Inspired by the flavors of New York City’s Dos Toros Taqueria, these grilled chicken tacos are juicy, smoky, and packed with fresh, vibrant ingredients. Chicken thighs are marinated with tomatoes, lime juice, and spices, which help tenderize the meat while adding bright, savory flavor. Once grilled, the chicken is sliced and tucked into warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for an easy meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Prep Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Marinate: 2–4 hours (or overnight)
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: About 3 hours
Servings
Makes 4–6 servings
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, roughly chopped
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tacos
- 8–12 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- ½ cup diced white onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Sliced avocado (optional)
Instructions
- Make the marinade: Blend the tomatoes, lime juice, oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs in a resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Preheat the grill: Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates.
- Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Rest and slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas briefly on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and lightly charred.
- Assemble: Fill each tortilla with grilled chicken, cabbage, onion, cilantro, and any additional toppings. Serve with lime wedges and salsa.
Tips
- Chicken thighs stay juicier than chicken breasts and absorb the tomato-lime marinade exceptionally well.
- Marinating overnight creates deeper flavor and more tender meat.
- Char the tortillas for a few seconds on the grill for authentic smoky flavor.
- Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or grilled corn for a complete meal.
Nutrition (Approximate per 2 tacos)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
These tacos combine smoky grilled chicken with fresh, crisp toppings and bright citrus flavors, making them a satisfying and crowd-pleasing meal.