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We’re talking about the BEST Chicken Tacos: juicy chicken, perfectly grilled and seasoned, stuffed into warm tortillas, and topped with your favorite toppings.
There’s nothing quite like a taco night. That’s probably why we have taco Tuesday every week at our house! These Grilled Chicken Tacos are on our taco rotation.
HERE IS WHAT OUR READERS ARE SAYING:
“We eat tacos all of the time. I hadn’t thought about grilling chicken for them. Thanks for pointing out the obvious to me. LOL! I will have to give your marinade a try. It sounds delicious.” – Christina
These tacos are not only tasty but also super easy to make, making them perfect for any night of the week.
We are marinating! That’s really the best way to get flavor into your chicken. Then, whether you’re cooking on a hot skillet or a grill, you know your tacos will be next level.
I think I could eat tacos every day and never get tired of them. It is nice to have some variety, though. Marinated easy chicken tacos to the rescue!
As usual, I’ve got some great variation ideas down below, so look out for those! There are so many delicious ways to make tacos.
Whether you’re planning a Taco Tuesday or just want a quick and delicious meal, this easy recipe has got you covered. Also check out our Chinese Chicken if you are in a bind.
The best part? You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up these yummy grilled chicken tacos. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
Some of our other favorite chicken recipes we have on our site include: Popcorn Chicken, Slow Cooker Mexican Shredded Chicken Tacos, and Italian Lemon Chicken Foil Packet.
Jump to:
- WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TACOS:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
- WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN IS THE BEST TO USE?
- WHAT TO TOP THESE WITH?
- ANY ADDITIONS?
- ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
- HOW TO STORE:
- DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy nights.
- Flavorful Chicken: The marinade packs a punch of flavor with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder, making the chicken incredibly tasty.
- Versatile Toppings: You can customize these tacos with your favorite toppings, making them perfect for everyone in the family.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Chicken breast, boneless skinless (or chicken thigh)
- Sugar, granulated
- White vinegar
- Vegetable oil
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN TACOS:
- Combine the sugar, vinegar, oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Place the chicken in a gallon-sized plastic bag and pour the marinade on top.
- Massage the marinade into the chicken with the bag closed until it is evenly covering the meat. Let this sit in the fridge for at least an hour and up to three hours.
- Get your grill hot and grill the chicken over medium heat until the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
- Take it off the grill, slice it up, and stuff it into tortillas.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF CHICKEN IS THE BEST TO USE?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, and breasts are the best choices for this chicken tacos recipe.
Boneless chicken thighs add extra juiciness and rich flavor, making them perfect for these outdoor grill tacos.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts keep things lean and tasty, ensuring that the tacos are not only delicious but also fit well into a tracking calorie diet.
Whether you choose thighs or breasts, you’ll achieve great results with these cuts of chicken, making your chicken street tacos a huge hit.
WHAT TO TOP THESE WITH?
There are countless ways to top your grilled chicken tacos for extra flavor.
Try adding shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh pico de gallo for classic toppings.
Green chiles, cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice add a fresh, tangy taste.
For those who love a bit of heat, include sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
To add a crunchy texture, consider adding some tortilla chips on the side.
Mix and match your favorite toppings to create your own tacos and enjoy the best chicken tacos tailored to your taste buds.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Tacos are great for variety! If you’ve been to a food truck, you know what I mean.
Here are a few more ideas for you.
- Sliced avocado for creamy texture
- Fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor
- Diced tomatoes for fresh flavors
- Pickled red onions for a tangy kick
- Black beans for added protein
- Corn kernels for a sweet crunch
- Shredded lettuce for crispiness
- Jalapeño slices for a spicy touch
- Salsa verde for a zesty topping
- Crumbled queso fresco for a salty finish
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Maybe you want to make your own sauce.
Maybe you want something store-bought to marinate with. Totally up to you!
- Olive oil instead of vegetable oil for a healthier option
- Lime juice instead of white vinegar for a fresh, tangy flavor
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs for more juiciness and flavor
- Chili powder instead of paprika for a different spice profile
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy, creamy topping
- Whole wheat tortillas instead of corn tortillas for added fiber
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze the grilled chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking over medium heat helps achieve a good sear without drying out the chicken.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the morning or the night before for a quick and easy dinner.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or on the grill for a few seconds on each side for the best texture.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair these tacos with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Grilled Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy meal that you can whip up any night of the week.
With simple ingredients and a flavorful marinade, these tacos have become a family favorite in my house.
Whether you top them with sour cream, fresh pico de gallo, or your favorite taco toppings, you can’t go wrong.
Plus, the versatility of these Chicken Tacos allows you to customize it to your liking.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried these CHICKEN TACOS, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Combine the sugar, vinegar, oil, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Place the chicken in a gallon-sized plastic bag and pour the marinade on top.2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Massage the marinade into the chicken with the bag closed until it is evenly covering the meat. Let this sit in the fridge for at least an hour and up to three hours.
- Get your grill hot and grill the chicken over medium heat until the internal temperature is at least 165°F.
- Take it off the grill, slice it up, and stuff it into tortillas.
- Add your favorite toppings and serve.
Notes
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken marinate for at least an hour to soak up all the delicious flavors.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Grill Over Medium Heat: Cooking over medium heat helps achieve a good sear without drying out the chicken.
- Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken in the morning or the night before for a quick and easy dinner.
- Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or on the grill for a few seconds on each side for the best texture.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair these tacos with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
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I’ll be there, thank you!
Looks really good! So glad you shared your recipe at The Shady Porch! I hope to see you this week too! Have a great day. D@TheShadyPorch
Thank you!
I love your marinade, cumin is a nice touch. Thanks for sharing your tacos with us on foodie friday.
Thanks so much!
Yum! That looks realllly good!!
Thanks for sharing at Monday Funday Link Party!
Hope your week is extraordinary!
Thank you, I’ll be there!
It is! It’s called EasyRecipe for wordpress
We are a taco loving family.. great recipe!! Is that a plug in that you’re using that produces the recipe “card”? Thanks for linking up with us for the LOBS party!!
These look great! Grilled chicken! I’m suddenly hungry. Thanks for linking this up with Pin It Tuesday! Hope to see you back next week!
Thanks so much, I’ll check it out!
Hi, stopping over from the Friday Free For All. Saw your link and could not resist coming here to get the recipe! These look so good, and I love all the ingredients you used. I know what you mean about having a lot of grilled chicken this time of year…we do the same thing!
If you are interested, I am co-hosting a link party you may want to check out as well: http://www.dizzybusyandhungry.com/2013/06/18/tasty-tuesdays-link-party/
Take care!
LOL, thanks so much. I hope you enjoy them!
I’ll be there every week!
This looks delicious! Thank you so much for linking up! Hope to see more from you.