Zesty Grilled Chicken Tacos
Elevate your taco night with these delicious Zesty Grilled Chicken Tacos, inspired by a summer in Asheville, North Carolina. This vibrant dish features marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection, bringing out bold flavors of garlic, lime, and fresh herbs. Each bite is a burst of sunshine, paired beautifully with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a sprinkle of cheese. Perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos offer a delightful twist on traditional flavors that will leave your taste buds longing for more.
N/A
Servings
192
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/3 cup (none)
lime juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
garlic cloves
4 (minced)
parsley
1 tablespoon (minced fresh or 1 teaspoon dried)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 1/4 lbs (4 pieces)
flour tortillas or taco shells
6 (8 inch) (warmed)
lettuce
to taste (shredded)
tomatoes
to taste (diced)
shredded cheese
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large resealable plastic bag or shallow glass container, combine olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, parsley, ground cumin, oregano, salt (if using), and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2
Add the boneless skinless chicken breast halves into the marinade, turning to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the container securely and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight, turning occasionally to maximize flavor absorption.
3
Once marinating is complete, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
4
Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken uncovered for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the juices run clear and the chicken is cooked through.
5
Remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Cut into thin strips.
6
Warm the flour tortillas or taco shells according to package instructions.
7
Assemble the tacos by placing the grilled chicken strips in each tortilla or taco shell. Top with fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Serve immediately with your favorite salsa.
Nutrition Information
12g
Fat
10g
Carbs
12g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Grilled Chicken Tacos?
Zesty Grilled Chicken Tacos are a vibrant dish featuring marinated chicken breast grilled with garlic, lime, and fresh herbs, served in tortillas with fresh toppings.
How many calories are in these chicken tacos?
Each serving contains 192 calories.
How long should the chicken marinate?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the marinade for 8 hours or overnight for maximum flavor absorption.
What ingredients are in the taco marinade?
The marinade consists of olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, parsley, ground cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
How much chicken is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1 1/4 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breast halves, which is approximately 4 pieces.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 12 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein do these tacos provide?
These tacos provide 12 grams of protein per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 10 grams of carbohydrates in each serving.
What size tortillas should be used?
The recipe suggests using six 8-inch flour tortillas or taco shells.
How long do you grill the chicken?
Grill the chicken over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through.
What toppings are recommended for these tacos?
Recommended toppings include fresh shredded lettuce, diced ripe tomatoes, and shredded cheese.
Where did the inspiration for this recipe come from?
This recipe was inspired by a summer spent in Asheville, North Carolina.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley as a substitute for 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe calls for 4 minced garlic cloves.
What type of grill heat is best for this recipe?
Medium heat is recommended for grilling the chicken.
Should the chicken be cut before or after grilling?
The chicken should be grilled whole and then cut into thin strips after resting.
Is salt required in the marinade?
The recipe lists 1/2 teaspoon of salt as an optional ingredient.
How much lime juice is used?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Can I use taco shells instead of tortillas?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and works well with either flour tortillas or taco shells.
What should be done with the leftover marinade?
Once the chicken is removed for grilling, the remaining marinade should be discarded.
How do you know the chicken is finished cooking?
The chicken is done when the juices run clear and it is cooked through, usually after 10-14 minutes of total grill time.
Is there cumin in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
What kind of oil is used for the marinade?
1/3 cup of olive oil is used as the base for the marinade.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken tacos, grilled chicken, marinated chicken, summer recipe, taco night, easy dinner, salsa, and Mexican cuisine.
Should the tortillas be warmed?
Yes, you should warm the flour tortillas or taco shells according to the package instructions before assembly.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy dinner' and is suitable for weeknight meals or gatherings.
What should I serve with the tacos?
It is recommended to serve these tacos immediately with your favorite salsa.
How much oregano is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Can the marinade be prepared in a plastic bag?
Yes, a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow glass container can be used to combine the marinade ingredients.
How much pepper should I add?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.