Easy Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

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Quick and easy grilled chicken tacos with juicy, seasoned chicken, fresh salsa, and warm tortillas. Perfect for summer grilling or a quick weeknight meal.

Try my grilled Mexican street corn and guacamole next!

Dive into this delightful chicken taco recipe featuring savory grilled chicken paired with fresh salsa. Bursting with color, flavor, and texture, these tacos are sure to wow the crowd at your next gathering. Get ready to impress your people with every bite!

Why you'll love this grilled chicken taco recipe

• This recipe is perfect for grilling beginners, with step-by-step instructions to help you avoid common mistakes and grill the best chicken for tacos.
• These colorful, festive tacos are versatile enough for family dinners and festive gatherings.
• Every bite is a flavor explosion, combining savory grilled chicken with your choice of fresh peach salsa, juicy mango salsa, or vibrant pico de Gallo.
• Grilling adds a smoky flavor you can’t get from pan-searing or baking, making these tacos stand out.

Ingredients you'll need

• Chicken – I’m using boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re lean and cook quickly on the grill. You can swap them for boneless, skinless chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier, more forgiving cut. Just follow the same grilling instructions.
• Olive Oil – A light coating of oil helps keep the chicken juicy, prevents it from sticking to the grill, and adds a hint of richness to every bite.
• Cumin, Salt, and Pepper – This simple southwest seasoning adds earthy, smoky flavor to the chicken, letting the fresh salsa and toppings shine.
• Corn Tortillas – Use white or yellow corn tortillas for their authentic flavor and texture. I prefer the smaller street taco size because they’re easy to handle and perfect for parties.
• Salsa – I always recommend homemade fresh salsa for the best flavor, but store-bought works in a pinch. Try mango salsa, peach salsa, or classic pico de gallo for a pop of color and flavor.
• Corn – Adds a touch of sweetness and a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the smoky grilled chicken. Use fresh, frozen, or canned, depending on what you have on hand.
• Cotija Cheese – A salty, crumbly Mexican cheese that adds a savory kick and a touch of creaminess to each bite.
• Fresh Cilantro and Lime – These classic toppings add bright, fresh flavors and a pop of color to your tacos. Squeeze the lime wedges over the assembled tacos just before serving for a zesty finish.

How to make grilled chicken tacos

Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken dry and pound any thick portions for even cooking. Toss with OLIVE OIL, CUMIN, SALT, and PEPPER. Let it rest at room temperature for 15-30 minutes.

Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to 400°F and brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking.

Grill the chicken: Place the chicken in the center of the grill. Close the lid and grill for 3-5 minutes until it releases easily. Flip, move to indirect heat, and grill until it reaches 160°F. Transfer to a plate, cover, and let rest for 5 minutes to reach 165°F.

Grill the tortillas: Lightly oil both sides of the tortillas and grill until warmed, about 1-2 minutes per side.

Assemble the tacos: Slice or shred the chicken, then fill the warm tortillas. Top with salsa, Cotija cheese, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe Tips

• Make sure chicken is even thickness: Pound thicker chicken portions to an even thickness. This helps it cook more evenly which helps prevent it from drying out.
• Tempering for better results: Rest the seasoned chicken at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before grilling to remove the chill, which helps it cook more efficiently.
• Season ahead for convenience and flavor: Toss the chicken with oil and seasonings up to a day in advance to let the flavors really soak in.
• Wash tongs between tasks: Use separate tongs for raw and cooked chicken, or wash them between tasks to avoid cross-contamination.
• Reheating leftovers: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, in the microwave, or on the grill, then assemble tacos with your favorite toppings.
• Batch cooking for meal prep: Grill extra chicken to use in other recipes like salads, wraps, or burrito bowls throughout the week.

Recipe variations and serving ideas

• Sprinkle my simple taco seasoning blend on the chicken for added TexMex flavor.
• Include whole cooked black beans or refried black beans for a hearty, protein-packed addition.
• Drizzle my avocado ranch dressing over the tacos for a creamy, tangy twist.
• Swap in homemade blender salsa for a more classic salsa option.
• Serve cilantro lime rice on the side or inside the tacos for extra zest.

📖 Recipe