Grilled Chicken Tacos
Grilled chicken tacos are one of those meals that instantly feel like a celebration. The smoky aroma from the grill, the sizzle of marinated chicken hitting the grates, and the vibrant toppings all come together to create something truly special.
Equipment
- Grill or Grill Pan
- Mixing Bowl
- Tongs
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Small bowls or ramekins
- Meat thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Sour cream or crema
- Shredded cheese
- Pickled jalapeños
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade stick better and gives a nice sear on the grill.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice.
- Toss the chicken in the marinade until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
- Pro Tip: Don’t skip the resting time! Marinating allows the spices and lime to really penetrate the chicken for juicy, flavorful bites.
Preheat the Grill
- Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
- Lightly oil the grates or pan to prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken
- Place the chicken on the hot grill. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Check doneness with a meat thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Pro Tip: Avoid pressing down on the chicken with your spatula; this squeezes out the juices and can make it dry.
Rest and Slice
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice into thin strips for easy taco assembly.
- Pro Tip: Resting the chicken keeps it tender and juicy, so don’t skip this step.
Warm the Tortillas
- Place tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30–60 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred.
- Keep them covered with a clean kitchen towel to stay soft while assembling tacos.
Assemble the Tacos
- Lay a few slices of grilled chicken onto each tortilla.
- Top with shredded cabbage, diced onions, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
- Add optional toppings like salsa, sour cream, cheese, or pickled jalapeños.
- Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, fresh flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
- Arrange tacos on a platter and serve immediately.
- Encourage everyone to customize their tacos with their favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420–450 kcal
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg