Grilled Chicken Tacos
Juicy grilled chicken tenders seasoned with cumin, salt, and red pepper, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh avocado and salsa for a flavorful Mexican-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium heat.
- In a small dish, combine cumin, salt, and red pepper.
- Rub spices and 1 tablespoon of oil onto chicken tenders.
- Wash hands after handling spices and raw chicken.
- Grill chicken until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Warm corn tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute per side.
- Slice avocado into 12 strips.
- Assemble tacos by placing chicken on tortillas, topping with avocado and salsa.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in the spice mix for at least 30 minutes before grilling. If you prefer a milder taco, reduce the ground red pepper or omit it entirely. For a twist, consider adding grilled vegetables or swapping corn tortillas for flour ones. If fresh salsa is unavailable, store-bought salsa works well too.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these grilled chicken tacos with a side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal. Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and additional salsa make excellent garnishes. These tacos pair beautifully with Easy Chicken Quesadillas for a fun family dinner. Consider offering a variety of toppings like cheese or sour cream.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes or until heated through. Tortillas can be warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave for a few seconds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grilled Chicken Tacos contains roughly 1051 calories, with 42g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 56g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (150% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (98% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 853mg per serving (37% 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 boneless chicken thighs instead of tenders?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast tenders. They will provide a juicier result due to their higher fat content. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
What if I don’t have a grill?
If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken tenders in a skillet over medium heat or bake them in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes. Both methods will yield delicious results, just ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and toppings ahead of time. Cook the chicken and let it cool before storing in the refrigerator. Assemble the tacos right before serving to keep the tortillas fresh and prevent sogginess.
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).