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The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 94 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Description

This recipe for the best grilled chicken tacos combines a flavorful, spiced marinade with perfectly grilled chicken breasts, creating tender and juicy taco filling. Served with warm tortillas and your favorite fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese, these tacos offer a delicious and satisfying Mexican-inspired meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade 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

Chicken

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts

Optional Toppings

  • Tortillas
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, thoroughly combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, vegetable oil, ground cumin, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a balanced flavorful marinade.
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts inside a gallon-sized plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal the bag tightly, and massage the marinade into the chicken to evenly coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours to maximize flavor absorption.
  3. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  4. Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Grill over medium heat, flipping occasionally to cook evenly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 10–15 minutes depending on thickness).
  5. Rest and slice: Take the grilled chicken off the heat and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for tacos.
  6. Assemble the tacos: Warm your tortillas in a skillet or on the grill until soft and pliable. Fill each tortilla with sliced grilled chicken and your choice of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately with complementary sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete, delightful meal experience.

Notes

  • Nutrition is calculated for the grilled chicken only, without tortillas or toppings.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to fully absorb the marinade flavors.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Grill over medium heat to achieve a perfect sear without drying the chicken.
  • Prep ahead by marinating chicken in the morning or the night before for convenience.
  • Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet or on the grill for optimum texture and flavor.
  • Pair the tacos with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad to round out the meal.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

Find it online: https://emilyquickdinners.com/the-best-grilled-chicken-tacos-recipe/