Name: The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 52 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 2 teaspoons chili powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; diced avocado; shredded lettuce; chopped tomatoes; crumbled queso fresco; fresh cilantro; lime wedges; sour cream or crema (optional)

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Prepare to fall in love at first bite! The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe is your ticket to a zesty, juicy, and utterly irresistible taco night. With smoky grilled chicken, vibrant fresh toppings, and an easy marinade that packs a ton of bold flavor, this recipe takes classic tacos to a whole new level. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply craving something special on a weeknight, these tacos will bring sunshine and sizzle to your dinner table!

The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple ingredients transforms into a fiesta of flavors in every bite. Each component brings something essential, whether it’s punchy spice, smoky depth, or creamy freshness, ensuring every taco is unforgettable.

Chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ pounds): Thighs keep things extra juicy, but breasts are great if you prefer a leaner cut.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Helps lock in moisture and carries those bold spices into every nook and cranny of the chicken.
Lime juice (2 tablespoons): Adds tangy brightness and tenderizes the chicken as it marinates.
Chili powder (2 teaspoons): Provides a gentle, smoky kick that’s unmistakably taco.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Brings deep, earthy warmth classic to Mexican dishes.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smokiness that echoes the flavors of the grill.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Layers irresistible savory aroma without overpowering.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle sweetness and depth.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and helps tenderize the meat.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a hint of gentle spice to round things out.
Corn or flour tortillas (8 small): The vessel for all that deliciousness; warm them for best results.
Toppings: Diced avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream or crema (optional) bring color and cool contrast to the warm, spicy chicken.

How to Make The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Mix Up Your Marinade

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This aromatic marinade will quickly become your secret weapon for juicy, flavor-packed chicken.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs or breasts to the bowl and toss until every piece is generously coated. Cover, refrigerate, and let the flavors mingle for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours if you have time). The longer, the better—the chicken just gets more flavorful!

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken on the hot grates and grill for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful, deep char and juicy insides. Once cooked through, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to keep the juices in.

Step 4: Slice and Warm the Tortillas

After resting, slice the chicken into thin, savory strips. While you do that, give your tortillas a quick warm-up on the grill or in a dry skillet until they’re pliable and steamy—this little step makes a world of difference for your taco experience!

Step 5: Assemble the BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Set out your tortillas and fill each with a generous helping of grilled chicken. Top with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, and a shower of fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a dollop of sour cream or crema if you like. Now, dig in!

How to Serve The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

Have fun with your toppings! Classic garnishes like diced avocado, shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, and plenty of cilantro add brightness and freshness. A sprinkle of queso fresco gives a salty, creamy kick, and lime wedges on the side let everyone customize that perfect burst of citrusy flavor. For a little decadence, a swirl of sour cream or Mexican crema is always welcome.

Side Dishes

Round out your taco feast with some crowd-pleasing sides. Think zippy black bean salad, spicy street corn (elote), or fluffy cilantro-lime rice. For a party, chips with homemade guacamole or salsa are always a sure bet. Each of these makes the taco experience feel like a full-blown fiesta!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe into a build-your-own taco bar for gatherings—just keep the chicken warm and set out bowls of all your favorite toppings. Or, serve tacos family-style on a wooden board, gorgeous with all the colorful garnishes and lime wedges. For summertime picnics, wrap assembled tacos in parchment and tie with twine for mess-free eating on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover grilled chicken, lucky you! Store the cooled slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas and toppings separate, so everything stays fresh when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

The chicken from The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe is freezer-friendly. Freeze cooked, cooled chicken (without the toppings) in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for speedy taco nights whenever the craving strikes.

Reheating

Bring refrigerated or thawed chicken back to life in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist. You can also microwave in short bursts, covering the chicken with a damp paper towel to preserve juiciness. Just warm the tortillas before assembling your next batch of tacos!

FAQs

Can I make The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! A grill pan or even a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop will give you fantastic results. You’ll still get lovely char and delicious flavor—it’s all about that marinade!

What’s the difference between using chicken thighs and breasts?

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and bring a richer flavor, while breasts are leaner and a little lighter. Both are tasty in The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe, so choose whichever you prefer!

Are corn or flour tortillas better for these tacos?

It’s really up to your taste! Corn tortillas are classic, naturally gluten-free, and have a lovely toasty flavor. Flour tortillas are soft and stretchy. Either one makes a perfect vehicle for all that grilled chicken goodness.

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken overnight, especially if using breasts—it makes them extra tender and flavorful. Just keep it well covered in the fridge.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade or top the finished tacos with sliced jalapeños, hot salsa, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo. The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe is super customizable!

Final Thoughts

If there’s one recipe you keep in your back pocket for effortless, crowd-pleasing dinners, let it be The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe. It’s simple, fresh, and downright delicious every single time. So gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and bring some extra joy to your table tonight!

The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 52 minutes
Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These grilled chicken tacos are a flavor-packed delight that’s perfect for any day of the week. Juicy marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas come together for a satisfying meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

8 small corn or flour tortillas
diced avocado
shredded lettuce
chopped tomatoes
crumbled queso fresco
fresh cilantro
lime wedges
sour cream or crema (optional)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat evenly, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
Assemble Tacos: Fill each tortilla with grilled chicken, avocado, lettuce, tomato, queso fresco, and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and sour cream.