Chicken asada tacos with a lime and orange marinade, warm tortillas, and simple toppings. A quick taco recipe with juicy grilled or pan-seared chicken.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
15 min
Total time
45 min
Servings
4
Chef's Tips
Marinate the chicken long enough to pick up the citrus and spice, but not so long that the texture turns soft.
Let the cooked chicken rest briefly before slicing so the juices stay in the meat.
Warm the tortillas just before serving so the tacos fold more easily and taste fresher.
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Ingredients
Ingredients
Servings
4 servings1×
Scale
Ingredient amounts update instantly.
Citrus Marinade
Chicken
To Serve
Instructions
Citrus Marinade
- 1
Mix the cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, soy sauce, cumin, oregano, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar together in a bowl.
Chicken
- 1
Coat the chicken in the marinade and chill for at least 30 minutes.
- 2
Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat.
- 3
Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly charred in places.
- 4
Rest the chicken briefly, then slice it against the grain into bite-size strips or pieces.
To Serve
- 1
Fill the warm tortillas with the sliced chicken and your chosen toppings.
- 2
Serve straight away.
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Learn More
Everything you want to know about this recipe.
Chicken Asada Tacos
Chicken Asada Tacos
These chicken asada tacos are built around a simple citrus marinade that gives the meat enough brightness and savoury depth without making the recipe feel complicated. The result is juicy chicken that works well in warm tortillas with whatever toppings you already like to keep on hand.
They fit well into a weeknight dinner rhythm, but they also work for a more casual taco spread where people can build their own plates.
Why This Recipe Works
Why This Recipe Works
The lime and orange bring acidity and freshness, while soy sauce, cumin, and oregano give the marinade a more savoury backbone. A little brown sugar rounds it out and helps the chicken colour nicely when it hits the pan or grill.
Chicken thighs are especially good here because they stay juicy and pick up char well, but the same flavour profile also works with chicken breast if that is what you prefer.
How To Make It
How To Make It
Mix the marinade first, then give the chicken enough time to sit in it before cooking. Once the grill or skillet is hot, cook the chicken until it is browned and fully done, then let it rest before slicing so the juices stay put.
Warm the tortillas just before serving and build the tacos with the sliced chicken and your chosen toppings. The base recipe is straightforward, which makes it easy to adjust the final tacos to taste.
Tips, Variations, and Storage
Tips, Variations, and Storage
This chicken works well beyond tacos. You can use the same meat in rice bowls, salads, or wrapped into burritos if you want to stretch leftovers into another meal.
If you have extra cooked chicken, keep it chilled and reheat it quickly in a skillet so it does not dry out. A fresh squeeze of lime at the end helps bring the flavours back to life.
Serving & Goal Fit
Serving & Goal Fit
Two to three tacos usually make a solid serving depending on tortilla size and what you serve alongside them. On a training day, add rice, beans, or extra tortillas if you want a more filling plate. On a rest day, keep the tacos lighter with more salsa, lettuce, or extra vegetables.
If you want protein swaps, prawns or tofu can work with a similar citrus-spice profile. For extra vegetables, onions, peppers, courgette, mushrooms, or corn all fit naturally into the same taco-night format.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 taco
Calories 25013%
% Reference Intake*
Total Fat 13g19%
Saturated Fat 3g15%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 80mg
Sodium 500mg
Total Carbohydrates 10g4%
Dietary Fiber 2g
Sugars 6g7%
Protein 20g40%
* Reference intakes are based on an average adult's 8,400 kJ / 2,000 kcal diet. Your needs may be higher or lower.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes. Chicken breast works too, but watch the cooking time more closely so it does not dry out.
What toppings go well with chicken asada tacos?
Chopped onion, cilantro, salsa, avocado, lime wedges, and pickled onions all work well.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes. A hot skillet or grill pan works well and still gives good colour on the chicken.
Community Reviews
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Jason W.
· 30 Jul 2026Easy enough for a weeknight but still felt worth making from scratch. We served it with rice and salsa on the side.
Ana P.
· 18 Jan 2026I let the chicken sit a little longer in the marinade and the flavour came through nicely without getting too sharp.
Mark D.
· 9 Aug 2025I added pickled onions and liked the contrast. The marinade worked well on thighs and still held up in a skillet.
Sarah L.
· 12 Mar 2025Good taco night recipe. The orange and lime made the chicken taste much brighter than my usual grilled chicken filling.
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