Ridiculously Easy 20-Minute Chicken Tacos

If you’re craving a meal that’s both flavorful and speedy, these ridiculously easy 20-minute chicken tacos are exactly what you need. Perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings, this recipe packs maximum taste in minimal time. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can create a vibrant and satisfying taco experience.

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade taco seasoning)
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges, for serving
• Salsa or sour cream, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Stir well to coat and heat through, about 5–7 minutes.
2. Warm tortillas: While the chicken heats, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
3. Assemble tacos: Place a portion of seasoned chicken onto each tortilla. Top with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, avocado, and cilantro.
4. Optional extras: Add a squeeze of lime, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
5. Serve immediately: Enjoy these quick, tasty tacos while warm. Perfect for a fast weeknight dinner.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese alternatives: Try queso fresco, pepper jack, or a dairy-free cheese for variety.
• Protein swaps: Use shrimp, beef, or black beans for vegetarian or alternative protein tacos.
• Meal prep: Cook the chicken ahead of time and store in the fridge to assemble tacos in minutes.
• Spice level: Adjust taco seasoning or add jalapeños to make it milder or spicier.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad. For a fun family twist, let everyone customize their own taco with toppings at the table.

Ridiculously Easy 20-Minute Chicken Tacos

Quick, flavorful chicken tacos ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken

• 1 lb cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning or 2 tbsp homemade

Tacos & Toppings

• 8 tortillas small flour or corn
• 1 cup shredded cheese cheddar or Mexican blend
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 0.5 cup diced onions
• 1 avocado sliced
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro chopped
• as needed lime wedges
• optional salsa or sour cream

Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and taco seasoning. Stir and cook for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
2. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
3. Assemble tacos: layer chicken, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, avocado, and cilantro on each tortilla.
4. Add optional toppings such as lime juice, salsa, or sour cream.
5. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Perfect for quick weeknight meals. Rotisserie chicken saves prep time.

Fun Facts

Tacos are one of the most versatile and beloved foods worldwide. While traditionally Mexican, the modern taco adapts to countless flavors, proteins, and toppings, making it a perfect canvas for creativity.