Marinated Chicken Tacos

Name: Marinated Chicken Tacos with Citrus and Cilantro
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs chicken breast, thinly sliced; 1 white onion, sliced; 1 bunch cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp adobo seasoning; salt, to taste; 1 tbsp minced garlic; 1 orange, juiced; 1 lime, juiced; 2 tbsp avocado oil; 8 corn tortillas; 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1 cup shredded lettuce, for topping; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes, for topping; 1 avocado, diced, for topping; lime wedges, for serving; salsa, for serving

These marinated chicken tacos feature sliced chicken breast infused with bright citrus juice, fresh cilantro, and adobo seasoning, then served on cheesy corn tortillas with fresh toppings. The citrus-and-herb marinade keeps the chicken tender and flavorful.

🌍Mexican 🏷️Chicken tacos 🏷️Tacos 🏷️Marinated chicken 🏷️Cheesy tortillas Weeknight dinner

🏷️

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken breast, thinly sliced
1 white onion, sliced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp adobo seasoning
salt, to taste
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 orange, juiced
1 lime, juiced
2 tbsp avocado oil
8 corn tortillas
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup shredded lettuce, for toppingoptional
1/2 cup diced tomatoes, for toppingoptional
1 avocado, diced, for toppingoptional
lime wedges, for servingoptional
salsa, for servingoptional

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Instructions

1
Slice the onion and chop the cilantro.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced chicken, sliced onion, and chopped cilantro.
3
Season the chicken with adobo seasoning, salt, minced garlic, the juice of one orange, and the juice of one lime.
4
Using your hands, mix all the ingredients together until the chicken is well-coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate.
5
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan.
6
Cook the chicken, turning occasionally, until it's browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7
Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a cutting board to rest briefly.
8
While the chicken rests, prepare the cheesy tortillas. On a hot griddle or comal, sprinkle small piles of shredded cheese.
9
Place a corn tortilla on top of each cheese pile and cook until the cheese is melted and forms a crispy crust. Flip and lightly toast the other side.
10
Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
11
Assemble the tacos by placing the cheesy tortillas on a plate and topping with the chopped chicken.
12
Add your desired toppings, such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado.
13
Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a spoonful of salsa. Serve immediately.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Slice the chicken breast thinly (about ¼-inch) so it marinates quickly and cooks evenly in just a few minutes.
Don't skip the adobo seasoning — it adds depth and authentic Mexican flavor that citrus alone cannot provide.
Get a good sear on the chicken by patting it dry before cooking and using medium-high heat; this locks in moisture and adds color.
Juice the orange and lime just before marinating to maximize acidity and flavor potency.

Substitutions

Lime juice only → omit orange juice (slightly less sweet, but still bright and authentic)
Avocado oil → olive oil or vegetable oil (neutral oils work; avocado oil has a higher smoke point)
Corn tortillas → flour tortillas (softer texture; warm them on a griddle or open flame)
Fresh cilantro → flat-leaf parsley (milder flavor; use same amount)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, or assemble tacos fresh and serve immediately.

Common Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken in the citrus, cilantro, garlic, adobo, and avocado oil for at least 30 minutes. You can marinate up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicier, though they may take 2–3 minutes longer to cook through. Slice them to similar thickness as the breast.

What's the best way to cook the marinated chicken?

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and cook the sliced chicken 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp) and lightly charred.

Can I make the marinade ahead?

Yes. Prepare the marinade (citrus juice, cilantro, garlic, adobo, oil) up to 1 day ahead. Add the chicken and refrigerate until ready to cook.

How do I reheat leftover marinated chicken tacos?

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water, or warm on a griddle with the tortillas.