We’ve all been there—it’s 5:30 PM, and you need to get dinner on the table fast. Between juggling kids’ after-school activities, work, and homework, making a healthy meal can feel like a major challenge. That’s why I love this 10-Minute Chicken Taco Skillet. It’s one of those weeknight dinner recipes that checks all the boxes: easy, fast, nutritious, and (most importantly) delicious.
This recipe is perfect for busy moms who need to make the most out of their time in the kitchen while still serving up a meal that will have the whole family asking for seconds. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together with ingredients you probably already have on hand, like cooked chicken breast, black beans, corn, and taco seasoning. And the best part? You can whip it up in just 10 minutes, making it a go-to for those busy weeknights when you need something tasty, quick, and nutritious.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Taco Skillet:
- 10-Minute Wonder: This dish truly lives up to its name—ready in just 10 minutes, it’s perfect for those nights when time is short.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks in one skillet, so you won’t have a ton of dishes to clean afterward (because who has time for that?).
- Versatile: Serve it over rice, stuff it into tacos, or even spoon it over a bed of greens for a low-carb option. This recipe is as flexible as you need it to be.
- Kid-Approved: With tender chicken, melted cheese, and all the taco flavor they love, this is one meal that will make everyone happy—even your pickiest eaters.
- Great for Leftovers: Make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch the next day. It reheats perfectly and tastes just as good!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast (leftover or rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced roasted tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 can of corn, drained
- 1/2 can of black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 2 green onions, chopped (for topping)
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped (for topping)
- Cooked rice (for serving)
How to Make It:
- Sauté the Veggies: Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Chicken & Ingredients: Add the cooked, diced chicken breast, diced roasted tomatoes, taco seasoning, corn, black beans, and chicken broth. Stir everything together, allowing it to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, until everything is heated through and the flavors meld together.
- Top with Cheese & Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the top. Place the skillet in a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. (This step is optional, but trust me—broiling the cheese adds an extra layer of flavor!)
- Top & Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the skillet with chopped green onions and red onions for a fresh, crunchy finish. Serve it hot over a bed of rice for a complete meal that’s ready in no time.
Make It Your Own:
This Chicken Taco Skillet is already a hit, but if you want to switch things up or customize it to fit your family’s preferences, here are a few ideas:
- Make It Spicy: Love a bit of heat? Add a diced jalapeño to the onions and peppers or mix in some hot sauce with the chicken broth.
- Add More Veggies: Toss in extras like zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost.
- Go Low-Carb: Skip the rice and serve it over a bed of lettuce for a taco salad-style dinner.
- Make It a Taco Night: Spoon the mixture into soft tortillas, and you’ve got instant chicken tacos.
- Turn It Into a Burrito Bowl: Serve over rice with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, or salsa for a delicious burrito bowl.
Busy Mom Tip: Prep Ahead!
This recipe is incredibly easy to prep in advance, which makes it a true lifesaver for weeknight dinners. You can dice the chicken, chop the veggies, and even assemble the skillet earlier in the day. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven and melt the cheese for a fast, hot meal in under 10 minutes.
Another trick I love is making a double batch and freezing half for later. Just assemble everything (except for the cheese), freeze in an airtight container, and when you’re in need of a quick meal, thaw, top with cheese, and bake!
Why This Recipe Works for My Family:
As a busy mom with four kids, I’m always looking for meals that are nutritious, easy, and, most importantly, something that my family will actually eat. This 10-Minute Chicken Taco Skillet ticks all the boxes. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and fiber, so I know they’re getting a balanced meal. Plus, the fact that I can have it ready to go in such a short time means less stress for me—and more time to spend with my family.
So, next time you’re in need of a quick dinner idea, give this 10-Minute Chicken Taco Skillet a try. It’s guaranteed to become a weeknight staple in your home, just like it is in ours.
Be sure to pin this recipe for later, and don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @withlove_tere for more quick and easy family-friendly recipes!
