20 Best Chicken Taco Recipes (Grilled, Slow Cooked, Baked & More)
Ah, tacos! They’re more than just food; they’re a way of life. And chicken tacos? Well, they’re downright irresistible. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner, a backyard party, or, honestly, just because you’re craving them, there’s always a way to take chicken tacos to the next level.
I don’t know about you, but just the thought of tender chicken paired with zesty toppings and tortillas makes my mouth water. The best part? Chicken tacos are endlessly versatile, so there’s always something new and exciting to try.
We’ve rounded up 20 delicious, creative chicken taco recipes for you to enjoy. But don’t just take my word for it; let’s start exploring these tasty ideas together!
1. Classic Grilled Chicken Tacos
Simple, flavorful, and a true crowd-pleaser, classic grilled chicken tacos highlight juicy, marinated chicken cooked to perfection on a grill. The secret lies in seasoning. Use a blend of lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, and a dash of chili powder to marinate the chicken.
Once grilled, slice it thin and pile it onto warm tortillas. For toppings, think traditional: diced onions, freshly chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime! These tacos are simple but hit all the right notes when done right.
Try making it today. Here’s an easy way to follow along for the step-by-step recipe here.
2. Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos
If you’re a fan of bold and smoky heat, chipotle chicken tacos are a must-try. Coat chicken with a chipotle pepper sauce (those canned ones in adobo sauce work wonders!), garlic, and a splash of lime juice.
Cook it until tender and spicy, then serve with shredded lettuce, pickled red onions, and a drizzle of cooling crema. These tacos pack a punch in every bite but are balanced beautifully by the creamy toppings.
Spice things up. Find an easy guide for this recipe right here!
3. Shredded Crockpot Chicken Tacos
Low effort, big reward—that’s how we describe shredded crockpot chicken tacos. Toss chicken breasts into your slow cooker with salsa, taco seasoning, and a spoonful of diced tomatoes. After a few hours, the chicken will shred effortlessly.
Serve the tender, saucy chicken with tortillas and your favorite toppings. It’s perfect for busy nights and feeds a crowd with ease.
Learn how to make this one. Full recipe instructions are just a click away.
4. Baja Chicken Tacos
Baja-style chicken tacos bring exciting flavors inspired by fish tacos but with juicy chicken. Use grilled or fried chicken as the base and top it with a creamy, tangy slaw made from cabbage and lime juice.
Add avocado slices, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of spicy mayo for a bold taste. Flour tortillas work best to hold these vibrant toppings. The mix of crispy chicken, zesty slaw, and creamy extras makes every bite a perfect blend.
Why wait? Get the step-by-step recipe here and try it yourself!
5. Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Ranch Slaw
Buffalo chicken tacos combine tangy buffalo wings with the comfort of tacos. Cook shredded or diced chicken in your favorite buffalo sauce, then layer it into tortillas. Add a creamy ranch slaw (shredded cabbage and carrots mixed with ranch dressing), and you’re all set. These tacos are a perfect game-day snack or indulgent dinner option.
Make your own version. A full recipe is waiting for you here.
6. Taco al Pastor with Chicken (Pineapple Marinade)
A twist on a Mexican classic, chicken al pastor uses a pineapple marinade to create sweet, savory, and slightly smoky tacos. Grill the marinated chicken until caramelized and juicy, then serve on soft corn tortillas with diced fresh pineapple, chopped onions, and cilantro. The bright, tropical flavors pair beautifully with the spice.
Try it at home! Check out the easy steps here.
7. BBQ Chicken Tacos
Barbecue lovers, rejoice! Smoky BBQ chicken tacos are packed with flavor. Coat chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce and roast, grill, or slow cook it until tender. Pile the chicken into tortillas and top with coleslaw, a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and crispy fried onions for a smoky, sweet delight.
Savor this smoky treat. Get the BBQ taco recipe here.
8. Street Chicken Tacos
Minimal toppings, maximum flavor—that’s the mantra of street-style tacos. Season and grill chicken, then dice it into small, juicy pieces. Load it into warm corn tortillas and keep it simple with cilantro, diced onions, and a splash of lime. It’s a timeless classic that’ll transport you to a food truck on the streets of Mexico.
Master this street-style wonder. Step-by-step details are here.
9. Korean Chicken Tacos
Take your taco night on a trip to Korea! Marinate chicken in soy sauce, gochujang (Korean chili paste), and sesame oil. Grill or roast until it’s sticky and caramelized. Serve in tortillas with pickled cucumbers, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of spicy mayo. These tacos deliver savory, spicy, and umami-packed bites.
Start your fusion experiment. Follow this recipe here for your tacos.
10. Creamy Avocado Chicken Tacos
Rich, creamy, and zesty, avocado chicken tacos are a refreshing treat. Marinate and grill chicken with lime juice and garlic, then chop it up and serve with a luscious avocado crema. Add slices of fresh avocado, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes for a taco that feels light yet indulgent.
Take your tacos up a notch. Recipe details are right here.
11. Chicken Fajita Tacos with Peppers and Onions
Chicken fajita tacos are bursting with flavors from smoky, charred veggies and tender chicken. Start by marinating the chicken in a mix of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Then, sauté sliced bell peppers and onions in a hot pan until softened and slightly caramelized.
Cook the chicken in the same pan to soak up all those fajita flavors. Serve everything wrapped in warm tortillas, adding toppings like sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese for extra goodness.
Make it extra easy on yourself. Find the recipe method here.
12. Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos
Slow cooker salsa chicken tacos are all about convenience without compromising taste. Toss chicken breasts into your slow cooker with your favorite salsa and some taco seasoning. After a few hours, the chicken will shred beautifully and absorb the tangy salsa flavors.
Stuff the shredded chicken into tortillas and top with fresh ingredients like avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for meal prep or busy evenings!
Get started easily. Recipe instructions can be found right here.
13. Honey Lime Chicken Tacos
For a balance of sweet and tangy, honey lime chicken tacos are a winner. Marinate chicken in a mixture of honey, lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of chili flakes. Grill or pan-fry the chicken until caramelized and golden. Slice it up and serve in soft tortillas with toppings like shredded cabbage, crumbled feta, and a drizzle of extra honey lime sauce. It’s fresh, bright, and totally delicious.
Bring this to life! Follow this recipe here for step-by-step help.
14. Tandoori Chicken Tacos
Tandoori chicken tacos take a beloved Indian dish and serve it taco-style! Marinate chicken in yogurt, garlic, ginger, and aromatic tandoori spices, then grill or roast until tender and smoky. Add the chicken to warm naan or tortillas, along with a refreshing yogurt sauce, crisp lettuce, and red onions. This fusion taco is a flavor-packed way to spice up taco night.
Try this twist on tacos. Recipe is waiting for you here!
15. Chicken Tinga Tacos (Spicy Tomato Chipotle Sauce)
Chicken tinga tacos are rich, smoky, and slightly spicy. Start by cooking chicken with a sauce made from tomatoes, chipotle peppers, onions, and garlic. Shred the chicken in the sauce so it soaks up all the spicy tomato goodness. Serve it on corn tortillas topped with sour cream, avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a comforting, bold-flavored taco.
Go bold with this one! Start your recipe now, right here.
16. Cheddar Ranch Crispy Chicken Tacos
Crispy chicken tacos mean crunch in every bite! Use breaded chicken tenders or fry your own for that golden texture. Add the crisp chicken to tortillas along with shredded cheddar cheese, crunchy lettuce, and your favorite sauce (try ranch or spicy mayo). These tacos are a perfect mix of comfort food and taco perfection.
Crunch time! Try making these using the recipe here.
17. Mango Habanero Chicken Tacos
Mango habanero chicken tacos hit the sweet and spicy spot. Marinate the chicken in a fiery habanero marinade with a hint of lime. Grill it until juicy and tender, then serve with a fresh mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. The balance of heat and sweetness is a real treat for your taste buds.
Dial up the flavor today! Recipe steps await you here.
18. Greek Chicken Tacos with Tzatziki and Hummus
A Greek-inspired taco brings Mediterranean flavors to the table. Marinate the chicken with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grill it to perfection. Stuff it into soft tortillas and top with creamy tzatziki, hummus, diced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. These tacos are light, refreshing, and full of bold, tangy flavors.
Feel the Mediterranean vibes. Recipe details are right here.
19. Jerk Chicken Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
Jerk chicken tacos bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. Marinate chicken with jerk seasoning, lime, and a hint of allspice, then cook it until smoky and spicy. Pair it with a fresh pineapple salsa made from diced pineapple, red onion, and cilantro for a sweet, tropical kick. Together, these flavours are unbeatable.
Take your taste buds on vacation! Learn the recipe here.
20. Chicken Caesar Salad Tacos
For a light and fresh twist, turn chicken Caesar salad into tacos! Use romaine lettuce leaves as taco shells, then fill them with grilled chicken, Caesar dressing, shredded Parmesan, and crunchy croutons. These low-carb tacos are perfect when you want something satisfying but not too heavy. They’re crisp, creamy, and so easy to make.
