Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work, but they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. Reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes per side and watch them carefully. For maximum juiciness, consider pounding them to an even thickness before marinating.

How spicy are these tacos?

With the recipe as written, these tacos have a mild-to-medium kick from the cayenne pepper. If you're sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the cayenne. For spice lovers, feel free to increase the cayenne or add fresh jalapeños to the toppings.

Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Definitely! The stovetop method works beautifully. Use a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until they reach 165°F internally. You'll still get fantastic flavor, just without the smoky char from the grill.

What can I substitute for queso fresco?

If you can't find queso fresco, feta cheese makes an excellent substitute with its similar crumbly texture and salty flavor. Other alternatives include cotija cheese, mild goat cheese, or even a sprinkle of monterey jack if you prefer a melting cheese.

Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos Recipe

Description

Bursting with zesty lime and garlicky flavors, these Garlic Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos are the perfect combination of juicy grilled chicken and vibrant toppings. Perfect for a backyard cookout or a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos will be your new favorite go-to meal. Easy to prepare and customizable with your preferred toppings, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Chicken Marinade

6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 medium roma tomatoes, diced
1/2 medium red onion, diced
1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
12 (6-inch) corn or flour tortillas

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, parsley, minced garlic, lime juice, and olive oil. Ensure everything is well combined. Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Let the chicken marinate for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Preheat the Grill
Heat your outdoor grill to high heat, maintaining a temperature between 400-500°F.
Grill the Chicken
Sear the marinated chicken thighs on the grill for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the grill and chop it into small pieces suitable for tacos.
Assemble the Tacos
Warm the tortillas on the grill or stovetop. Fill each tortilla with the chopped grilled chicken and top with your chopped fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Notes

Stovetop Preparation: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
For extra flavor, feel free to add avocado slices, a squeeze of lime juice, or your favorite hot sauce.
You can use either corn or flour tortillas as preferred.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 75