Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos

$For these tasty tacos, you need: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped, for garnish - 2 limes (1 for juice, 1 cut into wedges for serving) These main ingredients create a strong base for the dish. The chicken gives protein and flavor, while the tortillas hold everything together. You will also need: - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon smoky paprika - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste These seasonings add depth and heat to the chicken. The olive oil helps the spices stick and keeps the meat juicy. For a perfect taco, gather: - Fresh lime wedges for serving - Your favorite salsa for dipping The lime juice brightens the dish. Salsa adds an extra layer of flavor and pairs well with the grilled chicken. With these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious taco experience that bursts with flavor and freshness. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to make a tasty marinade. In a medium bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoky paprika, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. Squeeze the juice from one lime into the bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk this all together until it blends well. Now, take your 1 pound of chicken breast and place it in the bowl. Use your hands or a spoon to coat the chicken fully in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and put it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate it for up to 2 hours. This makes the chicken even tastier. When you are ready to grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled, so the chicken does not stick. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it directly onto the hot grill. Be sure to throw away any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C). Look for nice grill marks on the chicken. After grilling, move the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This resting time helps keep the juices inside. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips. While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill. Place them for about 30 seconds on each side. You want them warm with slight char marks. Now, it’s time to assemble your tacos. Take a warmed tortilla and lay a few strips of grilled chicken on top. Add a handful of shredded red cabbage and a few slices of avocado. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro. Serve your tacos with lime wedges for squeezing and a bowl of your favorite salsa for dipping. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite! Grilling chicken can be fun and easy. First, make sure your grill is clean. A clean grill helps the chicken not stick. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This gets the grill hot enough for good sear marks. Place the chicken on the grill for 5 to 7 minutes per side. Use a food thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This keeps the juices inside, making it more tender. Marinading the chicken is key for flavor. You can let it sit for as little as 30 minutes. But if you have time, try to marinate it for 2 hours. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavor it absorbs. Use a mix of chili powder, cumin, and lime juice for a punchy taste. Make sure to coat the chicken well. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor. Presentation makes food more appealing. For tacos, use a bright platter. Arrange the tacos neatly, with extra cilantro on top. Add lime wedges for a pop of color. Serve with a colorful salsa on the side. It makes the dish look fun and inviting. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for better taste. This adds a nice char and makes them easier to fold. A great presentation makes everyone excited to dig in! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or even overnight, to allow the spices to fully penetrate the meat. Check Grill Temperature: Ensure your grill is preheated to medium-high heat. This helps achieve those beautiful grill marks and prevents the chicken from sticking. Rest the Chicken: Allowing the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing helps retain its juices, resulting in a more succulent taco filling. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add additional toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or a drizzle of creamy chipotle sauce for extra flavor and texture. {{image_4}} If you need to swap ingredients, here are some easy ideas: - Chicken: Use boneless thighs for a juicier option. - Spices: If you lack chili powder, try taco seasoning instead. - Olive Oil: You can use avocado oil for a different taste. - Tortillas: Flour tortillas work well if you prefer them over corn. Tacos are fun because you can add many toppings. Here are some tasty picks: - Cheese: Crumbled feta or shredded cheddar add creaminess. - Greens: Use arugula or spinach for a fresh crunch. - Salsa: Fresh pico de gallo or mango salsa can brighten each bite. - Sour Cream: A dollop can balance the heat from the chili. You can still enjoy these tacos even without a grill. Here's how: - Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Place marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until cooked through. - Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, then cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side. These methods give you flexibility while keeping the flavor strong. Enjoy the process of making these tacos your own! To keep leftover chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Seal it tightly and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to three days. When reheating, use low heat. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tasty. For meal prep, store the chicken and taco fillings separately. Wrap tortillas in plastic wrap or foil. Keep them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, warm the tortillas on a grill or skillet. This makes them soft and easy to fill. You can freeze leftover grilled chicken too! Cool the chicken, then slice it. Place it in freezer bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible and seal. It can last up to three months. For tortillas, wrap them in foil and freeze. You can also freeze shredded cabbage and avocado slices. Just remember, avocado may brown, so use it quickly once thawed. To keep your grilled chicken juicy, marinate it well. Use a mix of lime juice, olive oil, and spices. The acid in lime helps tenderize the meat. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes. For better results, marinate for up to 2 hours. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat. Cooking it too long makes it dry. Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes after grilling. This step keeps the juices inside. Yes, you can use other proteins for these tacos. Chicken is a favorite, but many options work well. Try shrimp for a seafood twist. Pork or beef also adds great flavor. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose. For example, shrimp cooks faster than chicken. Tofu is a nice option for a plant-based taco. The key is to season it well, just like the chicken. Great sides for grilled chicken tacos include rice and beans. They complement the flavors nicely. A fresh salad adds crunch and color. Consider a corn salad or a simple green salad. Chips with salsa or guacamole are also popular. These sides make the meal more filling and fun. You can also serve grilled vegetables for extra nutrition. In this blog post, we explored how to make delicious chili lime grilled chicken tacos. We covered the main ingredients, marinade tips, grilling steps, and perfect taco assembly. I shared ways to enhance taste, suggested variations, and provided storage tips for leftovers. Remember, juicy chicken comes from proper marination and grilling techniques. Get creative with toppings and cooking methods. Enjoy your yummy tacos and impress everyone with your skills!$

Chili Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos

Delicious grilled chicken tacos with a zesty chili lime marinade, topped with fresh avocado and red cabbage.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoky paprika
2 limes 1 for juice, 1 cut into wedges for serving
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
to garnish Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
to serve Your favorite salsa

Instructions

In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoky paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, the juice of 1 lime, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk together until well blended to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
Place the chicken breasts in the bowl, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For enhanced flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, ensuring the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it directly onto the hot grill. Discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken has nice grill marks.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period helps retain the juices; then slice the chicken into thin strips.
While the chicken is resting, place the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are warm and you see slight char marks. This enhances their flavor and texture.
To assemble your tacos, lay a few strips of the grilled chicken onto each warmed tortilla. Top generously with shredded red cabbage, slices of avocado, and a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro.
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top and a bowl of your favorite salsa for dipping.

Notes

Arrange the tacos on a vibrant platter, garnished with extra cilantro and a few lime wedges. Serve with a colorful salsa on the side to make the dish visually appealing.

Keyword avocado, chili lime, grilled chicken, salsa, tacos