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Chicken Tacos Recipe

Easy Grilled Chicken Tacos

These quick and flavorful grilled chicken tacos feature a zesty lime marinade and fresh toppings that deliver authentic Mexican flavors in just 35 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you're craving restaurant-quality tacos at home.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Marinade Ingredients
  • 3 1/2 to 4 medium limes divided
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 10 to 12 flour or corn tortillas 5 to 6-inch
Toppings
  • 1/2 small red or white onion
  • 1/2 small bunch fresh cilantro
  • 1 small bunch radishes 5 to 6
  • 1 medium avocado
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or crema
  • salsa verde store-bought or homemade

Equipment

  • Grill or Grill Pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Meat thermometer
  • Kitchen towel

Method
 

  1. Juice 3 to 3 1/2 limes until you have 1/4 cup of fresh lime juice. Cut remaining 1/2 lime into wedges for serving. Finely grate 2 garlic cloves into the bowl with lime juice.
  2. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, kosher salt, cumin, and chili powder to the lime juice mixture. Stir until well combined to create the marinade.
  3. Add chicken thighs to the marinade and turn each piece to coat completely. Let marinate for exactly 10 to 15 minutes (no longer to prevent mushy texture).
  4. While chicken marinates, finely chop the onion until you have about 1/2 cup. Chop cilantro leaves and tender stems to get another 1/2 cup. Mix together in a small bowl.
  5. Heat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) or heat grill pan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. Remove chicken from marinade and brush with remaining 2 tablespoons oil.
  6. Grill chicken for about 5 minutes per side until golden-brown with char marks and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to cutting board and let rest 5 to 10 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, thinly slice radishes and avocado. Cover avocado with damp paper towel if not using immediately.
  8. Warm tortillas one at a time over gas flame, on grill, or in skillet until they have light char spots and become pliable. Wrap in clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
  9. Chop rested chicken into small 1/4 to 1/2-inch pieces. Mix with half the onion-cilantro mixture.
  10. Assemble tacos: Top each tortilla with sour cream, avocado slices, and 1/3 cup chicken mixture. Add more onion and cilantro as desired, drizzle with salsa verde, and finish with radish slices. Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Pro Tips:
  • Chicken thighs stay more tender than breasts during grilling
  • Never exceed 15 minutes marinating time with citrus-based marinades
  • Store cooked chicken in refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Recipe easily doubles for larger gatherings
  • For stovetop cooking, use a grill pan over medium-high heat