Grilled Chicken Taco
Juicy grilled chicken tacos filled with melted cheese and savory flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat vegetable oil.
- Cook chopped onion and minced garlic until tender.
- Add cooked, diced chicken to the skillet and heat for 3 minutes.
- Remove the mixture from the pan into a bowl.
- Heat tortillas according to the package instructions.
- Divide the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla.
- Top with shredded cheese and optional ingredients like black olives, tomato, and green chilies.
- Fold tortillas in half.
- Melt margarine in the same skillet.
- Grill tacos on each side for 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese melts and tacos are golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a flavor boost, marinate the chicken in lime juice and spices before cooking. If you don’t have Monterey Jack, cheddar works just as well, or try a blend of both. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and bell peppers. Adding a pinch of cumin or smoked paprika can enhance the taco's depth, similar to flavors found in Chicken A La Tortillas.
Serving Suggestions
These grilled chicken tacos can be served with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad to balance the meal. For added flavor, offer a selection of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. They pair beautifully with Chicken Enchiladas Verdes(Low-Fat) for a delightful dinner spread, or serve them alongside some chips and pico de gallo.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover grilled chicken tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave for 30-45 seconds, but be careful not to overheat, as the tortillas may become tough.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Chicken Taco contains roughly 701 calories, with 3g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 73g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (55% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 801mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it's fully thawed and cooked before dicing. A quick way to prepare it is by boiling or baking until cooked through. This will help keep the chicken juicy and flavorful when added to the taco mixture.
What can I substitute for flour tortillas?
If you prefer a gluten-free option, you can use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter alternative. Corn tortillas are especially traditional in Mexican cuisine and will add a nice flavor to the tacos. Just be sure to warm them up slightly before filling to prevent cracking.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
To add heat, include chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce in the chicken mixture. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or chili powder into the seasoning while cooking. For a twist, consider adding diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor boost.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).