Ingredients
– 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1 lb)
– 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
– Juice and zest of 2 limes
– 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (mild or spicy based on preference)
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Tortillas (flour or corn, street-taco size preferred)
– pico de gallo
– salsa
– cilantro
– crumbled Cotija cheese
– extra lime
Instructions
1-First Step: Prepare the Marinade Mix the marinade by combining the juice and zest of 2 limes, 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to blend everything smoothly. This step infuses the chicken with bold flavors, making your cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos pop with taste. Coat the 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs thoroughly in this mixture for at least 30 minutes.
2-Second Step: Preheat the Grill Heat your grill to medium-high, around 400ยฐF, to ensure even cooking. While it warms up, let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for better results. This preparation helps avoid tough meat and ensures the chicken absorbs the cilantro lime essence fully. For indoor options, a grill pan works just as well, adapting to your setup for these cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos.
3-Third Step: Grill the Chicken Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, flipping once, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF. Sprinkle a bit more salt during grilling for extra seasoning. This step brings out the charred edges that make cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos irresistible. Keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking, which could dry out the meat.
4-Fourth Step: Rest and Slice the Chicken After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to lock in juices. Then, slice it into thin strips for easy taco assembly. This rest period enhances the tenderness, making each bite in your cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos juicy and flavorful. If adapting for dietary needs, like using a leaner cut, adjust cooking time slightly.
5-Fifth Step: Assemble the Tacos Warm your tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side to make them pliable. Add the sliced chicken, then top with pico de gallo, salsa, more cilantro, crumbled Cotija cheese, and a squeeze of lime. This final assembly turns your cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos into a complete meal, full of fresh contrasts. Feel free to tweak toppings based on preferences for a personalized touch.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
๐ง For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes but no more than 4 hours, as the acidity in lime juice can make the meat tough if left longer.
๐ฅ Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165ยฐF internally for safe, juicy results every time without overcooking.
๐ฟ Enhance freshness by adding your favorite toppings like avocado slices or pickled onions to personalize these tacos and boost nutritional value with veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
