If you’re searching for your next taco night showstopper, look no further: The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe is about to become your new obsession! Imagine juicy, marinated chicken fresh off the grill, tucked into warm tortillas and showered with vibrant cilantro, zingy onion, and creamy avocado. Each bite is bursting with smoky flavor, fresh citrus, and just the right blend of spices. Whether you’re feeding friends, delighting the family, or simply craving some can’t-miss flavor, this recipe works its magic every single time. Let’s fire up the grill and dive into homemade taco bliss!

The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple but thoughtfully selected ingredients are the secret to truly unforgettable tacos. Each one plays a vital role, bringing its own flair to the taste, texture, and color of The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe. Gather them up, and let’s get taco-ing!

Chicken Thighs or Breasts (1 1/2 lbs): Juicy thighs offer unbeatable tenderness and moisture, but chicken breasts work beautifully for a leaner option.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps the marinade infuse into the chicken while keeping it succulent on the grill.
Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): Lends tangy brightness that wakes up all the flavors and adds a little bit of zingy punch.
Orange Juice (1 tablespoon): Adds mild sweetness and a subtle citrusy twist to balance the spice.
Chili Powder (2 teaspoons): Brings warm, earthy, crowd-pleasing heat to the marinade—don’t be tempted to skimp!
Ground Cumin (1 teaspoon): Offers depth and that signature “taco” flavor we all crave.
Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds sharp, savory notes without overpowering the other flavors.
Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): The key to that irresistible smokiness you taste in every bite.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Pulls all those amazing flavors together.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds off the marinade with a touch of subtle heat.
Corn or Flour Tortillas: The cozy vehicle for our chicken—choose based on your preference or gluten-free needs.
Chopped Cilantro: Adds irresistible freshness and a pop of green color.
Diced Onion: Offers juicy crunch and a slightly sharp bite that balances the richness of the chicken.
Avocado Slices: Creamy and cool, a must for luxe taco texture.
Lime Wedges: For that essential final squeeze of acidity.
Salsa or Crema: Top everything off with your favorite sauce for extra flavor, heat, or creaminess.

How to Make The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a big bowl or a trusty resealable bag, and mix together olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This aromatic marinade is the backbone of The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe, infusing each piece of chicken with citrusy brightness, smoky undertones, and that perfectly balanced kick you crave.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs or breasts to the marinade, tossing and turning to coat every nook and cranny. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though up to 2 hours is even better. This time lets all those bold flavors work their magic and gives you a chance to prep your toppings or sip on a margarita.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. When it’s hot, add the marinated chicken and listen for that sizzle! Grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and those irresistible charred marks appear. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes—this helps every juicy bite stay perfect.

Step 4: Slice, Chop, and Warm the Tortillas

Transfer the rested chicken to a board and slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces for taco filling bliss. Meanwhile, warm your tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until they’re soft and just a little charred—those toasty spots add so much character to The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe.

Step 5: Assemble Those Gorgeous Tacos

Load up each tortilla with juicy grilled chicken, then pile on chopped cilantro, diced onion, avocado slices, and your salsa or crema of choice. A final squeeze of lime brings all the flavors alive. Dig in, and let every bite transport you to taco heaven!

How to Serve The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches are where your tacos come alive! A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a shower of diced white onion, luscious slices of avocado, and a generous squeeze of lime can’t be missed. Don’t forget a spoonful of your favorite salsa or crema for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Side Dishes

Tacos pair perfectly with sides that complement their zesty vibes. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, smoky black beans, crisp jicama slaw, or grilled street corn (elote). These sides add texture, balance, and are guaranteed to round out your taco night spread in style.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe as a taco bar—set out bowls of all the toppings and let everyone build their own masterpiece. You could also turn them into mini street-taco bites for parties, or serve the grilled chicken over tortilla chips as bold, flavor-packed nachos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra grilled chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store tortillas and toppings separately to keep everything fresh and ready for the next taco craving.

Freezing

The grilled chicken from The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe freezes beautifully! Store cooled chicken in a freezer-safe bag, remove excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it juicy. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts. Quickly warm tortillas on the stove so they stay soft and pliable.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Both thighs and breasts work in The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe. Thighs offer extra juiciness, but breasts are perfect if you prefer leaner meat—just be careful not to overcook them.

What if I don’t have a grill?

No problem—use a grill pan on your stovetop, or even cook the marinated chicken in a heavy skillet. You won’t get quite the same char, but the flavors are still fantastic.

Can I make the marinade in advance?

Yes! Simply mix up the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Marinate the chicken when you’re ready for dinnertime bliss.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

They sure are if you use corn tortillas. The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe is a crowd-pleaser for gluten-free and wheat-loving friends alike.

How can I make these tacos spicier?

For extra heat, add jalapeño slices, a dash of chipotle sauce, or your favorite spicy salsa. You can even increase the chili powder in the marinade for a fiery kick!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe for bringing friends and family together over a seriously delicious feast. Try this recipe out soon—it’s a guaranteed way to make any night feel like a celebration. Happy grilling and even happier eating!

The BEST Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 6 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These grilled chicken tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a casual dinner or a weekend barbecue. Marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and citrus, the chicken is grilled to juicy perfection and served in warm tortillas with all your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon orange juice
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

corn or flour tortillas
chopped cilantro
diced onion
avocado slices
lime wedges
salsa or crema

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes.
Assemble the Tacos: Slice or chop the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces. Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet until soft and slightly charred. Assemble the tacos with grilled chicken and your favorite toppings such as cilantro, onion, avocado, and salsa. Serve with lime wedges on the side.