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If you love bold, spicy flavors with a fresh, zesty kick, these Spicy Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo are about to become your new favorite taco night staple! Juicy, seasoned chicken is cooked to perfection, piled onto warm tortillas, and topped with vibrant homemade pico de gallo, creating the perfect balance of heat, freshness, and crunch.
Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, Taco Tuesday, or a fun gathering, these tacos are easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
🔥 What You’ll Need
👉 For the Spicy Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
👉 For the Fresh Pico de Gallo:
- 3 ripe tomatoes, diced
- ½ small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ tsp salt
👉 For Serving:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- ½ cup crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese
- ½ cup sliced avocado or guacamole
- ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
- Extra lime wedges
🌮 How to Make Spicy Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Marinate & Cook the Chicken
1️⃣ In a bowl, toss the chicken strips with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Squeeze in lime juice and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or overnight for extra flavor!).
2️⃣ Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Make the Fresh Pico de Gallo
3️⃣ In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir well and let sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
4️⃣ Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or over an open flame for a slight char.
5️⃣ Fill each tortilla with spicy chicken, then top with pico de gallo, crumbled cheese, avocado, and a drizzle of crema.
6️⃣ Serve immediately with extra lime wedges for that final citrusy kick!
✨ Easy Variations & Tips
🔥 Extra Spicy? Add hot sauce or sliced serrano peppers on top!
🥭 Want a Sweet Twist? Swap out pico de gallo for a mango salsa.
🌮 Tortilla Choice? Try charred corn tortillas for extra flavor or lettuce wraps for a lighter option!
❄️ Make Ahead? Cook the chicken in advance and reheat when ready to serve.
💡 What to Serve with It?
- Mexican street corn (Elote) for a smoky, creamy side 🌽
- Refried beans or Mexican rice for a complete meal 🍚
- A frozen margarita or agua fresca to cool things down 🍹
These Spicy Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo are juicy, zesty, and full of bold flavors, making them a must-try for taco lovers everywhere! Whether you love a good kick of heat or just want a fresh, satisfying taco, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
