Delicious food makes up part of the celebration of Cinco de Mayo (Spanish for the Fifth of May). Here are 50 of the best Cinco de Mayo chicken recipes that would make a great addition to your Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo is a holiday celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States. It’s also called the Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla. This is celebrated to honor a victory of the Mexican army over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862.
Cinco de Mayo is not as big of a celebration in Mexico (Mexican Independence Day is in September and is their national holiday) however in the US the day has become a way of honoring Mexican culture.
You’ll find that celebrations in the US will include parties, mariachi music, Mexican folk dancing and delicious food. If you are wondering what to serve at your own Cinco de Mayo fiesta then check out some of these delicious chicken based recipes.
Some of the favorite foods to serve up as main dishes include tacos, enchiladas, burritos, quesadillas, taquitos, flautas, nachos and more.
Don’t forget to include toppings for all of your main dishes such as:
- Sour cream, lime crema or even cilantro lime dressing
- Pico de Gallo
- Your favorite salsa
- Cotija cheese or shredded cheese
- Refried beans, black bean or other beans
- Sliced or whole olives
- Shredded lettuce
- Jalapeno slices
- Lime slices
and whatever else you enjoy using as a topping on your dishes.
Along with these tasty chicken dishes don’t forget to offer a side dish or two, a sweet dessert or even some margaritas to round out your meal.
Here’s some of our favorite side dishes and :
- Mexican Street Corn
- Coleslaw especially Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
- Rice including Cilantro Lime Rice
- Tortilla chips and salsa
- Salad
For dessert:
- Pina Colada Dump Cake – always a crowd pleaser
- Tres Leches Cake
- Churros
Serve with a pitcher of Frozen Strawberry Margaritas, watermelon margaritas or use your favorite margarita mix.
Check out these easy recipes to serve on Cinco de Mayo.
Healthy Chicken Enchilada Recipe (Easy Casserole)
This Healthy Chicken Enchilada recipe is so easy to prep and makes a delicious weeknight dinner. The slow cooker chicken filling can be made ahead of time to help get this meal on
the table in 30 minutes or less.
Get the recipe here
the table in 30 minutes or less.
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
You'll love making these easy Chicken Taquitos in the air fryer. A mixture of shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese and seasonings are rolled up in corn tortillas or soft flour tortillas and then cooked until crispy in the air fryer.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Nachos
Crunchy, cheesy baked chicken nachos are perfect for game days or any type of gathering. Chicken, black beans, and all the classic nacho toppings are here for the party. Easily assembled and prepared, you’ll want these sheet pan nachos at your next party.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Tortilla Soup (Instant Pot)
This hearty chicken tortilla soup is so easy to throw
together, and great anytime you need to feed a crowd quickly & easily!
Get the recipe here
together, and great anytime you need to feed a crowd quickly & easily!
Copycat Chipotle Chicken Recipe (Oven, Air Fryer Directions)
Save yourself a ton of money with this easy to make Copycat
Chipotle Chicken Recipe. Use the chicken to make your own tacos, burritos, bowls and salads at home for Cinco de Mayo for a fraction of the cost of take out.
Get the recipe here
Chipotle Chicken Recipe. Use the chicken to make your own tacos, burritos, bowls and salads at home for Cinco de Mayo for a fraction of the cost of take out.
Chicken Tinga Tacos with Roasted Poblano Salsa
Tinga comes from the Mexican state of Puebla and is a simple dish that is famous and common across the country. I have used chicken breasts today but this works well with pork and beef. Tinga is generally prepared as a filling for tacos, empanadas, tlacoyos and also as a topping for tostadas. Use it to make your favorite Cinco de Mayo meal.
Get the recipe here
Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken
This slow cooker salsa verde chicken has it all! It is incredibly easy to make and is packed with so much flavor from the cilantro and green chiles. Also, you can put this recipe together in virtually no time! We love making bowls, burritos, tacos, and salads with the slow cooker chicken.
Get the recipe here
Easy Keto Chicken Enchiladas Recipe (Low Carb, Carnivore)
If you love Mexican food, especially chicken enchiladas, but
are on a keto diet, then try this easy keto chicken enchiladas recipe. I use a unique ingredient to make these extra low in carbs.
Get the recipe here
are on a keto diet, then try this easy keto chicken enchiladas recipe. I use a unique ingredient to make these extra low in carbs.
Mini Green Chicken Enchilada Pies
These Mini Green Chicken Enchilada Pies are a fast and easy way to do enchiladas for one or two.
Get the recipe here
Easy Skillet Chicken Fajitas (Allergy-Free, Paleo)
Delicious and easy Gluten-Free Skillet Chicken Fajitas, healthy and baked in the oven. Just sliced spiced rubbed chicken, bell peppers, and onions! An allergy-free and paleo Tex-Mex recipe you can make for dinner or prep ahead of time for quick lunches and meals throughout the week!
Get the recipe here
Grilled Chicken al Pastor Tacos
Marinated in an amazing combination of citrus and sweet
pepper flakes, these tacos when topped with grilled pineapple chunks will take your Cinco de Mayo menu to another level.
Get the recipe here
pepper flakes, these tacos when topped with grilled pineapple chunks will take your Cinco de Mayo menu to another level.
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
These Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos are quick and easy to
make. The marinade is made with a delicious spice combo you are going to love!
Get the recipe here
make. The marinade is made with a delicious spice combo you are going to love!
Best Tostadas de Tinga
These chicken tinga tostadas are easy to make and full of flavor! Easily customizable, they are perfect for a crowd or picky eaters! Tostadas Mexicanos will quickly become your next go to weeknight meal.
Get the recipe here
Hatch Green Chile Chicken Quesadillas
Hatch Green Chile Chicken Quesadillas are a great fast and
easy Mexican food recipe! Flour tortillas packed with cheese, roasted peppers, and rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Get the recipe here
easy Mexican food recipe! Flour tortillas packed with cheese, roasted peppers, and rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas
Instant Pot Chicken Carnitas. They only take 30 minutes in
the instant pot and are super easy to make. These chicken carnitas are loaded with Mexican spices, onions, garlic, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice.
Get the recipe here
the instant pot and are super easy to make. These chicken carnitas are loaded with Mexican spices, onions, garlic, fresh squeezed orange and lime juice.
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
A flavorful marinade lightly sweetened with honey creates
these tender grilled Chili Lime Chicken Tacos. Add the toppings of your choice for a lightened up Mexican-inspired meal that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
Get the recipe here
these tender grilled Chili Lime Chicken Tacos. Add the toppings of your choice for a lightened up Mexican-inspired meal that's perfect for Cinco de Mayo.
Ground Chicken Taco Meat
This delicious ground chicken taco meat is perfect for tacos, rice bowls, quesadillas, nachos, or just served with roasted veggies. It’s easy to make too! It also tastes delicious with ground beef.
Get the recipe here
Mexican Chicken Soup
Mexican chicken soup is a rich and flavorful dish! With lots of veggies, this soup is hearty and delicious!
Get the recipe here
Chicken Burrito Skillet Dinner
This chicken burrito skillet dinner comes together in one
pan to make a quick, easy, and healthy dinner the whole family will love! This simple recipe has everything you love in a burrito but is made in a skillet!
Get the recipe here
pan to make a quick, easy, and healthy dinner the whole family will love! This simple recipe has everything you love in a burrito but is made in a skillet!
Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup
Dinner in a bowl? That’s still light on calories and full of good for you ingredients? If that makes you as happy as it does me you’re going to love this Slow Cooker Chicken Fajita Soup.
Get the recipe here
Margarita Chicken (Marinade + Grilling Instructions)
Tequila, fresh lime and orange juice combine to make a
spectacular marinade for this juicy, flavorful Margarita Chicken. This versatile grilled chicken can be used as a base for a variety of delicious meals.
Get the recipe here
spectacular marinade for this juicy, flavorful Margarita Chicken. This versatile grilled chicken can be used as a base for a variety of delicious meals.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos
These are about the easiest, Midwestern-forward tacos you
can make! Just a few choice ingredients are all you need to whip up these incredibly tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos.
Get the recipe here
can make! Just a few choice ingredients are all you need to whip up these incredibly tasty Chicken Bacon Ranch Tacos.
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
Creamy Chicken Enchiladas are an amazing Mexican dinner idea! A perfect recipe to use with leftover and rotisserie chicken mixed with cheeses and green chile, topped with a fresh Hatch roasted pepper enchilada sauce.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Street Tacos
Scrumptious Chicken Street Tacos are pretty near perfection.
Tender juicy chicken, crunchy red onion, cilantro, queso fresco and tangy lime juice in freshly charred corn tortillas. Easy, affordable weeknight dinner!
Get the recipe here
Tender juicy chicken, crunchy red onion, cilantro, queso fresco and tangy lime juice in freshly charred corn tortillas. Easy, affordable weeknight dinner!
Green Chicken Enchiladas (Easy Green Chile Sauce)
Delicious green chicken enchiladas are a great menu option for Cinco de Mayo! Such a crowd-pleaser!
Get the recipe here
Crockpot Beer Chicken Tacos
Take the work out of dinner with these warm and juicy Crockpot Beer Chicken Tacos. Made with mojito lime seasoning, sweet beer, onion, and lime, you get the sweet, you get the spicy, and you get the good time!
Get the recipe here
Crockpot Chicken Tacos (Mexican Chicken)
Crockpot Chicken Tacos are an easy and delicious dinner that only takes 5 minutes to prepare! Mexican shredded chicken is delicious served in tortillas, over rice or on top of a salad, and is a great way to meal prep chicken for the week!
Get the recipe here
Easy Smoked Chicken Enchiladas (No Smoker Required)
These Smoked Chicken Enchiladas are the ultimate comfort food made with a smoky twist and packed with shredded chicken, gooey cheese, and an irresistible zesty sauce. You can use regular or smoked shredded chicken as the enchilada sauce has two special ingredients to give a smoke flavor without a smoker!
Get the recipe here
Easy Chicken Flautas
These crispy chicken flautas are filled with shredded chicken, cheese, black beans, and salsa. They are super easy to make and are ready in just 30 minutes!
Get the recipe here
Easy Green Chile Chicken Casserole 2 Ways
In need of some cheesy, warm comfort food? Learn how to make green chile chicken casserole. The recipe is truly easy, and the ingredients are simple. It’s tasty and quick to put together when you’re in a hurry.
Get the recipe here
The Best Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup is packed with Tex-Mex flavors, simple to make and ready in under half an hour.
Get the recipe here
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Assemble the simple ingredients for these easy Crockpot chicken tacos in the morning so they can cook on low all day. All you’ll need to do is shred some cheese and warm up the tortillas, making this a perfect weeknight dinner.
Get the recipe here
Authentic Mexican Chicken Fajitas Recipe (Fajitas de Pollo)
Packed full of Mexican flavour, these Authentic Chicken Fajitas are just like the restaurant, but even better! Loaded with spices, fresh garlic, and plenty of lime, this healthy chicken recipe is perfect for dinner for the whole family. Kids will love to create their own plates!
Get the recipe here
Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup
This Creamy Chicken Enchilada soup is warm, slightly spicy, and so comforting. It’s loaded with veggies and chicken in a creamy enchilada broth.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Taco Casserole
A crowd pleasing casserole full of fiesta flavors. This Chicken Taco Casserole is hearty, cheesy, easy to make, and satisfies your Mexican food craving.
Get the recipe here
Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
This Crock Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup is packed with protein and spicy flavor with a rich tomato base. The best part is, it's easy to make – just add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker and let the magic happen and enjoy on a chilly winter evening or any time of the year!
Get the recipe here
Flautas (aka Chicken Taquitos)
These Homemade Chicken Flautas are crunchy, cheesy, flavorful tubes of heaven. Shredded chicken is mixed with taco seasoning, and TWO types of cheeses before being stuffed, rolled and fried (or baked) into a crispy flour tortilla!
Get the recipe here
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
This easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe comes together in one pan! Layered cheesy enchiladas filled with shredded chicken and green chile sauce make this casserole a family favorite.
Get the recipe here
The Best Crispy Chicken Fajitas
These are the ultimate crispy chicken fajitas. Tender juicy chicken is fried until crispy then combined with perfectly seasoned bell peppers and onion. Everything is then piled onto warm tortillas. Serve for a party or make for a weeknight meal.
Get the recipe here
Citrus Marinated Chicken Tacos
Elevate your taco night with these mouth watering Citrus Marinated Chicken Tacos. Between the jalapeno, orange, lemon and lime flavors, this zesty dinner will leave the whole family begging for more!
Get the recipe here
EASY Grilled Chicken Fajitas – Spicy Margarita Marinade!
A classic dinner of grilled chicken fajitas gets a fun twist with a spicy margarita marinade! Serve with warm tortillas and peppers for a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
Get the recipe here
Salsa Verde Chicken Soup
This super fast Chicken Soup is full of flavor from the salsa verde. Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Get the recipe here
Cheesy Mexican Skillet {One Pan}
One scoop of this hearty Cheesy Mexican Skillet will lead to many more! It's filled with all your favorite taco night ingredients, all prepared in just one pan and just 30 minutes.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Birria Tacos Instant Pot and Stove
These easy chicken birria tacos, also called quesa birria tacos or in Spanish, Birria de Pollo, will become your new favorite and taco Tuesday will never be the same.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
These Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas are spicy, tangy, cheesy, and delicious. Tender chicken, bold enchilada sauce, chewy tortillas, and rich, melty cheese combine to make a dish perfect for a weeknight meal or a gathering with friends!
Get the recipe here
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken (with Fresh or Frozen Chicken)
Instant Pot Salsa Chicken is the one (Instant) Pot recipe
you want in your back pocket for busy days. Requiring only 4 ingredients, prep literally takes 2 minutes! Then the Instant Pot takes care of the rest.
Get the recipe here
you want in your back pocket for busy days. Requiring only 4 ingredients, prep literally takes 2 minutes! Then the Instant Pot takes care of the rest.
Chicken Tinga Enchiladas
Cheesy, shredded chicken enchiladas covered in delicious,
spicy tinga sauce!
Get the recipe here
spicy tinga sauce!
Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup
This Slow Cooker Mexican Chicken Soup is packed with spicy Mexican flavors. It's super easy to prepare on a weeknight or on the weekend to feed a crowd.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Quesadillas Recipe
This easy chicken quesadillas recipe is a delicious combination of chicken and cheese cooked inside of a perfectly toasted tortilla. It’s an easy chicken dinner idea for lunch or dinner.
Get the recipe here
Chicken Burrito Recipe
There’s no question that, when it comes to wraps, Chicken Burritos deliver a handful—a delightfully delicious one at that.
Get the recipe here
If you are looking for other Cinco De Mayo recipes then check these out:
35 Cinco De Mayo Dessert Recipes
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