Grilled Chicken Fajita Tacos

Name: Grilled Chicken Fajita Tacos with Citrus Marinade
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 1 lemon, juiced; 2 tbsp chicken fajita seasoning; 2 tbsp fajita seasoning; 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp cumin; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp onion powder; 1 tbsp garlic powder; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 large onion, sliced; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 3 jalapeños; Flour tortillas, for serving; Sour cream, for topping; Lime wedges, for serving; Hot sauce, for topping; Corn salsa, for serving

These grilled chicken fajita tacos feature boneless chicken thighs marinated in a zesty citrus and spice blend, then grilled and served with charred peppers, onions, and fresh corn salsa. The citrus-forward marinade keeps the chicken juicy while building deep, smoky flavor on the grill.

🌍Mexican 🏷️Chicken fajita tacos 🏷️Grilled chicken 🏷️Tacos 🏷️Fajitas Tex-mex

🏷️

-0:00

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Total

1h

Servings

8

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$35–$58

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by jenmoralesfam04

-0:00

jenmoralesfam04onTikTok

Ingredients

5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 cup vegetable oil
1 lemon, juiced
2 tbsp chicken fajita seasoning
2 tbsp fajita seasoning
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cumin
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 large onion, sliced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
3 jalapeñosoptional
Flour tortillas, for serving
Sour cream, for toppingoptional
Lime wedges, for servingoptional
Hot sauce, for toppingoptional
Corn salsa, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
In a measuring cup or bowl, combine the vegetable oil and the juice of one whole lemon.
2
Add all the spices to the oil and lemon juice: chicken fajita seasoning, fajita seasoning, paprika, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3
Whisk the marinade ingredients together until well combined.
4
Pour the marinade over the chicken thighs in a large bowl.
5
Using gloved hands, toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated in the marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
6
Prepare your grill. Grill the sliced onions, bell peppers, and whole jalapeños. You can place the sliced veggies in a foil packet for easier grilling.
7
Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grill.
8
Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred.
9
Remove the cooked chicken and veggies from the grill and place them in a tray to rest.
10
Warm the tortillas on the grill for a few seconds per side.
11
Slice or chop the grilled chicken and place it on a warm tortilla.
12
Top with the grilled peppers and onions.
13
Add desired toppings like sour cream, a squeeze of fresh lime, and hot sauce. Serve with corn salsa on the side.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Pat chicken thighs dry before grilling to achieve better browning and char on the exterior.
Oil your grill grates well and preheat to medium-high heat (around 400°F) to prevent sticking and create even grill marks.
Don't move the chicken constantly—let each side develop color for 5-7 minutes before flipping to build caramelization and flavor.
Rest grilled chicken for 3-5 minutes before slicing to retain juices and prevent drying out on the taco.

Substitutions

Vegetable oil → olive oil or avocado oil (lighter flavor with olive, higher smoke point with avocado)
Lemon → lime or orange juice (maintains acidity and brightness but shifts flavor profile slightly)
Boneless chicken thighs → bone-in thighs or chicken breasts (bone-in adds flavor, breasts require shorter cooking time)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked fajita chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on a skillet or grill to restore texture.

Equipment

grill or grill pan · meat thermometer

Common Questions

How long should you marinate the chicken for these fajitas?

Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the citrus acid can break down the meat's texture.

Can you use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but chicken thighs stay more moist and flavorful on the grill. If using breasts, pound them to even thickness and reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.

How do you know when grilled chicken fajitas are done?

Grill until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, or when juices run clear and there's no pink inside—typically 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.

Can you make the corn salsa ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Add fresh cilantro and lime juice just before serving to keep flavors bright.

What's the best way to char the peppers and onions?

Cut peppers and onions into thick strips, toss with oil and salt, and grill directly over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side until charred and tender.