Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary Mexican feast! These Chipotle Grilled Chicken Tacos are not just a meal, they're a vibrant celebration of smoky, spicy flavors that will make your taste buds dance with excitement. Whether you're a taco enthusiast or a curious home cook, this recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality deliciousness right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by trimming any excess fat and patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, mix chipotle sauce, cumin, and paprika to create a marinade. Coat the chicken breasts thoroughly with the marinade and let sit for 10-15 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
- Grill the marinated chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking.
- Remove chicken from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Then slice the chicken into thin strips against the grain.
- Warm the corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds on each side or in a dry skillet until slightly charred and pliable.
- Assemble tacos by placing sliced chicken on each tortilla, then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Tips
- Marination Magic: Let the chicken marinate for at least 10-15 minutes to allow the chipotle, cumin, and paprika to deeply infuse the meat with flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches 165°F for perfect, safe cooking without drying out.
- Grill Technique: Lightly oil your grill grates to prevent sticking and achieve those beautiful char marks.
- Tortilla Pro Tip: Warm tortillas briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable.
- Fresh is Best: Use fresh cilantro and ripe avocados for maximum flavor and texture.
- Lime Squeeze: Don't skip the lime wedges – the fresh citrus adds a bright, zesty finish that elevates the entire dish.
- Customize Your Tacos: Feel free to add additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or quick-pickled onions to make the recipe your own.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg