Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Pan Fried Tajín Chicken recipe featuring juicy chicken thighs or breasts seasoned with zesty Tajín spice, garlic, and onion powders, then finished with fresh lime juice and optional cilantro garnish for a bright Mexican-inspired dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Tajín seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking Fats and Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear and help the seasoning stick evenly.
- Season Chicken: In a small bowl, combine Tajín seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken pieces.
- Heat Pan and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat until hot and butter is melted and sizzling.
- Pan Fry Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook without moving for 5–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Add Lime Juice: In the final minute of cooking, squeeze the fresh lime juice over the chicken to brighten the flavors.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 3–5 minutes to retain juices. Slice if desired and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice, in tacos, or on top of a salad for a versatile meal.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use extra-spicy Tajín seasoning.
- This recipe works well with chicken tenders or cutlets for faster cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
