Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Smoky grilled tacos brushed with a rich whiskey glaze, topped with a fresh, crunchy cilantro slaw for a vibrant contrast. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs small corn tortillas, whiskey, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup whiskey, 2 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder until the sugar dissolves to form the whiskey glaze.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Brush both sides of 8 small corn tortillas lightly with 2 tbsp olive oil.
  3. Step 3: Grill the tortillas for 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred, then set aside wrapped in a clean towel to keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Toss 2 cups shredded cooked chicken with half of the whiskey glaze and grill in a grill pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until heated through and slightly caramelized.
  5. Step 5: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss until the slaw is evenly coated and crisp.
  6. Step 6: To assemble tacos, divide the whiskey-glazed chicken evenly among the tortillas and top each with a generous spoonful of the cilantro slaw. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper to taste.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep small corn tortillas from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Whiskey-Glazed Taco with Cilantro Slaw?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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