From my love of the authentic Mexican food restaurants in nearby Denver, Colorado … to Stacie’s appreciation of guacamole and homemade salsas since the early days of this website … to Jess’ frequent stops for street food tamales and tacos at food trucks in her hometown of Boulder, the three of us here at The Real Food Dietitians have a great appreciation for Mexican foods of all types.
Not only are the flavors of Mexican cooking so widely appealing, but the food culture of Mexico is based on so many nutritious whole foods that I use in recipes all the time. That’s probably why, over the years, this team has created dozens and dozens of delicious Mexican-inspired recipes using the peppers, spices, meats, vegetables, and grains that are common in traditional Mexican dishes. I enjoy these easy recipes often as some of my most favorite weeknight dinners and celebration foods.
Mexican Recipes With Chicken
Mexican chicken recipes can take on many favorite forms, from sizzling fajitas to shredded chicken tacos. These delicious recipes make frequent appearances in my weekly meal plans.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Personally, I think this method for making chicken fajitas on a sheet pan is genius. It’s a simple and fast way to make flavorful cooked chicken and veggies that taste great served as fajitas, fajita bowls, and fajita salads. I use my simple fajita seasoning recipe to flavor the chicken and veggies just right, then it all cooks together on one pan.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Copycat Chipotle Chicken
Dietitian Jess really nailed it with this recipe for tender, juicy, flavorful copycat Chipotle chicken. Most often she serves it over cilantro lime rice along with saucy black beans, salsa, and guacamole. But it’s also good rolled into corn tortillas or flour tortillas, over salads, and in quesadillas. It looks and tastes just like the restaurant version and is perfect for weeknight meals and easy meal prep lunches.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Mexican chicken tortilla soup is probably one of my favorite soup recipes on this site, and that’s saying a lot, because there are many great ones. It’s so satisfying and well-rounded, thanks to the chicken, everyday spices, broth, beans, and corn. The variety of textures makes it stand out and a favorite that I return to on chilly days.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Chicken Enchilada Skillet
According to my family, this chicken enchilada skillet is one of the most delicious recipes I make for dinner. It offers all the warm, savory, cheesy flavors of traditional baked enchiladas with a lot less work. It’s also an excellent source of protein and fiber, making it a nutritious crowd-pleaser.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Chicken Tacos
These crockpot shredded chicken tacos are my go-to for busy weeknights because they take just minutes to prep and turn into a flavorful, versatile meal. I make it in either the slow cooker or Instant Pot, depending on how much hands-on time I have, then I serve the shredded chicken in a variety of ways: tacos, burritos, chicken taco salads, and dinner bowls.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas
These sheet pan chicken tostadas are a quick, easy, high-protein weeknight dinner recipe loved by kids and adults alike. For an easy dinner with zero complaints from my family, I serve them warm and set out various toppings so everyone can customize their tostadas to personal tastes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Chicken Chile Verde Stew
This hearty classic Mexican green chile stew is a warm, savory, nutritious comfort food that’s quick to prep and fuss-free when made in my crockpot. I love serving this chile verde with tortillas for scooping up, especially on cold days when I need to warm up from the inside.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Chicken Fajita Salad
When Dietitian Jess makes this impressive salad, her husband always remarks how she could sell it for $15 or more at a restaurant. It’s big, fresh, and full of layers of flavor from the marinated grilled chicken to the lime dressing to the crumbled queso fresco and crispy tortilla strips on top.
Gluten Free | Nut Free
Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This is one of my top 10 recipes on this site and my family jumps with joy whenever I add it to my weekly meal plan. This easy layered enchilada casserole features a creamy chicken-veggie filling stacked between layers of corn tortillas. I top servings with sour cream, sliced jalapeño, and diced avocado for delicious flavor in every bite.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Salsa Chicken Recipe
This quick-cooking salsa chicken is a popular option in Dietitian Stacie’s home and mine, too. The flavorful shredded chicken cooks quickly in an Instant Pot and then shreds easily. When tossed with the cooking liquid, it stays juicy and delicious, and makes a simple weeknight dinner when stuffed into tortillas or tacos. I never skip the simple cilantro-lime crema to drizzle on top.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Chipotle Quinoa Casserole with Chicken
This simple and delicious casserole couldn’t be easier to make, especially when I have cooked and shredded chicken already on hand. Directly in the baking dish, I stir together all of the ingredients until they’re well mixed. After baking, I have a family-friendly well-rounded dinner with Tex-Mex flavors, and the leftovers are so enjoyable all week long.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Salsa Verde Chicken
If I only have 5 minutes to spare for prep time, I grab my slow cooker and get all the ingredients for this salsa verde chicken cooking away. Made with diced green chiles, cumin, oregano, and jarred salsa verde, this flavorful and juicy shredded chicken makes a delicious topper for tacos, rice bowls, burritos, and salads.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Beef and Pork Mexican Dishes
Saucy, spiced slow cooked meats are an iconic and most delicious part of traditional Mexican cuisine. Here are some Mexican-inspired saucy pork and beef recipes that taste good served in so many ways.
Slow Cooker Tacos Al Pastor
Al pastor pork is shredded meat that’s ultra flavorful, providing sweet, savory, tangy, and spicy notes in every bite. I serve the meat in tortillas to make tacos al pastor or I sometimes use the meat to layer over rice bowls, salads, or stuff inside burritos. It’s good any way it’s served.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Birria Tacos
I created this simplified version of birria tacos because I love this Mexican dish more than any other. It originates from Jalisco, Mexico, and my version is made in the crockpot, calling for simple spices, plus jarred salsa, and dried chiles. The cooking liquid turns into a delicious dipping sauce for the iconic crispy, cheesy tacos that I order from so many restaurant and food truck menus.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Ground Beef and Zucchini Skillet
This recipe combines two affordable, easy-to-find ingredients: ground beef and zucchini, in one quick skillet dinner. The Mexican-inspired flavors kind of remind me of chile relleno without the stuffing and frying of chiles. I appreciate that this skillet dinner is high in protein, high in fiber, and can be on my table in less than 30 minutes.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Easy Baked Tacos
After serving a house full of teens one night, Dietitian Jess discovered that the easiest way to make a big batch of tacos at once is to bake them, pre-filled and ready for toppings. For entertaining, laid-back parties, or the simplest weeknight recipe, these baked tacos are always a hit.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Beef Skillet Enchiladas
I love enchilada flavors but don’t always have time to prepare traditional rolled enchiladas. Luckily, this recipe provides similar flavors but takes half the time. Made in one pan using lean ground beef, veggies, black beans, corn, and cut-up corn tortillas, this dinner is nutritious and budget friendly.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Easy Taco Soup Recipe
Inspired by pozole, this ground meat, corn, onion, zucchini, spices, black beans, and lime juice. It’s veggie-loaded, wholesome, hearty, and full of flavor. I make it in a slow cooker most often, but the recipe also include directions to make this taco soup in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop for a quick and tasty weeknight meal with endless topping possibilities.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Crockpot Carnitas
Slow cooked in a crockpot, this carnitas recipe is so flavorful and provides a delicious protein option that I love to serve in a variety of ways. I’ll often crisp the cooked carnitas on a baking sheet before serving it in tacos, burritos and wraps, over rice bowls, or on top of baked potatoes.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Taco Casserole
Made with ground beef, rice, canned beans, bell pepper, zucchini, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning, this mix-and-bake casserole is quick, easy, and budget friendly. It’s a family favorite in Dietitian Stacie’s home, where she tops servings with sour cream and diced avocado.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Easy Beef Taco Bowls with Salsa Ranch
Dietitian Jess created this recipe because she loves tacos in any form, so tacos bowls felt like a natural expansion of the flavors she loves most. She cooks ground beef, taco seasoning, and tomato paste, then serves it over rice bowls with a variety of toppings, including her simple salsa ranch dressing. Within just 20 minutes, she can have a favorite weeknight dinner on the table.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Slow Cooker Beef Barbacoa
Barbacoa is a slow-cooked, saucy, shredded meat dish that is traditionally made with beef. When made with pork, it’s similar to a Mexican dish from the Yucatan peninsula called cochinita pibil. Made in the crockpot (or cooked more quickly in the Instant Pot), the juicy, tender beef can be served as tacos, rolled into taquitos, or over salads and rice bowls.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Stuffed Peppers Recipe
This recipe for stuffed peppers takes on a Mexican-inspired spin by using taco seasoning in place of the more traditional Italian herbs and spices. It gives this comfort food recipe a Tex-Mex twist and my entire family looks forward to picking out their own serving and topping it with sour cream, avocado, or sliced jalapeño.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Taco Pasta
This easy stovetop taco pasta recipe combines two comfort foods into one protein-rich, veggie-filled, one-pot, family-friendly meal. For busy weeknights, this recipe is failproof and quick to make, plus the pasta is savory, cheesy, and perfect for serving with various toppings.
Egg Free | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Tex-Mex Sweet Potato Hash
If I ever have leftover taco meat on hand, I make this Tex-Mex-inspired sweet potato hash the next morning. It’s a savory, protein-rich breakfast (or even a fun and different weeknight dinner option) that includes tons of veggies. I serve it with a cooked egg on top and a drizzle of hot sauce.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Meal Prep Breakfast Burritos
These make-ahead breakfast burritos are the perfect solution for busy mornings. On weekends, I meal prep a dozen of them to keep on hand in my freezer for an easy, nutritious, delicious, and high-protein breakfast option that reheats nicely. Make them with any favorite meats or veggies, such as sausage or chorizo and sauteed peppers and onions.
Dairy Free Option | Gluten Free Option | Nut Free
Seafood and Vegetarian Mexican Mains
From fish tacos to ceviche, there are many Mexican dishes that highlight the coastal foods and vegetables that are common in Mexico. Here are a few I make often.
Grilled Shrimp Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa
In this quick weeknight grill recipe, skewers of seasoned shrimp cook quickly, then get inside warm corn tortillas and topped with a delicious fresh mango and avocado salsa. Ready in just 30 minutes, these seafood tacos are so flavorful, with a little spice plus smoky and sweet flavors from the ancho chili powder and mango.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajita Bowls
A seafood take on traditional fajitas, this sheet pan shrimp recipe is streamlined, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Shrimp, colorful peppers, onions, and cauliflower rice all bake together on one pan. When done, I scoop the roasted cauliflower rice into bowls and top that with the cooked shrimp and roasted veggies, plus dollops of guacamole and minced fresh cilantro.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Paleo | Whole30
Slow Cooker Green Chile Stew
A set-it and forget-it recipe, this crockpot green chile stew is perfect for busy weeknights. It features white beans, diced green poblano peppers, potatoes, onions, and simple spices. Providing ample fiber and plant-based protein, this flavorful stew is warm, satisfying, and delicious.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian
Vegan Enchiladas
Made from real-food ingredients and a simple homemade enchilada sauce, these vegan enchiladas are packed with nutrition and flavor. An extra tasty way to get a high-fiber meal on the table, these enchiladas are saucy and so good.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Vegan | Vegetarian
Mexican-Inspired Side Dishes
From saucy beans to flavorful rice, these flavorful and simple side dishes help round out any plate of tacos or other Mexican-inspired main dishes.
Cilantro Lime Rice
Make a flavorful and simple rice side dish to pair with any Mexican-inspired meal. Dietitian Jess created this copycat Chipotle cilantro lime rice to taste even better than the restaurant version and requiring just a few simple ingredients and quick steps.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Mexican Black Beans
Get saucy, flavorful, restaurant-style Mexican black beans at home with a handful of ingredients in one saucepan. Serve these beans as a warm, savory side dish or topping for burritos, tacos, chilaquiles, salads, and other traditional Mexican cuisine.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Homemade Refried Beans
The slow-cooked flavor of Mexican restaurant-style refried beans can come home with this simple method and everyday ingredients. These ultra creamy, smooth, flavorful, and nutritious beans make a delicious dip for chips and a perfect addition to taco and burrito nights.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
This delicious and colorful pasta salad features the flavors of popular Mexican street corn (also known as elote). It makes a great side dish or could be a vegetarian main dish salad, too. It features a creamy lime dressing, crumbled queso fresco, and creamy avocado pieces.
Gluten Free Option | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Chili Lime Quinoa Black Bean Salad
Tossed in a simple chili-lime vinaigrette, this quinoa black bean salad is full of flavor and fresh vegetables. It’s the perfect fresh salad to serve at a backyard barbecue or as a weeknight dinner tossed with chorizo or served alongside a grilled protein.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Mexican-Style Appetizers & Drinks
Whether I’m looking for a recipe that will be a crowd pleaser at a party or just want to make a refreshing sipper to enjoy on the back deck, these are the Mexican-inspired dips and drinks I turn to.
Homemade Guacamole
This chunky guacamole is a non-negotiable for me when I’m putting together a spread of my favorite Mexican dishes. I serve it with tortilla chips and fresh veggies as an easy appetizer for parties and Cinco de Mayo or as a condiment to top everything from huevos rancheros to tacos.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Paleo | Whole30
Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa
Even better and more fresh than the popular restaurant version, this Chipotle corn salsa recipe comes together with six simple ingredients, including corn, jalapeño, and red onion. It’s a bright, refreshing side dish, topping, or appetizer.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian
Easy Bean Dip
Everyone loves this bean dip. It’s fast to make and so flavorful, and usually one of the first appetizers to disappear at a party. I serve it with chips and veggies for dipping and I also use it as a filling for burritos and tacos, or for layering into nachos.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian
Avocado Salsa Recipe
This quick and easy homemade salsa recipe is sweet, savory, and spicy, and comes together in just 15 minutes. Crunchy and creamy, it’s a fabulous appetizer or snack that easily doubles as a condiment similar to pico de gallo, adding so much flavor to any meal.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Paleo
Vegan Queso
This impressive cheese dip is made from all plant-based ingredients for a unique version of queso that comes together quickly and heats nicely. Made from soaked cashews, diced tomatoes with green chiles, nutritional yeast, cumin, and chili powder, it’s creamy, smooth, and so good for dipping.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Vegan | Vegetarian | Paleo | Whole30
Black Bean and Corn Salsa with Avocado
This super fresh salsa is one I make on repeat. It features an easy homemade chili-lime vinaigrette tossed with corn, black beans, peppers, cilantro, jalapeño, and avocado. I serve it with tortilla chips for dipping or as a topping for fajitas. I’ve even added some chopped shrimp to the bowl, letting it marinate in the vinaigrette just until cooked for a quick ceviche to eat with chips.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Sweet Potato Nachos
For a plate full of nachos with a nutritional boost, Jess starts with a bed of crunchy sweet potato chips. Then she tops those with saucy shredded chicken tinga, pinto beans, shredded cheese, cilantro, and sour cream. It’s a game-day hit and also filling for a weeknight dinner or weekend family snack.
Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free
Homemade Margaritas
These real-food margaritas are made from fresh lime juice, orange juice, high-quality tequila, and coconut water for a fresh and delicious margarita without refined sugars or those syrupy-sweet premade margarita mixes. Make them zero-proof by replacing the tequila with a non-alcoholic spirit.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Frozen Strawberry Margaritas
The perfect warm-weather sipper, these cool and refreshing frozen strawberry margaritas are refined sugar-free and made with just five ingredients including frozen strawberries, fresh lime juice, and either agave nectar or pure honey.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
Frozen Pineapple Margaritas
A fun twist on traditional margaritas, these blended pineapple margaritas feature real pineapple, orange juice, lime juice, and tequila blanco. Whether at the beach or backyard, these refreshing margs make any day better. Includes a mocktail option, as well.
Dairy Free | Egg Free | Gluten Free | Grain Free | Nut Free | Vegetarian | Vegan
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