Fiesta Time! Delicious & Easy Cinco de Mayo Chicken Recipes You NEED to Try!

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Matilda from GetChickenRecipes.com back with some sizzling inspiration for your Cinco de Mayo celebrations! As a busy mom and passionate home cook, I know you want flavorful, festive meals without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s why I’ve gathered four absolutely fantastic (and easy!) chicken recipes that are guaranteed to spice up your fiesta and get those taste buds dancing!

Get ready to bookmark this page because you’ll want to make these again and again. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!

1. Quick & Zesty Fiesta Favorite: Mexican Style Chicken Thighs

These Mexican Style Chicken Thighs are a total game-changer! Created by Kimber Matherne at Easy Family Recipes, this recipe features a simple yet incredibly flavorful marinade that comes together in minutes. The result? Juicy, tender chicken thighs that are perfect for tacos, burritos, salads, or simply enjoyed on their own.

Why this is Discover gold:

• Fast Prep (10 mins): Perfect for busy schedules!
• Bold Flavor Profile: A delicious blend of chili powder, garlic, onion, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika.
• Super Versatile: Endless serving possibilities!

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 6-8 thighs)
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 limes
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Pour 1 tablespoon of the vegetable oil over the chicken thighs in a bowl. Toss to coat them evenly.
2. Add the chili powder, garlic powder, dried minced onion, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Massage the seasonings into the chicken thighs until they are fully coated.
3. Squeeze the juice from both limes over the seasoned chicken.
4. Transfer the chicken to a container or a zip-top bag. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or for up to 8 hours for more intense flavor.
5. When you’re ready to cook, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium heat.
6. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the chicken thighs in a single layer in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
7. Let the chicken cook for 4-6 minutes on one side without moving it, allowing it to develop a nice sear.
8. Flip the chicken thighs, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.
9. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
10. If desired, toss the chicken with the chopped cilantro before serving.

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2. Bright & Tangy Delight: Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs

Get ready for a burst of freshness with these Baked Cilantro Lime Chicken Thighs from Averie Sunshine! The zesty lime juice and fragrant cilantro create a truly irresistible combination. This recipe is wonderfully simple – a quick sear on the stovetop followed by baking in the oven results in perfectly cooked, juicy chicken in just about 30 minutes. It’s a weeknight win that feels like a celebration!

Why this will click with Discover users:

• Vibrant & Refreshing: The lime and cilantro combo is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Easy Stovetop-to-Oven Method: Simple cooking with minimal cleanup.
• Uses Common Ingredients: You likely have most of these in your pantry!

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless chicken thighs, skin on or off
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 to 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup lime juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (regular paprika works too), or to taste
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish
• Lime wedges, optional for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If your oven has a convection setting, you can use that for more even cooking.
2. Add the olive oil to a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the skillet, skin-side down (or the side where the skin would have been if using skinless). Season both sides of the chicken evenly with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, until it’s nicely golden brown.
4. Add the minced or pressed garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant. Stir it almost constantly to prevent burning.
5. Pour the lime juice into the skillet (be careful, it will bubble when it hits the hot oil). Season the chicken evenly with the cumin and smoked paprika.
6. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact baking time will depend on the size and thickness of your chicken thighs and how browned they were before going into the oven.
7. Remove the skillet from the oven. Garnish the chicken with fresh cilantro and serve immediately with optional lime wedges.

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3. Fun & Festive Sharing Platter: Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos

Looking for a dish that’s interactive, fun, and perfect for sharing? Look no further than these Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos! Loaded with seasoned shredded chicken, black beans, and tons of melty cheese, they’re the ultimate party food. This recipe is also super convenient if you have leftover cooked chicken or want to whip up a quick batch in your slow cooker. Get ready for some serious nacho love!

Why this is Discover-worthy for sharing and gatherings:

• Interactive & Engaging: Perfect for a Cinco de Mayo get-together.
• Highly Customizable: Everyone can add their favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
• Easy Cleanup: Baked on one sheet pan – less mess, more fiesta!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 batch of Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken OR 3 cups cooked shredded chicken, seasoned with taco seasoning, salt, and pepper
• 1 large bag tortilla chips
• 3 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small Roma tomato, diced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Toppings (optional): guacamole, salsa, sour cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 10×15 inch baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
2. Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly over the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese over the chips.
3. Place the drained and rinsed black beans in a microwave-safe bowl and heat them until warmed through (about 45 seconds). Spread half of the warmed black beans and half of the seasoned shredded chicken evenly over the layer of chips and cheese.
4. Repeat the layers once more: spread the remaining tortilla chips over the chicken and beans, then sprinkle with another cup of shredded cheese. Top with the remaining black beans and shredded chicken.
5. Sprinkle the final 1 cup of shredded cheese evenly over the top.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and sprinkle the diced Roma tomato and chopped green onions over the melted cheese.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream.

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4. Simple & Flavor-Packed: Easy Baked Salsa Chicken

Sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying, and this Easy Baked Salsa Chicken is a testament to that! With just a handful of ingredients – chicken, salsa, and cheese – you can create a flavorful and healthy south-of-the-border meal with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic option for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that still feels celebratory.

Why this is great for Discover’s ease and flavor:

• Minimal Prep Time (5 mins): Perfect for busy evenings.
• Big Flavor with Few Ingredients: Salsa does all the heavy lifting!
• Versatile for Toppings: Let everyone personalize their plate with their favorite additions.

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 cup salsa
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Various toppings (such as green onion, sour cream, avocado, etc.)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking dish with aluminum foil and drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Place the chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Season the chicken evenly with the chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
3. Spoon the salsa evenly over the top of each seasoned chicken breast, ensuring they are well covered.
4. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is almost fully cooked through.
5. Sprinkle the shredded Mexican cheese blend evenly over the top of the chicken.
6. Return the baking dish to the oven and bake for a few more minutes, just until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, and the chicken is fully cooked.
7. Remove from the oven and top with your favorite garnishes, such as chopped green onion, sour cream, or diced avocado, before serving.

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Let’s Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with Delicious Chicken!

I truly hope these easy and flavorful chicken recipes inspire your Cinco de Mayo celebrations! Cooking should be enjoyable, and sharing these delicious dishes with your family and friends is what it’s all about.

Happy Cinco de Mayo and happy cooking, friends!