jalapeño for a spicy kick; omit them if you prefer a mild salsa.

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Chicken Soft Tacos with Sautéed Onions and Apples

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner
View Recipe: Chicken Soft Tacos with Sautéed Onions and Apples

Weight loss starts in the kitchen. Try the Cooking Light Diet

The unusual pairing of apples, chicken, onion, and nutmeg in this savory-sweet taco filling is divinely delicious.

Granny Smith apples work best in this recipe. They remain tart, juicy, and crisp after baking.

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