The Best Grilled Chicken Tacos Marinade

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Total Time 50 minutes

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The best grilled chicken tacos marinade makes these the ultimate, healthy grilled tacos you’ll ever make! 

Need more marinade recipes? My Skirt Steak Marinade, Quick Pork Marinade, and Garlic Herb Tuna Steak Marinade are just a click away!

close up of grilled chicken tacos on a platter with lime slices.

It just hit me last night that we are on the downhill side of official grilling season and I’ve been wallowing in pity all day because grilling season is my FAVORITE. I grill all year round but it’s just not the same in the depths of winter in snow boots ya know.

top view of grilled chicken tacos with lime slices on the side on a plate with marinade and a spoon in a glass.

But I’m riding this wave til the very end you guys, I’ve got a handful of grilling recipes left on my must-make-before-September list and I hope you aren’t sick of them yet because I’m not willing to wait until next may to share.

grilled chicken tacos with lime slices on the side on a platter with marinade in a glass in the background.

This recipe is for chicken tacos – but not just any chicken tacos, we are talking about the very best, juicy and tender and incredibly flavorful grilled chicken tacos and the trick to making all of that goodness happen is in the marinade. There’s nothing weird in it, just some simple ingredients in the right quantities. Whip it up, let your chicken hang out in the fridge for a little while, and then fix yourself the best grilled chicken tacos you’ll ever have – complete with all of your favorite toppings like grilled corn salsa, avocados, cilantro, and fresh squeezed lime juice!

top view of grilled chicken tacos and lime slices on a platter with marinade and a spoon in a glass.

What people are saying about The Best Grilled Chicken Tacos Marinade

“First time I have felt compelled to write a review. Five stars all the way!! Absolutely amazing. By far the greatest taco I have ever had – even in restaurants. The flavors are incredible. My husband and I look forward to this meal for our “date night” at home with some drinks. Thank you!!” Anissa

“Big hit with the family! Easy to make and tastes great! After returning from a trip to NYC and having chicken tacos from [our favorite restaurant,] I have been searching for something close to as good and I think I have found it with this recipe!” – Jeff

“It really IS the best marinade for chicken tacos. When my son goes back for seconds, I know it’s a winner. Thank you!”

“Oh my! This has to be one of the best chicken marinades i ever had! I grilled two boneless skinless chicken breasts that were marinating for about 90 minutes (brine for 20 minutes beforehand) and I am trying to save the second one for lunch tomorrow. Can’t wait to make this again.” – Cat

The Best Grilled Chicken Tacos (Marinade) | lecremedelacrumb.com
4.97 from 56 votes

The Best Grilled Chicken Tacos Marinade

The best grilled chicken tacos marinade makes these the ultimate, healthy grilled tacos you’ll ever make!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 4 boneless skinless breasts, pounded to even thickness
  • 8-10 taco-sized flour , or corn tortillas

Marinade

  • cup oil
  • juice of 2 limes
  • zest of 1 lime
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning

Topping

  • toppings: corn salsa, avocados, cilantro

Instructions 

  • Whisk together all marinade ingredients. Place chicken in a large resealable bag, add marinade, and seal bag. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
  • Remove chicken from bag and discard excess marinade. Grill over medium heat 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through.
  • Transfer chicken to a platter and cover with foil. Allow to rest for 3-5 minutes. Thinly slice and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Pro tip: use this marinated chicken for anything from tacos, to salads, burritos, enchiladas and more! 

Nutrition

Calories: 293kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 615mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 158IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 53mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this?Leave a star rating or comment below!
Tiffany of Creme de la Crumb in the kitchen

Welcome!

Hey there, I’m Tiffany – chef, photographer, mother, and avid taco eater. I am passionate about turning simple flavors and ingredients into tasty meals the whole family will love, with minimal prep and cleanup so there’s more time to spend eating and enjoying. Stay awhile, and help yourself to a taco or two!

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4.97 from 56 votes (36 ratings without comment)

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54 Comments

  1. Jess says:

    5 stars
    Best chicken ever! Just curious how would you recommend cooking these in the oven do u think it’ll work?

    1. Tiffany says:

      Yes, I recommend browning the chicken in a skillet first, then either finish on the stove or transfer to the oven to finish.

  2. BB says:

    5 stars
    Easy, simple and very tasty.

  3. MG says:

    I’m diabetic so would prefer not to use Brown sugar. Would it change the taste or can I add something else or substitute it? Thanks

    1. Tiffany says:

      Readers in the past have tried honey and enjoyed the results, hope this helps!

  4. Johnetta says:

    5 stars
    Ohmagosh! This is THE best ever. We cook a lot of ethnic food in our home & this recipe now has a permanent spot in my favorites! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

  5. Chef Jorge Morales says:

    Muy buena preparación