Muesli

Looking for a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast recipe? Muesli is the answer! Muesli is essentially homemade oat cereal, which originated in Switzerland. Just add milk, and maybe some…

The post Muesli appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

muesli recipe

Looking for a wholesome, make-ahead breakfast recipe? Muesli is the answer! Muesli is essentially homemade oat cereal, which originated in Switzerland. Just add milk, and maybe some fresh fruit. It stores well in the freezer for up to six months.

Not all mueslis are created equally—some are bland and blah. Not this one! This nutritious muesli recipe offers loads of texture and flavor. It features old-fashioned oats, nuts and seeds, optional coconut, and chopped dried fruit.

muesli ingredients

Toasting the muesli in the oven makes a world of difference. It brings out the savory, nutty flavors in the oats, nuts and seeds and makes your kitchen smell lovely. The oven’s heat also firms up the oats a bit, offering even more texture. It’s absolutely worth the effort!

My other trick is adding a maple syrup splash to the mixture before toasting. The subtle sweetness substantially improves the flavor.

You probably have everything you need to make muesli already, so let’s preheat the oven and start mixing. Below, you’ll find many options for adapting the recipe to your pantry.

Continue to the recipe...

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Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Coconut Rice.

We love this grilled salmon with mango salsa! The salmon is tender and buttery, served over coconut rice and topped with a juicy mango salsa. A touch of heat, brightness and fresh flavor! Super satisfying and delicious. Oh hi, we’re making your new favorite dinner today!  This is my favorite way to make grilled salmon, […]

The post Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa & Coconut Rice. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

We love this grilled salmon with mango salsa! The salmon is tender and buttery, served over coconut rice and topped with a juicy mango salsa. A touch of heat, brightness and fresh flavor! Super satisfying and delicious.

Oh hi, we’re making your new favorite dinner today! 

grilled salmon with mango salsa

This is my favorite way to make grilled salmon, topped with fresh mango salsa and served alongside creamy coconut rice.

YES. Yum. 

grilled salmon with mango salsa

This is one of those meals that I could make and enjoy every single week. It’s so satisfying, tastes fresh and summery and is also delicious. I love how balanced it is and how filling it leaves me, without feeling overstuffed. 

If you’re looking for an excellent meal to make for Mother’s Day weekend, this could be it! Can we talk about how gorgeous it is?! The colors are stunning. 

grilled salmon with mango salsa

Here’s how I make it! 

First, the salmon. I cover it in my favorite spice blend, which is really just a mix of kosher salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika and onion powder. It’s simple and creates an excellent flavor crust! 

Salmon is super easy to grill, and I usually use my grill pan to make it even simpler. This is the grill pan I’ve used religiously for the last few summers. Sometimes, I will just throw the salmon filets directly on the grill, but I make sure all of my attention is on them so they don’t fall apart through the grates. 

Either way works!! 

grilled salmon with mango salsa

The other components can be made ahead of time or even partially prepped ahead of time.

Mango salsa is a go-to in our house. We always have tons of mango because the kids love it. Since it’s always available, I find myself making a mango salsa at least once a week. My favorite version does not include tomatoes.

I use mango, jalapeños, red onion, cilantro and tons of fresh lime. It is so bright, refreshing, sweet and a little spicy. Plus, it brings some great texture to any dish. 

grilled salmon with mango salsa

For the coconut rice, I love to use jasmine rice as the base. I cook it in a mixture of coconut milk and water, then even add some finely shredded coconut to the pot once it’s finished. I’ve been a huge coconut lover all of my life, so I think this is fabulous. 

Eddie, on the other hand… does not love coconut. He likes the flavor but doens’t care for the squeak-in-your-teeth texture. So, I’m happy to tell you that this meal is also fabulous with plain jasmine rice, no coconut involved. (more…)

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Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls

I love a sweet treat, especially after lunch or before bed. I like to keep my Peanut Butter Protein Balls, Monster Cookie Energy Balls, or these Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls. They are SO easy to make, you only need a few basic ingredients, and they …

I love a sweet treat, especially after lunch or before bed. I like to keep my Peanut Butter Protein Balls, Monster Cookie Energy Balls, or these Chocolate Brownie Protein Balls. They are SO easy to make, you only need a few basic ingredients, and they are SO rich and decadent. I keep them in my…

Breakfast Potatoes

What’s not to love about breakfast potatoes? They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and seasoned to perfection with smoky, savory spices. They’re SO simple to make, and they taste great with just about any breakfast food…


What’s not to love about breakfast potatoes? They’re crispy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and seasoned to perfection with smoky, savory spices. They’re SO simple to make, and they taste great with just about any breakfast food. Pancakes? Scrambled eggs? Yes, please! You’ll find my easy breakfast potatoes recipe below. It’s one of my favorite breakfast dishes, perfect for special occasion brunches and everyday breakfasts alike. I offer two variations in the recipe. If you like, you can simply roast the potatoes with salt, pepper, and spices. OR you can toss the roasted potatoes with sautéed onions and […]

Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups

Baked oatmeal is one of my all-time favorite breakfasts. It is so hearty and comforting. I also love making baked oatmeal cups. The individual size cups are so fun and they make a great grab and go breakfast or snack. These Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmea…

Baked oatmeal is one of my all-time favorite breakfasts. It is so hearty and comforting. I also love making baked oatmeal cups. The individual size cups are so fun and they make a great grab and go breakfast or snack. These Lemon Blueberry Baked Oatmeal Cups are bursting with lemon flavor and juicy blueberries. The…

Strawberry Eton Mess

Eton Mess is a classic British dessert made with berries (I used strawberries), whipped cream, and crushed vanilla meringue cookies. You can assemble it in one large bowl or layer it in individual glasses. Strawberry Eton Mess …

Eton Mess is a classic British dessert made with berries (I used strawberries), whipped cream, and crushed vanilla meringue cookies. You can assemble it in one large bowl or layer it in individual glasses. Strawberry Eton Mess Fruit desserts like this one are my favorite kind! This Strawberry Eton Mess recipe uses fresh strawberries, homemade whipped cream, and crunchy meringue for […]

French Toast Casserole

This French toast casserole recipe is the easiest way to make French toast for a crowd. Instead of standing at the stove, flipping slices to order, you pile cubed bread into a casserole dish, douse it in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, and bake it wit…


This French toast casserole recipe is the easiest way to make French toast for a crowd. Instead of standing at the stove, flipping slices to order, you pile cubed bread into a casserole dish, douse it in a rich, cinnamon-spiced custard, and bake it with pecans and brown sugar on top. It’s a breeze to assemble on the morning you plan to serve it, but if you want to streamline this French toast casserole recipe even more, you can put it together the day before and let it sit overnight in the fridge. The next morning, all you have to […]

Chicken Tacos

This easy chicken tacos recipe is packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes! It’s a fun dinner idea starring…

This easy chicken tacos recipe is packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes! It’s a fun dinner idea starring juicy chicken and fresh toppings: a simple recipe everyone will love.

Chicken tacos

Need an easy flavor-packed dinner that’s ready in 30 minutes? We’ve found it’s deceptively tricky to find dinnertime hits, but this one seems to please everyone every time we serve it! The juicy chicken strips are seasoned to perfection, nestled into a tortilla with guacamole, cheese crumbles and topped with a zingy lime crema.

Why we love this recipe: We could (and do!) eat this over and over. The chicken works on the stovetop or grilled, and it comes together simply. We just made it for a dinner party with ranch water and black bean and corn salad, and everyone raved. You can also make it as a taco bowl for gluten-free eaters. It’s totally versatile!

“Made the chicken tacos for dinner tonight. These are so so good! Great flavor and they come together so quickly. I appreciate how simple yet tasty the lime crema is. The kids had the chicken inside quesadillas and loved them. These are definitely going into the monthly rotation!” -Tanvee

Key ingredients for chicken tacos

Tacos are where it’s at for weeknight dinners over here (especially with kids!), and we love how this version can be either pan fried or grilled so you can make it in any season. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need:

  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Try to find organic chicken if at all possible, for the best flavor and most sustainable option. You can buy either chicken breasts and butterfly your own, or cutlets.
  • Seasonings: Our homemade seasoning blend includes smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, black pepper, celery seed and cayenne. You can substitute sweet paprika for the smoked, but it’s well worth the purchase for the smoky flavor it infuses (you might also find it labeled pimentón).
  • Lime crema: Mix up your own lime crema using sour cream, lime juice and zest, garlic and salt.
  • Taco toppings: We like using guacamole for a base for the chicken strips, then topping with fresh cilantro, queso fresco or feta cheese, and minced red onion. If you have time to make them, pickled red onions take the flavor over the top.
  • Tortillas: We like flour tortillas, but corn works too. You can also use any type of grain free tortilla.

Pro tip

We like using mini tortillas (4.5 inch) if we can find them! They are often easier to eat and bonus: you can eat more tacos.

How to make chicken tacos: step by step

These chicken tacos come together simply: you’ll season the chicken, pan sear it on the stovetop, then slice it into strips for the tacos. Here’s the basic outline of steps:

Step 1: Butterfly and season the chicken.

Step 1: Butterfly the chicken (if not in cutlets) by slicing in half horizontally, then opening it up and cutting along the fold to separate the two halves. Pat it dry and season with salt. In a small bowl, mix the seasonings, then sprinkle on both sides of the chicken.

Step 2: Pan sear the chicken breast

Step 2: Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side. When the internal temperature is 165°F, remove to a plate and rest for 3 minutes. Then slice into strips.

Step 3: Make the lime crema and toppings.

Step 3: Make the lime crema by stirring together the sour cream, lime juice and zest, garlic and salt in a small bowl.

Step 4: Warm the tortillas. To make the tacos, spread guacamole onto a warm tortilla, then top with chicken strips, red onion, cilantro, cheese, and lime crema.

Chicken tacos recipe

Alternate method: grilled chicken tacos

This chicken tacos recipe works grilled, too! We’ve made it both ways and it comes out fantastic.

For grilled chicken tacos, preheat a grill to high heat (450 to 550°F). Grill the chicken until grill marks appear and it releases from the grates, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook another 2 to 4 minutes until the internal temperature is 165°F. Remove to a platter and cover with foil. Allow to rest for 5 minutes for maximum juiciness, then slice.

Chicken tacos toppings

The best part of any tacos recipe is the toppings, of course! For these chicken tacos, we like to make sure there is a good mix of soft and creamy textures to offset the texture of the chicken. We like the chicken strips on a bed of guacamole, but you can mix and match toppings here. Here are a few more chicken tacos toppings we love:

Sides to serve alongside

Chicken tacos are a fun easy dinner idea to serve any time of year! We like them especially in the summer as a patio party meal, but they work in any season. (Of course, they’re always great with a margarita, too!) Here are a few sides we like to serve alongside:

Storing leftovers

Leftovers of this meal keep on giving! Leftover cooked chicken lasts up to 3 days refrigerated. Leftover lime crema stores up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

A few more chicken recipes

We hope you love these chicken tacos as much as our family! Our kids especially gobble this one up. Let us know in the comments what you think. Here are a few more chicken dinners you might enjoy:

Dietary notes

This chicken tacos recipe is gluten-free with corn tortillas (or serve it in a bowl for a chicken taco bowl), and dairy-free with cilantro sauce, omitting the cheese.

Frequently asked questions

What are some other ways to season the chicken?

Here are some ideas:
Taco seasoning: A quick and easy option with a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices.
Fajita seasoning: Similar to taco seasoning, but often with a smokier flavor profile.
Adobo sauce: For a Latin twist, marinate the chicken in adobo sauce for bold and flavorful tacos.
DIY spice rub: Get creative with your own blend of spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.

What toppings go well with sliced chicken breast tacos?

All the classic taco toppings work great! Here are some ideas:
Shredded cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend.
Salsa: Choose your favorite, from mild to spicy.
Lettuce and pico de gallo: Add freshness and crunch.
Sour cream and guacamole: Creamy toppings for extra richness.
Cilantro and lime wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of cilantro brighten up the flavors.

Can I make chicken tacos low-carb?

Absolutely! You can use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas, or try cauliflower rice tortillas for a lower-carb option.

What are some good side dishes for chicken tacos?

Here are some ideas:
Cilantro lime rice: A refreshing and classic pairing.
Mexican corn: Sweet corn with a kick of spice.
Refried beans: A hearty and filling side dish.
Guacamole and chips: A crowd-pleasing appetizer or side.
Chopped salad: A light and healthy option.

Do you have any tips for leftover chicken taco meat?

You can use leftover chicken taco meat in many ways! Here are a few ideas:

Taco salad: Toss the chicken with lettuce, tomatoes, beans, cheese, and your favorite dressing.
Burrito bowls: Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa with your favorite toppings.
Quesadillas: Fill tortillas with cheese and leftover chicken, then cook on a griddle until golden brown.
Nachos: Top nachos with leftover chicken, cheese, beans, and your favorite toppings.

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Chicken tacos

Chicken Tacos


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 tacos (4 servings)

Description

These easy chicken tacos are packed with flavor and ready in 30 minutes! It’s a fun dinner idea starring juicy chicken and fresh toppings: a simple recipe everyone will love.


Ingredients

For the chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 4 cutlets (1 to 1 ½ pounds, organic if possible)*
  • 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon celery seed
  • ⅛ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the lime crema (or cilantro sauce or chipotle sauce for dairy-free)

  • 1 cup sour cream or Mexican crema (or ¾ cup Greek yogurt plus ¼ cup mayonnaise)
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice, plus the zest of ½ lime
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the tacos

  • Guacamole
  • Red onion, minced (or pickled red onions)
  • Cilantro, finely chopped 
  • Shredded lettuce or slaw (optional)
  • Cotija, queso fresco, or feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. Season the chicken with the salt (if you’re using 1 ½ pounds, use 1 ¼ teaspoons salt). In a small bowl, mix the seasonings together. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with the seasoning mix. (If desired, you can do this up to 12 hours in advance and allow the chicken to sit marinate before cooking.)
  2. Stovetop instructions:** Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned (and seasoning is starting to blacken), on both sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. When the internal temperature is 165°F or the center is no longer pink, remove to a plate and rest for 3 minutes. Then slice the chicken into strips.
  3. Make the lime crema by stirring all ingredients together in a small bowl. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
  4. If desired, char the tortillas by placing them on an open gas flame on medium for a few seconds per side, flipping with tongs, until they are slightly blackened and warm. Or warm them in a skillet or in the oven (see How to Warm Tortillas).
  5. To make the tacos, spread guacamole onto a warm tortilla, then top with chicken strips, red onion, cilantro, cheese, and lime crema. Leftover chicken stores up to 3 days refrigerated.

Notes

*If you buy the chicken as breasts that are not already butterflied or cutlets, butterfly the chicken: Place your hand over the top of each chicken breast. Use a sharp knife to carefully slice the breast horizontally, leaving the edge intact so it can open up like a book (or butterfly!). Unfold the breast like a book, then cut along the fold to separate the two halves.

**For grilled chicken tacos, preheat a grill to high heat (450 to 550°F). Grill the chicken breasts until grill marks appear and it releases from the grates, 2 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until no longer pink in the center and the internal temperature is 165°F, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove to a platter and cover with foil. Allow to rest for 5 minutes for maximum juiciness, then slice.

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Chicken
  • Diet: Gluten Free

The BEST Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake (1 Bowl!)

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Bonus? It’s also SO easy …

The BEST Gluten-Free Vanilla Cake (1 Bowl!)

Friends, meet the vanilla cake of your DREAMS! It’s super fluffy, perfectly moist, undetectably gluten-free (& dairy-free), and seriously…the BEST. It’s impressive enough for a birthday or even a wedding!

Bonus? It’s also SO easy to make, with simple methods, 1 bowl, and 9 ingredients. Preheat your oven. Let them eat cake!

This cake could not be easier to make! Simply whisk, pour, bake, and enjoy your cake, for goodness sake!

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My Favorite Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Lunch Bowl.

I adore having this grilled chicken caprese bowl for lunch. It’s so easy to throw together and simple enough to mix with grains and greens. Prepare it ahead of time for a satisfying, healthy warm-weather lunch!  Lunch time!! This chopped grilled chicken caprese bowl is filled with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, bright basil and a […]

The post My Favorite Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Lunch Bowl. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

I adore having this grilled chicken caprese bowl for lunch. It’s so easy to throw together and simple enough to mix with grains and greens. Prepare it ahead of time for a satisfying, healthy warm-weather lunch! 

Lunch time!!

grilled chicken caprese lunch bowl

This chopped grilled chicken caprese bowl is filled with fresh mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, bright basil and a balsamic vinaigrette. It’s tangy, satisfying and great to enjoy any time of day. 

grilled chicken caprese lunch bowl

How on earth do I still struggle with lunch ideas? I love having a bunch in my arsenal, and I get bored easily. So I must always have something exciting to eat for lunch. 

My secret is to compile a big list in the notes app on my phone. I categorize it by season too. On the weekends, I can peek at this list and see what I should make for lunch that week if I don’t have leftovers. 

Occasionally things work best if they are prepped ahead of time. Others take just a few minutes to throw together right before eating. 

grilled chicken caprese lunch bowl

This is one of my favorite things to prep for lunch because it’s SO EASY.

And it’s super versatile too. 

grilled chicken caprese lunch bowl

Remember my grilled chicken caprese pasta salad? I love to serve it layered in a clear glass bowl? 

This is a scaled down version of that. It’s kind of like that, without the pasta. I’m putting it in a separate post for you in order to throw it under my lunch category. 

And selfishly, because I look at my lunch ideas all the time here on the website to decide what to eat during the week! 

I also can’t express how easy it is. 

grilled chicken caprese lunch bowl

Once I have the caprese salad and the grilled chicken done, the options are endless. I can eat it just like that – chicken and caprese salad.

Or, I can add in a grain. Farro, couscous, etc. Maybe add some leftover pasta or rice or quinoa, whatever I have on hand.

Sometimes I bulk it up with greens. My favorite is arugula. I love how peppery it is and it adds such great flavor to the chicken and tomatoes and mozzarella.

grilled chicken caprese lunch bowl

Other times, I will have it just like this with some toasted (or grilled!) sourdough. Hello, my name is Jessica and I could live on sourdough. 

And the really great part is that this can just be inspiration! If you have leftover grilled chicken, regardless of the marinade, it will work. Combine it with some tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and basil and you have a fresh, satisfying lunch in minutes. (more…)

The post My Favorite Easy Grilled Chicken Caprese Lunch Bowl. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.