Grilled Chicken Tacos with Lettuce Slaw, Avocado, and Cotija
Grilled chicken tacos piled high with a lettuce-tomato slaw, avocado, and Cotija cheese all served on a charred tortilla. A quick weeknight dinner solution!
Grilled chicken tacos piled high with a lettuce-tomato slaw, avocado, and Cotija cheese all served on a charred tortilla. A quick weeknight dinner solution!
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 2 tsp lime juice
- pinch fresh black pepper
- 1/4 cup thin sliced red onion1 tsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp crumbled cotija cheese
- 14 oz 4 thin sliced boneless chicken breast cutlets
- 1 1/4 tsp seasoned salt (i used lawry’s fire roasted chili & garlic)
- 2 1/2 cups 4 oz shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup 1 medium vine ripe tomato chopped
- 1 oz avocado)
- thinly sliced radishes (for garnish (optional))
- 4 lime wedges (for serving)
- Carbohydrate 25.3259562494906 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 1.88119687454576 g
- Fiber 3.55012510689349 g
- Protein 3.21320624997459 g
- Saturated Fat 0.29285249993738 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (167g)
- Sodium 100.97434999987 mg
- Sugar 21.7758311425971 g
- Trans Fat 0.169425937485938 g
- Calories 126 calories
Step-by-step
- Season chicken with seasoned salt, olive oil and lime juice and marinate for at least an hour.
- Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan on medium-high heat.
- Oil the grates and grill about 2 minutes. Turn and cook an additional 1 minute, or until cooked through.
- Set aside on a cutting board and slice into thin strips.
- While the chicken is cooking, in a large work bowl mix the lettuce, tomato, cilantro, onions, olive oil, lime juice, salt and pepper.
- Set aside.
- On the grill heat tortillas, turning till they slightly char, about 1 1/2 minutes on each side.
- Design your taco. Add chicken, lettuce, avocado and top with cotija cheese and radishes if desired, serve with lime wedges.
Grilled Chicken Tacos: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and healthy dinner can feel like a monumental task. Weeknights are a whirlwind of homework, practices, and work deadlines. But I've learned a few tricks to streamline the process without sacrificing flavour or nutrition. This recipe for Grilled Chicken Tacos with Lettuce Slaw, Avocado, and Cotija cheese is a perfect example. It's quick, easy, and satisfies everyone in my family – even the picky eaters!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. The marinated chicken grills up quickly, leaving you with tender, flavorful strips. The slaw adds a refreshing crunch and bright acidity, perfectly balancing the richness of the avocado and the salty tang of the Cotija cheese. And let's not forget the charred tortillas—that slightly smoky flavour elevates the whole dish. I often prep the slaw and marinate the chicken earlier in the day, or even the night before, making dinner assembly a breeze when everyone is hungry and impatient.
One of my favourite things about this recipe is its adaptability. Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or what your family enjoys. Instead of romaine lettuce, try a mix of greens or shredded cabbage. If you can't find Cotija, a good quality feta or queso fresco works beautifully too. The avocado is a must for me – that creamy texture adds so much to the overall experience – but if you're looking for a lower-fat option, you can always reduce the amount or omit it altogether. Even the tortillas can be changed to suit your preference; flour tortillas, soft corn tortillas or even gluten-free options will work.
The grilling process adds a delightful char to both the chicken and the tortillas, giving them a smoky flavor that elevates the entire dish. If you don't have an outdoor grill, don't worry. A cast iron skillet or grill pan works perfectly well indoors. Just make sure to get it really hot before adding the chicken and tortillas.
Beyond the ease of preparation, this recipe is incredibly healthy. The chicken is a great source of lean protein, and the slaw is packed with vitamins and fiber. Avocado adds healthy fats and a smooth texture. It's a balanced meal that leaves you feeling satisfied without the food coma. My kids absolutely love them, and honestly, they are the perfect meal for picky eaters like mine.
So next time you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner, give these Grilled Chicken Tacos a try. It's a recipe that will quickly become a family favourite, a staple in your recipe arsenal, a time-saver for busy evenings, and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Beyond the Tacos: This recipe is also a great starting point for other dishes. The marinated chicken can be used in salads, bowls, or wraps. The slaw can be enjoyed as a side dish or a topping for other proteins. And the grilled tortillas can be used to make quesadillas or nachos. The possibilities are endless!
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy and delicious doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a satisfying and flavorful meal that your family will love. Enjoy!
