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Looking for a quick, delicious dinner that your kids will love? These kid-approved ground chicken tacos are simple to make and packed with flavor. With just a few main ingredients like ground chicken, onions, and taco seasoning, you’ll have a meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that turns taco night into a fun, family-friendly feast!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Kid-Friendly: This recipe is designed to appeal to even the pickiest eaters, making it a hit for family dinners.
- Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 25 minutes, these tacos are perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile Toppings: You can customize with your favorite toppings, ensuring everyone gets exactly what they like.
- Healthy Ingredients: Using ground chicken, beans, and veggies makes these tacos a nutritious choice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 1 lb ground chicken
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
Additional Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
– 1/2 cup tomato sauce
– 1/2 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
– 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
– Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Assembly
– 8 small taco shells or tortillas
– Toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices
Gathering the right ingredients is key for these tacos. Start with ground chicken. It’s lean and cooks quickly. Olive oil helps to sauté the onion and garlic, adding a rich flavor.
Next, chop a small onion finely. This adds sweetness when you cook it. Minced garlic gives a nice punch.
For flavor, you need taco seasoning. It mixes with tomato sauce, corn, and black beans to create a tasty filling.
Finally, don’t forget the taco shells or tortillas. They hold all the goodness together. Top your tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and more. Kids love to customize their own!

Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Mixture
1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add 1 small, finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it softens.
3. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for another minute. You want to smell that garlic!
4. Now, add 1 pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula.
5. Cook the chicken until it turns brown and is fully cooked. This should take about 6-8 minutes.
Flavoring the Mixture
1. Once the chicken is cooked, mix in 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of tomato sauce.
2. Next, add 1/2 cup of corn kernels and 1 cup of rinsed black beans.
3. Stir everything well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors blend together nicely.
Final Assembly
1. While the chicken mixture simmers, warm 8 small taco shells or tortillas in an oven or microwave.
2. To assemble, spoon the chicken mix into each taco shell.
3. Add your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Enjoy your tasty, kid-approved ground chicken tacos!
Tips & Tricks
Making the Tacos Kid-Friendly
Customizing toppings
Let your kids choose their toppings. This makes them feel involved. Some great options are:
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Shredded cheese
– Sour cream
– Avocado slices
These toppings add color and taste. Kids often love to create their own taco. Let them pick what they want!
Adjusting spice levels
Keep spices mild for the kids. You can skip hot sauce or spicy seasonings. Try a mild taco seasoning instead. You can always add heat later for adults. This way, everyone enjoys their meal.
Cooking Techniques
Ensuring chicken is cooked through
Cook the ground chicken well. Use a spatula to break it apart. It should be brown and no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 6 to 8 minutes. Use a meat thermometer if you are unsure. The chicken should reach 165°F.
Tips for sautéing vegetables
Sauté the onions and garlic first. This makes them soft and sweet. Cook them for about 3 to 4 minutes until they are clear. Stir often to avoid burning. Add the minced garlic for just one minute more. This way, you’ll get a great base flavor.
Presentation Tips
Fun ways to serve tacos
Set up a taco bar! Place all the toppings in small bowls. Let everyone build their own tacos. This makes the meal fun and interactive. Kids love to pick what goes on their food.
Creative garnishing ideas
Add a sprinkle of chopped cilantro on top. This adds color and a fresh taste. You can also use lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime can make tacos even tastier.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and high-quality spices to enhance the flavor of your tacos.
- Customize Taco Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the taco seasoning to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne can give it a spicy kick!
- Warm Taco Shells Properly: Ensure taco shells are warmed properly to prevent them from breaking. A quick bake in the oven can do wonders.
- Add More Protein: Consider adding extra protein like shredded chicken or turkey for a heartier filling that kids will love.

Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can swap ground chicken for other meats. Ground turkey works well and has a light taste. Ground beef is another option for a heartier flavor.
If you want a meatless meal, try a veggie mix. Black beans or lentils can replace meat. You can also use crumbled tofu for texture.
Flavor Modifications
Changing the seasoning can bring new life to your tacos. Try a taco blend with cumin and paprika for a bolder taste. You can also mix in some chili powder for extra heat.
Adding salsa or hot sauce can spice things up, too. A mild salsa is good for kids. If they like heat, choose a hotter sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Tacos pair well with many side dishes. Serve them with rice or beans for a filling meal. You can also add a fresh salad to your spread.
For a fun twist, create a taco night theme. Set up a taco bar with toppings. Let each person build their own taco. This makes dinner fun and interactive!
Storage Info
Refrigeration
To store leftover taco mixture, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh for up to three days. For taco shells, seal them tightly in their original packaging or use a zip-top bag. This keeps them crisp and prevents them from getting stale.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze portions for later meals. Divide the taco mixture into small containers. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Wrap taco shells in foil or place them in a freezer bag. They can last in the freezer for about two months.
For best practices when thawing, move the containers to the fridge a day before you plan to use them. This helps the mixture thaw evenly. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave on defrost setting.
Reheating Guidelines
To reheat tacos, the oven works best. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the taco mixture in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the tacos moist and tasty.
You can also microwave the mixture in short bursts. Start with 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat until it’s warm. To keep the taco shells crispy, warm them separately in the oven or microwave for a few seconds. Enjoy your tacos just as they were!
FAQs
Are these tacos spicy?
No, these tacos are not spicy. You can adjust the spice levels for kids easily. If your child prefers milder flavors, skip any extra seasoning. Use just a pinch of taco seasoning. You can also serve the tacos with yogurt or sour cream. These toppings can cool down any heat from the dish.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make this dish in advance. It’s great for meal prep! Cook the chicken mixture and let it cool. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days. You can also warm it up when ready to eat. Just heat on low in a skillet. Don’t forget to warm the taco shells right before serving!
What toppings are best for kids?
Kids love fun toppings! Here are some great options:
– Shredded lettuce
– Diced tomatoes
– Shredded cheese
– Sour cream
– Avocado slices
Let kids build their own tacos. This makes it more fun for them! They can pick their favorite toppings and be creative. This way, every taco can be just the way they like it.
These delicious tacos start with ground chicken and fresh ingredients. You can customize the flavor with different spices and toppings. The assembly is easy, making it perfect for a fun meal. Store any leftovers properly, so nothing goes to waste. Whether you stick to the basics or try new protein options, these tacos bring joy to every dinner table. Enjoy making these tacos your own and share them with family and friends. Tacos are not just food; they are a celebratio
Kid-Approved Ground Chicken Tacos
Delicious and easy ground chicken tacos that kids will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- to taste salt and pepper
- 8 small taco shells or tortillas
- as desired toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Mix in the taco seasoning, tomato sauce, corn, and black beans. Stir well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
While the chicken mixture is simmering, warm the taco shells in a separate oven or microwave according to package instructions.
Assemble the tacos by spooning the chicken mixture into each shell, then add your desired toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.
Feel free to customize toppings based on preference.
Keyword ground chicken, kid-friendly, tacos
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