These Charred Chile–Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos feature smoky grilled chicken marinated in a flavorful blend of charred chiles, garlic, cinnamon, and allspice. Served with fresh homemade tortillas and tomatillo salsa, this dish is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for a delicious taco night.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

• 3 chiles (such as dried guajillo or ancho)

• 4 garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 1 medium onion, cut into wedges

• 1 stick cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 cup water

• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

• 2 teaspoons sugar

For the Chicken:

• 4 chicken thighs, skin-on, bone-in

• Salt (to taste)

For Serving:

• Homemade tortillas

• Tomatillo salsa cruda

Directions:

1. Make the Marinade:

   • In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat. Add garlic and chiles, turning occasionally until blackened (1-3 minutes for chiles, 5-7 minutes for garlic).

   • Remove chiles’ stems and place them in a blender with garlic.

   • Toast allspice in the skillet, then add it to the blender with the chiles and garlic.

   • Char onion wedges in the skillet until blackened on both sides (15-20 minutes), then add to the blender.

   • Peel garlic, discard skins, and add to the blender with cinnamon, salt, and pepper.

   • Add water and blend until smooth, then let it cool to room temperature (about 15 minutes).

2. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Coat chicken with the marinade, making sure it’s evenly spread. Cover and marinate for 1 to 5 hours in the refrigerator.

   • Before grilling, remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Discard leftover marinade.

3. Grill the Chicken:

   • Set up a charcoal grill, ensuring a hot side for searing and a cooler side for cooking through.

   • Grill chicken, skin side down, for about 6 minutes until charred. Move to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook for 18-24 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

   • Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes, then remove bones and chop meat into 1/2-inch pieces.

4. Assemble the Tacos:

   • Place chopped chicken on tortillas and top with tomatillo salsa cruda. Serve immediately!

Estimated Nutritional Value (per taco):

• Calories: 220–250 kcal

• Protein: 18–22g

• Fat: 12–15g

  • Saturated Fat: 3–4g

• Carbohydrates: 12–15g

  • Fiber: 2–3g

  • Sugars: 3–5g

• Cholesterol: 75–90mg

• Sodium: 350–450mg

• Potassium: 300–400mg

• Vitamin A: 120–150 IU

• Vitamin C: 5–8mg

• Calcium: 25–40mg

• Iron: 2–3mg

This estimate assumes you use standard ingredients like chicken thighs, homemade tortillas, and typical amounts of oil and spices. The calories mainly come from the chicken and the tortillas, with additional flavor and nutrients from the marinade and salsa. The exact values can vary depending on the specific brands and portion sizes used.

The Marinade: A Blend of Smoky, Sweet, and Spicy

The key to these grilled chicken tacos lies in the marinade. The chiles, such as dried guajillo or ancho, are toasted until charred, releasing their smoky aroma and deep flavors. By charring the garlic and onion as well, you enhance the smokiness and sweetness, creating a marinade that is layered with complexity. The addition of cinnamon and allspice introduces a hint of warmth and depth, which balances the natural heat of the chiles.

The marinade is further enriched with butter, which imparts a rich, silky texture, and sugar, which helps to round out the bold flavors with a touch of sweetness. The water helps to thin the marinade to the perfect consistency, ensuring it coats the chicken evenly. This carefully crafted marinade infuses the chicken with a savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that makes each bite unforgettable.

Preparing the Chicken: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for this recipe ensures juicy, tender meat with crispy, flavorful skin. The skin provides added flavor during the grilling process, while the bone helps keep the meat moist as it cooks. Once the chicken is coated in the marinade, it’s left to marinate for a few hours—allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.

The marinating time is flexible, but allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 1 to 5 hours in the refrigerator gives the flavors time to meld and develop. Once marinated, the chicken is ready to be grilled. Discard any leftover marinade to avoid contamination, as it’s been in contact with raw chicken.

Grilling the Chicken: Charred Perfection

Grilling the marinated chicken is where the magic happens. Setting up a charcoal grill with both a hot side for searing and a cooler side for slower cooking allows you to achieve the perfect texture. Searing the chicken on the hot side of the grill for about 6 minutes creates a beautiful charred exterior, adding that smoky, caramelized flavor that’s characteristic of great grilled chicken.

After searing, move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill to cook through. This indirect heat ensures the chicken cooks evenly without burning. The chicken is grilled for 18 to 24 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring it is fully cooked while retaining its juiciness. Allowing the chicken to rest for 10-15 minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, flavorful meat.

Assembling the Tacos: Fresh Tortillas and Vibrant Salsa

Once the chicken has rested, it’s time to assemble the tacos. The chicken is removed from the bones and chopped into bite-sized pieces. The tender, juicy pieces of chicken are then placed on fresh homemade tortillas, which add an authentic touch to the dish. The tortillas, warm and soft, provide the perfect base for the flavorful chicken.

To finish the tacos, top the chicken with tomatillo salsa cruda, which adds a tangy, fresh contrast to the smoky, spiced chicken. The tomatillo salsa is typically made with raw tomatillos, onions, cilantro, and lime, creating a refreshing complement to the richness of the chicken. The salsa also adds a nice burst of color and texture to the dish.

Serving and Enjoying Charred Chile–Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos

These tacos are perfect for serving at your next taco night, whether for a casual family meal or a more festive gathering with friends. The smoky, savory chicken pairs beautifully with the fresh, zesty salsa and warm tortillas. For an extra touch, serve with lime wedges on the side and some extra salsa for those who like a bit more heat.

Nutritional Benefits and Considerations

Each Charred Chile–Marinated Grilled Chicken Taco offers a balance of protein from the chicken, fiber from the salsa, and a healthy dose of vitamins from the spices and fresh ingredients. The chicken thighs provide a good source of iron, while the tomatillo salsa adds a boost of vitamin C and fiber. The homemade tortillas contribute carbohydrates that provide energy, making these tacos a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

While the tacos are flavorful and hearty, they remain relatively light, with each taco containing around 220–250 calories. The fat content is moderate, with a good portion coming from the chicken and the cooking process, while the sodium content can vary based on how much salt is added to the marinade and salsa.

Conclusion

Charred Chile–Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos are an excellent way to bring bold flavors to your table. The smoky, spicy chicken, paired with homemade tortillas and vibrant tomatillo salsa, creates a truly unforgettable taco experience. The marinade, with its blend of charred chiles, garlic, and spices, imparts deep, savory flavors that elevate the chicken to new heights. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner or at a gathering, these tacos are sure to impress and satisfy all your taco cravings. Enjoy these flavorful tacos with friends and family for a memorable meal!