Ugh, weeknights. You know the drill – it’s 5 o’clock, the fridge is looking a bit sad, and the thought of a complicated meal feels like climbing Mount Everest. I’ve been there SO many times! That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with these Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos. Seriously, they’re a lifesaver. One night, I was staring down a nearly empty pantry and thought, “How can I make something amazing FAST?” This recipe was born out of pure necessity and, wow, did it deliver! They’re packed with flavor and come together so quickly you’ll wonder why you ever stressed about dinner.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
- Super Speedy: Seriously, dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? Yes, please!
- Packed with Flavor: That blackening seasoning gives it SO much punch without any fuss.
- Easy Peasy: Minimal chopping, just a few steps, and you’re basically a taco hero.
- So Versatile: Switch up the toppings, use different tortillas – it always works!
- Weeknight Winner: Perfect for those nights when you need something delicious fast.
Gather Your Ingredients for Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Alright, let’s get our ingredients together for these fantastic tacos! You really don’t need much, which is half the beauty of it. You’ll want:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – just enough to help the seasoning stick!
- 1 tablespoon of your favorite blackening seasoning. Don’t be shy with it!
- 8 small corn tortillas. You can use flour if you prefer, of course!
- And then, the fun part: your favorite toppings! Think shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a dollop of salsa, maybe some sour cream or creamy avocado. Whatever makes your taco heart sing!
How to Prepare Your Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Okay, getting these tacos from recipe to your plate is honestly the easy part! It all comes together so fast, you’ll be amazed. Think of it as a little cooking dance – chop, season, sauté, warm, and assemble. It’s seriously that straightforward. I love that this recipe doesn’t demand a ton of fancy techniques; it just needs a little bit of your time and a whole lot of flavor. For more quick dinners like this, check out my Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas or these fun Mexican Street Tacos!
Preparing the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that chicken ready. You’ll want to cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. I usually aim for about an inch wide, nothing too crazy. Then, just toss those pretty pieces into a bowl with the olive oil and that incredible blackening seasoning. Make sure every single piece is coated really well; that’s where all the magic happens! Give it a good mix with your hands or a spoon, getting that seasoning into every nook and cranny. This coating is key to that awesome blackened flavor you’re going for.
Cooking the Blackened Chicken
Now for the sizzle! Grab a skillet – a cast-iron one is amazing if you have it, but any good non-stick will do. Heat it over medium-high heat. Once it’s nice and hot, carefully add your seasoned chicken. Don’t overcrowd the pan, or you’ll end up steaming the chicken instead of searing it. Work in batches if you need to! Let it cook for about 3-5 minutes per side, until it’s cooked all the way through and has got those beautiful dark, blackened marks. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Trust me, a little char here is good!
Warming the Tortillas
While the chicken is cooking or resting, let’s get those tortillas nice and warm. This makes them super pliable so they don’t crack when you fold them. You can do this a few ways: a quick zap in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds works in a pinch, or my favorite is a quick toast in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side. You just want them warm and soft, not crispy!
Assembling Your Tacos
This is where you get to be the artist! Grab your warmed tortillas, spoon in that delicious blackened chicken, and then go wild with your favorite toppings. Pile on the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a generous spoon of salsa, maybe some cool sour cream or some creamy avocado slices. Whatever you’re craving! These tacos are your canvas, so have fun with it!
Tips for Perfect Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Okay, so you’ve got the basic idea, but let’s talk about making these Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos just *sing*. Little tweaks can make a big difference, trust me! First off, that blackening seasoning is everything. While store-bought works great, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can totally whip up your own blend at home with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, and some other goodies – it’s super easy! I’ve got a great blackened seasoning recipe that’s perfect for this. Don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of seasoning to your spice preference; if you like it hot, go for it! Also, make sure your skillet is good and hot before adding the chicken, otherwise, you won’t get that lovely dark sear. Overcrowding the pan is the enemy of good browning, so give that chicken some space.
And hey, if you’re looking for something a little different, these tacos are amazing with crunchy cauliflower taco shells too, if you’re avoiding gluten or just want a fun twist!
Serving Suggestions for Your Blackened Chicken Tacos
These tacos are fantastic on their own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, I’ve got you covered! A side of fluffy authentic Mexican rice is always a winner. You could also whip up some quick creamy avocado toast or even just a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette. A cold cerveza or a refreshing agua fresca would be the perfect drink to wash it all down!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Blackened Chicken Tacos
Got questions about making these awesome tacos? I’ve got you covered!
Can I make the blackening seasoning myself?
Absolutely! While store-bought is super convenient, you can easily make your own blackening spice blend. Just mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of thyme or oregano. It’s a great way to control the flavor!
How spicy are these tacos?
The heat really comes from your blackening seasoning. If you’re sensitive to spice, use a milder blend or just a little less of it. If you love a kick, go ahead and add a bit more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to your chicken!
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
You sure can! Chicken thighs are super forgiving and stay really moist. Just cut them up the same way and cook them a little longer since they’re a bit fattier. They’ll be delicious!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info here is an estimate for two tacos, and it can totally change based on what toppings you toss on! It’s a good ballpark, though: around 350 calories, 15g fat, 30g protein, and 25g carbs per serving.