Description
This Grilled Chicken Tacos recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and served on warm tortillas with a variety of fresh toppings like salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these tacos are juicy, smoky, and packed with vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade and Chicken
- 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
Toppings and Serving
- Tortillas (corn or flour)
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Cheese (such as shredded cheddar or Mexican blend)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium heat, ensuring the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- 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).
- 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.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm your tortillas in a skillet or on the grill until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with sliced grilled chicken and your choice of toppings such as salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with complementary sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete, delightful meal experience.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour but no more than 3 hours to avoid overpowering the meat.
- Ensure the grill grates are clean and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for food safety.
- Warm tortillas properly to prevent cracking when folding.
- Add your favorite toppings or sides to customize the tacos to your preference.
