Harlingen Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · 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-inspired 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
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Ingredients

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.

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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.

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