Description
These grilled chicken tacos deliver a perfect blend of smoky, savory flavors with a simple marinade and easy grilling method. Ideal for a quick and tasty meal, this recipe features juicy, tender chicken breasts marinated in a spiced mixture, grilled to perfection, then served in warm tortillas with your favorite fresh toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the 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 to maximize 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. This will take approximately 10-15 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts.
- Rest and slice: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then, 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 sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh salad to complete the meal.
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.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
