The One Skillet Mexican Chicken Recipe only needs 6 simple ingredients and you will eat the tastiest chicken dinner in straight 10 mins! I love the combination of citrus from the lime, a hint of sweetness from the honey to counteract the tangy zest. It’s a perfectly balanced chicken recipe!
I am in love quick and easy chicken recipes! Chicken tends to take over in the quick dinner category, which is funny because ground beef is actually quicker to cook, but alas, here we are. Ok I fell in love and I need everyone to join me. I love this sticky Mexican chicken recipe and I really think it will be your back pocket recipe too.
Where did this recipe come from
This recipe started with a dying lime.
It took its last few razor-thin breaths from the fruit basket, which I detest, and I just knew it was time for a little CPR. With only 6 ingredients I made dinner in just 10 minutes and now I can’t stop using Mexican Chicken in everything from tacos to rice bowls to salads to soups and everything in between.
I really think the key is to use either our homemade taco seasoning or the Kinders brand that I buy at Costco. I wouldn’t recommend the little taco seasoning packets as they don’t have as much flavor. But if you have to, the recipe will still be delicious.
I would love to hear how you use the chicken! Subscribe and share your recipes and photos on Instagram @ohsweetbasil
Ingredients for Sticky Mexican Chicken
Sometimes the best recipes come from the simplest ingredients combined in just the right way. Here are the 6 ingredients you need:
- Chicken breast: cut into bite-sized pieces, the chicken breast can also be cooked whole (see recipe notes for instructions)
- taco seasoning: We like to use our homemade recipe, but you can also use store-bought (we recommend Kinders)
- olive oil: Used to cook the chicken and keep it from sticking
- Green Onions: Vegetables only, chopped into 1-inch pieces, add flavor
- lime juice: Adds a bright citrus flavor
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and balances the spiciness
Measurements for all ingredients are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Why you will love this recipe
- A pan: The entire recipe is prepared in one pan from start to finish, making it easy to clean up
- Completed in 10 mins: Preparation is minimal and cooking small bite-sized pieces of chicken cooks very quickly
- Only 6 ingredients Requires: Flavor is maximized with just a few simple ingredients
- Balanced The taste: The acidity of the citrus is balanced by the sweetness of the honey and everything is enhanced by the spiciness of the taco seasoning
- Versatile: It can be eaten alone or as part of several other dishes (see section below)
- food preparation: This chicken is great for prep, especially if you love cooking
- Healthy: All ingredients are natural and one serving is less than 200 calories with over 25 grams of protein
How to serve this Mexican chicken
I can’t stop thinking about how to eat this sticky Mexican chicken. The first time I made it, we just ate it with black beans and Mexican rice. We’ve been eating this chicken on burritos and tacos, in enchiladas and quesadillas, and on nachos and rice bowls ever since. Each of them was delicious! I plan on using it next in our White Chicken Chili and then in our Mexican Cheese Rice Casserole in place of the ground beef!
All in all, you can eat it as is or you can add it to almost any Mexican dish you can think of.
Side dishes
If you’d like some suggestions for side dishes to go with this chicken, here are a few options:
Store, freeze and reheat
Mexican chicken stores very well in both the refrigerator and freezer. Store it in an airtight container. It will keep for 4-5 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer. It gets even better in the freezer when you vacuum seal it with a Food Saver!
Reheating chicken can be a bit tricky as it tends to dry out. My favorite way to reheat is actually in the oven. Place chicken in an ovenproof pan, add a few tablespoons of water (or stock), cover pan tightly with foil, then bake at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes.
Whether you have to feed a lot or just need to get one quick meal during the week on the table, then this easy sticky mexican chicken is your answer!
Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes:
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, and taco seasoning. Put aside.
3 chicken breasts, 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning, 1 tablespoon olive oil
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Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add about 1 tablespoon olive or canola oil and add 1/2 of the chicken. Leave undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to allow the chicken to brown. Next, start stirring occasionally until cooked through, about 5 minutes longer.
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Place the chicken on a plate and repeat with the rest of the chicken.
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Meanwhile, whisk together the lime juice and honey.
2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons of honey
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Once the chicken is done, add the scallions and stir until sautéed.
4 green onions, greens only
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Quickly add back the first batch of chicken and honey mixture and stir until most of the liquid coats the chicken. Serve immediately.
The chicken breast can also be cooked whole if desired. They only need to be cooked for about 6 minutes on each side.
Calories: 177kcal