Grilled Chicken Tacos

Name: Grilled Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 4 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 Tbsp fresh garlic (minced); 1/4 cup all purpose seasoning like Lawrys; juice of 2 lemons; 12 tortillas; lettuce; pico de gallo; guacamole; grated cheese

By: Leigh Anne WilkesPosted: 8/02/23Updated: 8/06/23

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Made with perfectly seasoned chicken these grilled chicken tacos are a copycat recipe for Costa Vida tacos. They pack a punch in the flavor department and they are so easy to make at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

The real deal! One of my favorite places to eat in Utah is Costa Vida Mexican restaurant. This recipe came straight from the source – Costa Vida. I was so excited when they shared it with me at a blogger event because their grilled chicken tacos are one of my favorites!

They are quick and easy. The chicken only needs to marinate for 30-40 minutes if you are in a rush or can marinate for 4-6 hours if you need it too. Just don’t marinate for longer than that as chicken can get mushy if it marinates too long.

grilled chicken tacos with salsa on them

Ingredients Needed

Chicken breasts. I use boneless skinless chicken breasts
Olive oil
Garlic. Freshly minced for best flavor
All purpose seasoning like Lawrys Season Salt.
Lemons
Tortillas. I prefer corn tortillas but you can use flour tortillas
Favorite taco toppings – see below for suggestions.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Tacos

Combine all marinade ingredients but chicken.
Whisk to combine.
Place chicken in bowl or a zippered plastic storage bag.
Pour in marinade and mix to coat chicken.
Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes. No more than 4 hours.
Grill chicken until it reaches 165 degrees F and slice.
Add to tortilla with favorite taco toppings.

Serve Grilled Chicken Tacos with:

Sour Cream
Pico de Gallo
Salsa
Guacamole
Grated Cheese such as Monterey Jack or queso fresco or cotijo Mexican cheese
Jalapeno Pepper
Lettuce or cabbage
Sauteed peppers and onions

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don’t have a grill?

These grilled chicken tacos can be cooked in a grill pan on the stove top, baked in the oven or even cooked in the air fryer. My personal favorite though is the grill.
Stovetop: Use a grill pan or a cast iron skillet, grease lightly. After the pan is not, add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes without lifting it or turning. Flip and cook for 7 more minutes or until it reaches the temperature of 160 degrees F. Remove from heat and let sit for a few minutes to get to 165 degrees F.
Oven: Preheat oven to 450ºF. Place chicken in baking dish or a sheet pan that has been lightly greased. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until chicken is baked through, there is no pink and is 160-165 degrees F.

What is the best way to store leftover grilled chicken tacos?

Storing leftovers. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. Chicken will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing. You can freeze the chicken before it is cooked, in the bag of marinade or after it is cooked. Be sure you use an airtight, freezer container or storage bag. Thaw before cooking. Will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

overhead shot of chicken tacos on a white plate

Tips and Tricks for Grilled Chicken Tacos

After chicken is cooked you can slice it, dice it or you can shred it, whichever you prefer.
Marinade your chicken for at 30 – 60 minutes but no longer than 4-6 hours. But even if you only have 15-20 minutes, it will still be delicious!
I like to pound my chicken breasts into an even layer so that they cook quicker and more evenly. Place the chicken between two layers of wax paper or parchment paper and pound with a meat mallet.
If you prefer, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs in place of chicken breasts.

Try these other delicious recipes too:

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