Chicken Tacos are a juicy, succulent Mexican treat bursting with fresh flavors. Made with pan-grilled chicken and your favorite toppings like Pico De Gallo or salsa, they make the ultimate meal for lunch or dinner!
Begin by combining all the marination ingredients, except the chicken, in a bowl. Whisk them together until well mixed, creating the flavor foundation for your chicken tacos. I've used a minimal amount of oil for this marinade, but feel free to add a bit more if you prefer.
Next, add the chicken thighs to the marinade and stir until each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse into the meat.
Pan Grilling Chicken
Start by preheating your grill pan over medium heat. Drizzle enough oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Add the marinated chicken thighs to the pan, taking care not to overcrowd it. This ensures each piece cooks evenly.
Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through.
Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool slightly. Then, chop or shred it into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside the prepared chicken for assembling your tacos later.
Preparing Topping
In a bowl, combine the chopped onion, tomato, red bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Stir everything together thoroughly to blend the flavors. This mixture will serve as your simple Pico de Gallo topping for the chicken tacos. Set it aside for later use, allowing the flavors to meld and develop fully. This fresh, vibrant topping will add a delicious crunch and zest to your tacos.
Making Chicken Tacos
Heat a pan over medium heat. Place a soft tortilla in the pan and heat until it starts to puff up and you see brown spots forming on it. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the tortilla and heat the other side similarly. Once done, remove the tortilla to a plate and cover with a kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat with the remaining tortillas. If you're using hard taco shells, skip this step.
Place the warmed tortillas on a plate or wooden board. Begin by adding a layer of chopped chicken to each tortilla. Follow with a layer of Pico de Gallo, a few pieces of diced avocado, and a sprinkle of Mexican cheese. Finally, drizzle a few teaspoons of Mexican table cream over the top.
If using hard taco shells, fill them in the same manner as you did with the soft tortillas in the previous step. Your delicious chicken tacos are now ready to be savored.
Serving
Enjoy these hearty Chicken Tacos as the main course for lunch or dinner, accompanied by your favorite Mexican sides. For more pairing ideas, explore our Serving Suggestions below.
Notes
Here are some handy tips to make your Chicken Tacos even better:
Maximize Flavor with Marination: To infuse your chicken with rich flavors, marinate it for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If your schedule allows, marinating overnight will enhance the flavors even further.
Achieve the Perfect Char: For that delicious charred appearance, I recommend using a grill pan for your chicken thighs. Alternatively, a regular cast iron or nonstick skillet will work well too. If you prefer a lighter option, consider baking or air frying the chicken.
Ensure Safe Cooking: To avoid any health risks, ensure your chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F as suggested by the FDA. Always use a meat thermometer to check this.
Choose Your Toppings Wisely: Start with a simple Pico De Gallo, as I have in this recipe, and then broaden your options to include salsa, guacamole, shredded lettuce, or red cabbage for more variety. To cater to different preferences, offer a selection of extra toppings like shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, diced onions, and sour cream. This way, everyone can customize their tacos to their own taste.
Warm Your Tortillas: Before you assemble your tacos, warm the tortillas to make them more pliable and to enhance their flavor. You can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes. This simple step makes a big difference in your taco experience!