Description

Pan-Fried Tajín Chicken is a zesty and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish featuring tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs coated in a tangy spice rub made with Tajín seasoning, lime juice, garlic powder, and cumin. The chicken is pan-fried to a golden brown perfection and served with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prep, or adding to tacos and salads.

Ingredients

Chicken and Marinade

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons Tajín Clásico seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
Salt to taste (optional)

Garnish

Lime wedges
Chopped cilantro

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Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pound the chicken breasts or thighs to an even thickness to ensure they cook uniformly. This step helps avoid some parts being undercooked while others are overdone.
Make the marinade and marinate: In a bowl, combine Tajín seasoning, olive oil, lime juice, garlic powder, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt if desired. Rub this flavorful mixture all over the chicken pieces. Cover and let marinate for 15–30 minutes, or for up to 2 hours for juicier results.
Heat the skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small drizzle of oil if needed to prevent sticking.
Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces into the hot skillet. Cook each side for 5–6 minutes, or until the chicken develops a golden-brown crust and is fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken and serve garnished with lime wedges and chopped cilantro. This dish pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or inside tacos.

Notes

For extra juicy chicken, marinate for up to 2 hours before cooking.
This dish pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or in tacos for a delicious meal.
You can grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky twist and enhanced flavor.
Adjust salt to taste, as Tajín seasoning already contains salt.