Description
This recipe for the BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos features juicy, perfectly marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese. The flavorful marinade combines spices like cumin, paprika, garlic, and onion powder for a balanced and aromatic taco filling. Ideal for a quick and delicious Mexican-inspired meal, these tacos are simple to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- 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
- Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, white vinegar, vegetable oil, ground cumin, sweet paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in a gallon-sized plastic bag. Pour the prepared marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken until it is evenly coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour and up to 3 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium heat. Ensure it is properly cleaned and oiled to prevent sticking.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the chicken over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness.
- Rest and slice: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Assemble the tacos: Warm your tortillas in a skillet or on the grill. Stuff the tortillas with the grilled chicken and your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cheese.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately with your choice of sides, such as Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- Nutrition is calculated for the grilled chicken only, without the tortillas or additional toppings.
- Marinate for Flavor: Let the chicken sit in the marinade 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: Heat the tortillas in a skillet or grill for a few seconds on each side for the best texture.
- Serve with Fresh Sides: Pair the tacos with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
