RestaurantsJax Beach Bar and GrillChicken Tacos Recipe

Chicken Tacos Recipe

Time40m
Serves4

Grilled or blackened chicken with taco slaw, tomato, cheese and mexican crema

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Chicken

Method

Chicken

1

Prep the chicken

If breasts are thick, butterfly or pound to an even ~1/2" thickness so they cook evenly. Pat dry with paper towels.

2

Make the rub and marinate

In a bowl combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper and juice of 1 lime. Rub mixture all over the chicken, coating both sides. Marinate at room temperature for 15–20 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours (if refrigerating, bring to room temp 20 minutes before cooking).

3

Cook the chicken (grill or blacken)

Grill method: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Oil grates. Grill chicken 4–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Blacken/pan-sear method: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until very hot. Add 1 tsp oil and place chicken; sear 4–6 minutes per side until well-browned and cooked through. Transfer to a cutting board and rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain into taco-sized strips.

Taco Slaw

4

Make the slaw dressing

In a medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, lime juice (from 1 lime), salt and black pepper until smooth.

5

Assemble the slaw

Add green and red cabbage, carrot and chopped cilantro to the dressing. Toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust salt, pepper or lime as needed. Refrigerate until ready to assemble (at least 10 minutes for flavors to meld).

Assembly & Toppings

6

Warm the tortillas

Warm tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet 20–30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred in spots. Keep wrapped in a clean towel to stay warm.

7

Prepare crema (optional spicy)

If you want spicy crema, stir hot sauce into Mexican crema or sour cream to taste (start with 1 tsp).

8

Assemble tacos

Place warmed tortilla on a plate. Add a small handful (about 2–3 tbs) of taco slaw, then 2–3 slices of grilled chicken, sprinkle with diced tomato and shredded cheese. Drizzle with Mexican crema and garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime. Repeat for remaining tortillas.

9

Serve

Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.