Name: Sunny California Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz total); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 lime, zested and juiced; 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves; 6 small corn tortillas

Sunny California Chicken Tacos

bretson

Enjoy the flavors of sunny California in these quick and easy chicken tacos—perfect for warm evenings and efficient meal prep! By marinating the chicken with lime and smoked paprika, you get a burst of tangy, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes. Charring the tortillas adds a hint of rustic flavor and ensures they're warm and pliable for easy assembly. This recipe uses just a handful of fresh ingredients, designed to minimize waste while maximizing taste and texture. It’s a colorful, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Ingredients

Instructions

Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss chicken with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and half the lime zest and juice. Let marinate while you prep toppings.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and squeeze remaining lime juice over chicken.
Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until pliable and slightly charred, about 20 seconds per side.
Fill each tortilla with chicken, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Sprinkle reserved lime zest over the top for brightness.
Serve immediately, with extra lime wedges if desired.