These Chicken Tacos are a quick, flavorful meal that you’ll crave again and again! The chicken thighs are marinated in a zesty homemade taco seasoning and fresh lime juice, then either seared in a hot pan or grilled to golden perfection. After cooking, the chicken is diced into bite-sized pieces, making it perfect for stuffing into tacos. Juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor!
I could seriously have this chicken tacos recipe Every. Single. Day. and never get bored. I love making it for dinner because it’s so easy, quick and delicious. The marinating time is super hands-off and the chicken only needs 15 minutes to cook. You can even prep the marinade in advance to save time.
I like to pile on fresh pico de gallo, sour cream and homemade guacamole – it’s the perfect combination of flavors. Fresh, zesty, a little spicy, and so delicious.
This tacos recipe is totally customizable with different seasonings and toppings. You can also use the chicken taco filling in burritos, skillet quesadillas, nachos, Mexican rice bowls, and taco salad.
Gather Your Ingredients to Make These Tacos
Chicken thighs: I love using chicken thighs in this recipe for their extra flavor. After testing it many times, I’ve found they sear beautifully without drying out. I’ve also made this recipe several times with chicken breast, and that works well too—just be careful not to overcook them, or they won’t be as juicy.
Homemade taco seasonings: This blend of chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin is the perfect combination for any taco recipe. I’ve made this seasoning blend countless times, and it adds so much flavor without being too overpowering.
Olive Oil, Vinegar, and Lime Juice – This trio creates a perfectly balanced marinade. Olive oil tenderizes, vinegar adds tang, and lime juice brings a fresh, zesty kick. Together, they enhance the taco seasoning for a flavorful, well-marinated dish.
Let’s Make Chicken Tacos For Dinner
First: Combine the taco seasonings, olive oil, vinegar, and lime juice to make a marinade. Use a whisk to get all the lumps out so you have a smooth marinade.
Second: Marinate the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or covered dish for at least 30 minutes. You can let them marinate for up to 4 hours for the most
flavor.
Then: Preheat a grill or pan to medium-high and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side. It’s done when the internal temperature reads 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh.
Next: Let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so it’s easier to handle. Then
slice it into strips or dice it into bite-sized pieces – whichever you prefer.
Now: Warm your tortillas on the grill or in a skillet. This makes them less likely to break when you add the filling to your chicken tacos.
Finally: Fill each tortilla with a serving of chicken topped with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Then add your favorite toppings and enjoy!
How To Store & Reheat The Leftovers
Keep the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you have toppings left over, it’s best to store them all separately. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
I like to reheat the chicken in a skillet on the stovetop. This keeps the edges nice and crispy. If you use the microwave, a tiny splash of water helps keep the chicken moist.
More Inspiration For Taco Night
Diced Chicken Tacos with Homemade Marinade
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Ingredients
For the marinade
- 4 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoons lime juice
For the tacos
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- Corn tortillas or flour tortillas
- Pico de Gallo optional
- Guacamole optional
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white wine vinegar, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, lime juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
- Preheat a grill, skillet, or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet or on the grill until warm.
- Chop chicken and place them on the tortillas.
- Top with optional pico de gallo, guacamole, or any of your favorite taco toppings.
Tips
- The chicken tastes the best if you can cook it on an outdoor grill. Otherwise, I recommend a grill pan or cast iron skillet for the best sear.
- The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be. Just don’t go past the 4-hour mark or the acid will break the chicken down too much.
- It’s important to let the chicken rest before cutting it. This lets the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken super tender.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
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