Charred Chile Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Charred Chile Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos are bursting with smoky, spicy flavor thanks to a bold marinade of charred chiles, garlic, and lime. Juicy grilled chicken is tucked into warm tortillas and topped with fresh garnishes, making these tacos perfect for backyard cookouts, weeknight dinners, or festive gatherings.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken thighs
dried chiles (such as guajillo or ancho)
garlic cloves
lime juice
olive oil
ground cumin
smoked paprika
salt
freshly ground black pepper
corn or flour tortillas
chopped cilantro
diced onion
lime wedges
sliced radishes (optional)

directions

Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove stems and seeds, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

In a blender, combine the softened chiles, garlic, lime juice, olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth to create the marinade.

Place the chicken in a large resealable bag or bowl and pour the marinade over it. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice.

Warm the tortillas on the grill or stovetop.

Assemble the tacos by adding sliced chicken to each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, radishes if using, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 tacos.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1-8 hours
Grilling time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 1.5-9 hours (including marinating)

Variations

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat.
Add crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese for extra richness.
Top with pickled onions or a tangy slaw for a fresh crunch.
Use chipotle peppers for a smokier, spicier twist.

storage/reheating

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Keep tortillas separate and warm fresh when serving.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought chile paste instead of making my own?
Yes, you can substitute with good-quality chipotle or ancho chile paste to save time.

What if I don’t have a grill?
You can cook the marinated chicken in a grill pan or under a broiler for similar charred flavor.

Can I make this recipe spicier?
Add fresh jalapeños, serranos, or extra chiles to the marinade for more heat.

Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze raw marinated chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.

Are these tacos gluten-free?
They are naturally gluten-free if you use corn tortillas.

Conclusion

Charred Chile Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos bring bold, smoky flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether for a casual weeknight dinner or a lively cookout, these tacos will quickly become a go-to favorite that everyone will crave again and again.

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