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Charred Chile Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos

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Charred Chile–Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos are a smoky, flavorful twist on a classic Mexican dish. The chicken is marinated in a spicy, smoky chile marinade, grilled to perfection, and then tucked into soft tortillas for a satisfying and vibrant meal. Topped with fresh salsa, avocado, or your favorite taco fixings, these tacos offer a balance of bold flavors with a touch of char that makes them stand out. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or taco night with friends, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite for taco lovers.

Ingredients

Scale

To make Charred Chile–Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos, gather these ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Salsa or pico de gallo (optional)
  • Lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Chile Marinade:

  1. Toast the Chiles: Heat a skillet over medium heat and lightly toast the dried ancho and guajillo chiles for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove the seeds and stems, then set aside.
  2. Soften the Chiles: Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened.
  3. Blend the Marinade: Once the chiles have softened, blend them with the chopped onion, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Add a little water if the mixture is too thick.
  4. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a large bowl or resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 hours for deeper flavor).

Grill the Chicken:

  1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the grill grates with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a nice char on the outside.
  3. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Heat the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side, or until warmed through and slightly charred.
  2. Slice the Chicken: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
  3. Assemble the Tacos: Place a few slices of grilled chicken on each tortilla. Top with your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Equipment

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Find it online: https://succulentrecipes.com/charred-chile-marinated-grilled-chicken-tacos/