Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work well in this recipe, though they tend to be leaner and may cook a bit faster. Watch them carefully on the grill to prevent them from drying out, and consider reducing the cooking time by 1-2 minutes per side. The internal temperature should still reach 165°F for food safety.

What if I don't have a grill?

No problem! This recipe works beautifully on a stovetop using a heavy skillet or grill pan. Heat the pan over medium-high heat, add a touch of oil, and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until it reaches 165°F internally. You'll still get great flavor, though you might miss a bit of that smoky char from the grill.

Can I make these tacos less spicy?

Definitely! This recipe is designed with a moderate heat level, but you can easily adjust to your preference. To make milder tacos, reduce or eliminate the cayenne pepper, and make sure to remove all seeds from the fresh toppings like tomatoes. Conversely, if you love heat, add more cayenne or include some diced jalapeños in your toppings.

How do I prevent my corn tortillas from breaking?

Corn tortillas often break when they're not properly warmed. For best results, wrap a stack of tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm them individually in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until they become pliable. Keep them covered with a kitchen towel until serving to maintain their warmth and flexibility.

Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Description

Perfectly seasoned and juicy grilled chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty garlic lime marinade, then grilled to perfection and chopped into flavorful bites. These tacos are topped with fresh cilantro, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled queso fresco for a vibrant, tangy twist. Serve in warm tortillas for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. A versatile recipe that will satisfy your cravings for a delicious and easy meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Marinade

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 medium roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
12 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together garlic powder, salt, paprika, pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Once combined, pour this mixture over the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure the chicken is fully coated, and let it marinate for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the Grill
Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat, approximately 400-500°F. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Grill the Chicken
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill and sear on high heat for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. Reduce the grill temperature to medium and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Once cooked, remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas either on the grill or in a skillet. Fill each tortilla with the chopped grilled chicken and top with cilantro, diced tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Stovetop Preparation: If a grill is unavailable, the chicken can be cooked on the stovetop. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Optional Toppings: Customize your tacos with additional toppings like sliced avocado, pickled onions, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip: The chicken can be marinated up to 12 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 320
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 490mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 90mg