Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a bright citrus blend served in warm corn tortillas with fresh slaw and avocado. This mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 6, 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: 15 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs into a zip-top bag, pour the marinade over the chicken, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Combine 2 cups finely shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a bowl.
  6. Step 6: Slice grilled chicken into strips. Assemble tacos by layering chicken, cabbage slaw, 1/2 cup sour cream dolloped evenly, sliced avocado from 1 large avocado, and optional 1 thinly sliced jalapeño on each tortilla.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos?

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 Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos?

Mexican mexican 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.

Related recipes