Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, though they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time slightly and watch them carefully. You might want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the marinade to help keep them moist.

How do I know when the chicken is done without a thermometer?

If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part of a chicken thigh. The meat should be completely opaque with no pink remaining, and the juices should run clear. However, investing in an inexpensive meat thermometer is really worth it for perfectly cooked chicken every time.

Can I make these tacos without a grill?

Definitely! You can cook the marinated chicken on a stovetop grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes per side until cooked through. You'll still get great flavor, though you'll miss some of the smoky char from an outdoor grill.

How can I warm tortillas for a crowd?

For serving a large group, wrap stacks of 5-6 tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Keep them wrapped until serving to retain heat and moisture.

Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Name: Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 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 tortillas or flour tortillas

Description

This Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Taco recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. Marinated in a zesty garlic lime mixture, the chicken is grilled to perfection and served with fresh toppings on warm tortillas. It’s a delicious combination of smoky, tangy, and vibrant flavors that’s sure to impress!

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 tortillas or flour tortillas

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil until combined. Pour the marinade mixture over the chicken thighs, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the chicken in a shallow dish or plastic zip-top bag and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Grill the Chicken
Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat (400-500°F). Sear the marinated chicken thighs on the grill for 3-4 minutes per side until they achieve a golden-brown color. Reduce the heat to medium and continue grilling until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and chop it into small bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas on the grill or stovetop until soft and pliable. To serve, place the chopped grilled chicken on a tortilla, then top with chopped fresh cilantro, diced roma tomatoes, diced red onion, and crumbled queso fresco. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Stovetop Preparation: If a grill is not available, use a heavy skillet instead. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For added flavor, serve with lime wedges or a drizzle of creamy cilantro lime sauce.
To save time, you can prepare the chicken marinade the night before and keep it refrigerated until ready to cook.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 280
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 430mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 21g
Cholesterol: 75mg