Ultimate Grilled Chicken Street Tacos with Zesty Cilantro Lime Butter: Your New Favorite 30-Minute Meal!
These Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are bursting with flavor, incredibly versatile, and an absolute must-make for your next gathering or weeknight dinner. Ready in as little as 30 minutes, with optional marinating time to deepen the deliciousness.
There’s something universally appealing about tacos. They’re fun, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. In our household, tacos aren’t just a meal; they’re a way of life! After years of perfecting various taco recipes, I confidently consider myself a bit of a taco aficionado. Among all the delicious options, these **Grilled Chicken Street Tacos** stand out as a true family favorite, frequently gracing our dinner table.
What makes them so special? These Mexican-inspired chicken tacos are incredibly straightforward to prepare, yet they deliver an unexpectedly bold and unique flavor profile. Best of all, they can be on your table in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous summer cookouts. Their versatility means you can enjoy them whether you’re firing up the grill outdoors or preparing them inside your oven or on the stovetop.
The secret weapon that elevates these tacos from great to truly unforgettable is my homemade **Cilantro Lime Butter**. This simple, vibrant topping adds a fresh, zesty kick that perfectly complements the rich, smoky flavors of the grilled chicken, making every bite an explosion of taste. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this sensational recipe!
Key Ingredient Insights & Substitutions
Crafting the perfect grilled chicken taco starts with understanding your ingredients. Here’s a deeper dive into what you’ll need and how to make the best choices for optimal flavor and texture:
- Chicken Breasts: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are specified, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent alternative. Thighs are naturally more forgiving and less prone to drying out on the grill due to their higher fat content, resulting in incredibly juicy and flavorful tacos. If using thighs, remember to adjust your grilling time; they typically cook 2-4 minutes faster than breasts, depending on their size. For perfectly cooked chicken every time, regardless of the cut, I highly recommend using a reliable meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Street Taco Soft Shells: The beauty of street tacos lies in their smaller, more manageable size, which makes them perfect for holding in one hand. If you can’t find specific “street taco” sized tortillas, regular soft taco shells will work just as well. My personal preference is for soft flour tortillas for their pliability and mild flavor, but traditional corn tortillas offer an authentic taste and a delightful texture. When using corn tortillas, consider lightly toasting them on a dry skillet or over an open flame for a few seconds per side to enhance their flavor and make them more pliable, preventing them from breaking.
- Marinade Components: The marinade is where the magic happens! This recipe uses a unique blend of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and garlic powder. Don’t skip the cocoa powder – it doesn’t make the tacos taste like chocolate, but rather adds a subtle depth and richness, complementing the other spices beautifully. The brown sugar helps tenderize the chicken and promotes a beautiful caramelization on the grill.
- Taco Toppings: The beauty of tacos is in the customization! I adore fresh cilantro, homemade salsa (like my restaurant-style recipe!), creamy diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier twist) on my chicken tacos. But the possibilities are endless! Feel free to get creative with other taco favorites such as crisp shredded lettuce, grated cheese (cotija or cheddar work wonderfully), spicy sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled), juicy diced tomatoes, pickled red onions, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese for a salty, tangy finish.
Why These Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a Grill Season MUST!
Quick & Easy: Ready in Only 30 Minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining, these tacos deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. The quick cooking time on the grill means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying summer evenings.
Bold and Unique Flavor: The secret marinade, with its unexpected blend of spices and a hint of cocoa, creates a depth of flavor that’s truly unforgettable. Paired with the zesty cilantro lime butter, these tacos offer a culinary experience far beyond your average grilled chicken.
Versatile Cooking Methods: While they shine on the grill, these tacos are incredibly adaptable. You can effortlessly make them in the oven for a hands-off approach or on the stovetop in a grill pan, ensuring delicious tacos no matter the weather or your kitchen setup.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Unforgettable Tacos
Follow these simple steps to create the most delicious grilled chicken street tacos right in your own kitchen:
Mastering the Marinade & Prep
- Begin by gathering all your marinade ingredients. In a medium, shallow bowl, measure and combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and garlic powder.
- Stir vigorously with a spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and form a slightly thick, flavorful paste. This paste is key to coating the chicken evenly and infusing it with maximum flavor.
- Prepare your chicken breasts by trimming any excess fat. Season both sides of each chicken breast generously with salt and pepper to taste. This initial seasoning enhances the chicken’s natural flavor before marination.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the marinade. Ensure each piece is heavily coated on all sides with the spice paste. You can either proceed directly to grilling for a quick meal or, for an even richer flavor and more tender chicken, cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even up to 24 hours. Remember to always handle raw chicken safely and wash your hands and any surfaces thoroughly after contact.
Perfecting Your Grilled Chicken
- Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat, aiming for approximately 400 degrees F (or at least 375 degrees F). Once the grill is hot, generously spray the grates with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the prepared chicken breasts directly over the flame. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side. For added flavor and to ensure a beautiful char, you can brush any excess marinade over the chicken while it cooks. The chicken will begin to develop an appealing amber color with some delicious charring. If you notice the chicken charring too quickly, move it to a slightly cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through without burning. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should register 165 degrees F (74°C).
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and place it on a clean cutting board. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful bite. After resting, chop the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, perfect for street tacos.
- Now comes the fun part: assembly! Warm your street taco tortillas (either on the grill for a few seconds, in a microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 20 seconds, or quickly in a dry skillet). Spread a thin layer of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream on each warm tortilla, then pile high with the diced grilled chicken and any of your favorite taco toppings. Don’t forget to generously drizzle with the homemade Cilantro Lime Butter right before serving. Enjoy your delicious, homemade street tacos!
Storing Leftovers & Prep-Ahead Tips
Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For best results and to maintain texture, store the chicken and toppings separately. When ready to enjoy, rewarm the chicken in the microwave, oven, or a skillet until heated through, then assemble your fresh tacos. You can also pour the cilantro and lime butter over the top of the chicken when storing, or keep it in a separate small container to drizzle fresh upon reheating. This helps prevent the tortillas from getting soggy and keeps all components at their peak freshness.
The Secret Weapon: Zesty Cilantro Lime Butter
This vibrant topping is incredibly easy to make and adds a burst of freshness that perfectly complements the rich, smoky grilled chicken. It’s the perfect finishing touch!
- Start by finely dicing fresh jalapeño pepper and white onion. While white onion provides a crisp, sharp flavor, any color onion will work. If fresh jalapeños are too spicy or unavailable, you can substitute with jarred pickled jalapeños, ensuring a similar flavor profile with less heat.
- Melt the unsalted butter in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or until it’s completely liquid and warmed.
- Add the melted butter, lime juice, diced onion, diced jalapeño pepper, fresh chopped cilantro, ground black pepper, and an optional pinch of red pepper flakes to a small bowl. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Drizzle this incredible cilantro lime butter generously over your finished street tacos right before serving to maximize its fresh, zesty impact.
Pro Tips for the Best Grilled Chicken Tacos
Elevate your taco game with these expert recommendations:
Optimize Your Marinade: To truly unlock the full, complex flavor of these chicken tacos, take the time to marinade the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for up to 24 hours. The longer marination period allows the spices and tenderizing agents in the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to deeply penetrate the chicken, resulting in incredibly moist, tender, and flavorful meat. This is also a fantastic strategy for meal prepping: marinate the chicken a day in advance and store it in the fridge, ready to grill whenever hunger strikes.
Master Your Grill: Always start by thoroughly cleaning your grill grates and then spraying them with cooking oil *before* preheating. This crucial step creates a non-stick surface, preventing your delicious chicken from tearing apart when you flip it. Additionally, don’t discard the leftover marinade! During the last few minutes of grilling, generously brush any remaining marinade over the chicken. This adds an extra layer of flavor and helps create a beautiful, caramelized crust. For even cooking, keep the grill lid closed as much as possible to trap heat. Consider using a two-zone grilling method (one hot side, one cooler side) if your chicken is browning too quickly on the outside but needs more time to cook through.
No Grill? No Problem! Oven Instructions
If outdoor grilling isn’t an option, you can easily bake the chicken indoors. Follow all the recipe instructions for preparing the marinade and coating the chicken. Instead of grilling, place the marinated chicken breasts in a foil-lined baking dish (for easy cleanup!). Bake for 25-30 minutes at 375 degrees F (190°C), or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). While the grill provides a unique smoky char, baking still delivers tender, flavorful chicken that’s perfect for these tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, grilled chicken is perfect for freezing! You can freeze the cooked and chopped chicken for up to 3 months. For easy meal prep, you can also place the raw chicken along with all the marinade ingredients in a large freezer-safe bag and store it flat. When you’re ready to cook, simply transfer the bag to the fridge to thaw overnight, then proceed with the grilling or baking instructions as usual. This makes future meal times incredibly convenient!
Rubbery chicken is almost always a sign of overcooking. To avoid this, it’s essential to grill chicken at a sufficiently high heat (around 400°F) to sear the outside quickly while the inside cooks. Avoid flipping the chicken too many times; generally, two flips (once per side) are sufficient. Keeping the grill lid closed helps to maintain consistent heat, allowing the chicken to cook more evenly and retain moisture. The most important tool is a reliable meat thermometer: once the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F (74°C), remove it from the grill immediately. Also, allowing the chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender texture.
For authentic street tacos, small corn tortillas are traditional and provide a wonderful flavor and texture. However, small flour tortillas are also an excellent choice and are often preferred for their flexibility and less pronounced flavor, allowing the chicken and toppings to shine. The best kind is ultimately your personal preference! Just be sure to warm them before serving to make them pliable and more enjoyable.
To make these tacos spicier, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a pinch more red pepper flakes to the cilantro lime butter or even directly to the chicken marinade. For even more heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper to the marinade or serving with a hot sauce like Cholula or Tapatío. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply omit the jalapeño pepper from the cilantro lime butter and go easy on the chili powder in the marinade.
Delightful Side Ideas to Complete Your Meal!
These flavorful grilled chicken tacos pair wonderfully with a variety of Mexican-inspired side dishes. Try them with my highly recommended Mexican Corn Salad Recipe for a burst of fresh, tangy sweetness. Other fantastic options include a classic side of fluffy Spanish Rice, creamy refried beans, or tender sautéed fajita vegetables (onions and bell peppers) for added texture and nutrition. A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette or a bowl of homemade guacamole and tortilla chips also make for perfect companions.
More Delicious Recipes You May Also Enjoy…
- Easy Instant Pot Carne Asada Tacos
- Easy Crockpot Pork Carnitas Tacos Recipe
- Vegetarian Mexican Lasagna Recipe
- Easy Creamy Guacamole Recipe
Thank you so much for stopping by! If you tried and loved this grilled chicken street taco recipe, I would absolutely love to hear from you in the comments section below. Your feedback and ratings truly help! If you want to keep up with what The Erhardts are Eating (and exploring on our culinary adventures), be sure to follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter& Youtube.
Happy Eating!
Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Butter
Caitlyn Erhardt
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Ingredients
Grilled Chicken Tacos
- 2 Large Chicken Breasts
- 12 Street Taco Tortillas
- 4 Tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
- 2 tablespoon Brown Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Chili Powder
- 2 teaspoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Cilantro Lime Butter
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter Melted
- 2 tablespoon Lime Juice
- ¼ White Onion Diced
- 2 Tsp Jalapeno Pepper Diced- Optional
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Cilantro Chopped
- ½ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 Pinch Red Pepper Flakes Optional
Suggested Toppings
- Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
- Tomatoes Diced
- Avocado Diced
- Salsa
- Guacamole
- Lettuce
- Cheese
Instructions
Grilled Chicken Tacos
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Trim any fat from chicken and generously season both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside.
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In a shallow bowl, thoroughly combine the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, chili powder, unsweetened cocoa powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon, and garlic powder until a thick paste forms. Heavily coat both sides of each chicken breast with this flavorful marinade. For best results, allow chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
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Preheat your grill to 400 degrees F (200°C) and spray the grates generously with cooking oil. Once hot, place the marinated chicken breasts directly over the flame. Grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74°C). For extra flavor, brush any remaining marinade over the chicken while it cooks. The chicken should develop a beautiful amber color with some desirable charring. If it’s charring too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking through.
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Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a clean cutting board for 5-10 minutes. This resting period ensures juicy chicken. Afterward, chop the chicken into small, bite-sized chunks.
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Warm your street taco tortillas. You can wrap them in a few damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds, or heat them on a dry skillet. Take a warm tortilla and spread a small amount of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream. Then, layer with crisp lettuce, diced grilled chicken, and any other additional toppings you desire. Finish with a generous drizzle of the fresh Cilantro Lime Butter and serve warm. Enjoy your homemade, flavorful street tacos!
Cilantro Lime Butter
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In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, lime juice, diced white onion, diced jalapeño pepper (if using), fresh chopped cilantro, ground black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. I recommend preparing this butter right before serving to prevent it from cooling and separating. Drizzle it generously over your completed Grilled Chicken Tacos for an extra burst of fresh, zesty flavor.
Notes
Alternatively, if grilling isn’t an option, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Follow the same marinade instructions, then place the chicken in a foil-lined baking dish and bake at 375 degrees F (190°C) for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74°C). While the grill imparts a unique smoky flavor, baking still yields tender and delicious chicken that works perfectly in these tacos.
Leftover Storage
To store any leftover grilled chicken, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For optimal freshness and to prevent sogginess, it’s best to store the chicken separately from the tortillas and other toppings. Reheat the chicken gently in the microwave or a skillet when ready to eat, then assemble your fresh tacos.
Marinade Time
While you can cook the chicken immediately after coating, marinating for at least 30 minutes significantly enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken. The spices have more time to infuse, and the balsamic vinegar helps to tenderize the meat. For the deepest flavor, consider marinating the chicken for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best results!
Nutrition