Grilled Chicken Tacos
on Jun 30, 2019, Updated Apr 19, 2024
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
Perfectly seasoned with lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika, these crave-able Grilled Chicken Tacos are the most satisfying and simple meat you’ll ever grill.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
Have I mentioned how much I love tacos? I think I may have said it once or twice or 326 times. Okay, you caught me. I LOVE them. I could practically live off of them if that were socially acceptable. Do you feel me, or do you feel me?
I think one of the things that makes tacos so great is that they’re eternally customizable. For someone with five children (who each have five significantly different palates), tacos solve a LOT of problems for me. I mean, there’s the obvious: Wrap up practically anything in a tortilla with a little cheese and salsa, and you’re golden. Nine times out of 10, it’ll be delicious because the concept of tacos alone is brilliant and consistently good.
Plus, they’re a casual, DIY meal that my whole family can enjoy. If you have a kid who won’t even think about touching lettuce, no problem! They’ll bypass that bowl when building their tacos. If one child don’t like tomatoes or has a lactose allergy, easy! Just keep those guys away. It’s wonderful.
And these tacos… Guys, THESE tacos are lovely and smoky and zesty and bright. I love the extra oomph of flavor grilling gives meat, plus these chicken thighs are seasoned to perfection with lime, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cumin. It gives them the most beautiful color and texture, and not to mention, they taste real, real good. I can’t get enough, and I hope you can’t either!
How much chicken do I need for tacos?
For this recipe, I recommend picking up 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs from the store. It’ll make quite a bit, but if your family could double as a 7-member band like mine could (as long as I’m not the singer…), then this is a perfect amount for a meal plus some leftovers.
Speaking of leftovers, this chicken is just as exquisite the second time around as it is the first! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days after grilling it. I like to put it on taco salad or nachos or in soup or burritos if I have a good amount of leftovers.
What do you need for a taco bar?
To make a fun and festive taco bar, you could include so many items! The necessities include tortillas and taco meat (or beans, if you want to skip the meat). You can also put out chopped lettuce, sliced tomato, rice, diced onion, salsa, cilantro, guacamole, sour cream, olives, cheese, and jalapenos. Pick your favorites, and go to town!
What is the best cheese for tacos?
This is like asking, “Who’s your favorite child?” There is NEVER a right answer! You can use any of your favorite cheeses on these tacos — queso fresco (that crumbly white cheese used on a lot of traditional Mexican dishes), Monterey jack, a Mexican blend, or cheddar all work well!
What foods go with tacos?
Another perk of tacos is that they could be a solo-standing meal without sides and still get you protein, carbs, fresh veggies, and all the other goodness you want and need in a meal! But if you’re wanting a side, chips and salsa are ALWAYS a good idea, or a street corn salad, beans and rice, or a fresh side salad.
Grilled Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 pounds trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 3 cloves
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a large (gallon) resealable bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the bag. Work the chicken a bit so that it is all evenly covered. Rub the marinade all over the chicken.
- Place the bag in the the fridge, and let the chicken marinade for 1 to 6 hours.
- Preheat your grill on high for 5 minutes.
- Use a brush to scrape the grates well, and then lightly oil the grates (I foil a paper towel up and dip it in a bit of oil and then use tongs to rub it on the grates).
- Place the chicken on the grill, reduce the heat to medium, and close the lid. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, flip the chicken over, and cook for an additional 8 to 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. (The internal temperature of the chicken should read 165 degrees F. when you remove it from the grill.)
- Let the chicken rest for 3 to 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Serve in warm tortillas with your taco toppings of choice.
Notes
- This little $10 thermometer will change your grilling game! No more guessing if the meat is done (and overcooking it “just to be safe”). I highly recommend getting one.
- You can use chicken breast for this recipe, but boneless skinless thighs are SO good. I’m here to convert you. After you slice it, no one can tell it’s dark meat, and it’s so much more tender and flavorful than breast meat.
Nutrition
Fill out this meal with some of these sides:
- Easy Mexican Black Beans for Tacos
- Creamy Cilantro Lime Dressing (Great on Tacos)
- Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice
- Cafe Rio Black Beans
- Cafe Rio Cilantro Lime Rice
- Homemade Hard Corn Taco Shells
Other chicken recipes you’ll love:
- Crispy Sheet Pan Baked Chicken Taco Meat
- Crunchy Baked Chicken Tacos
- Instant Pot Chipotle Chicken Taco Meat
- The Best Chicken Tacos Ever
- One Pan Chicken Enchilada Casserole
- Easy Chicken Enchiladas
- Easy Street Tacos
Few things are easier and more delicious than this grilled chicken taco recipe because it’s full of flavor, the whole family will love it, and you won’t have to turn on the oven to get dinner on the table. That’s a winner winner chicken dinner in my book.
Hi Melissa,can I make this chicken a day ahead for a party? Do I rewarm it,how do I do that, or serve cold????
I don’t know why but your grilled peppers somehow look extra tasty ;D
xx
Lisa – LisaAdriane.net
Thanks so much! ?