How to Make Flavorful Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo and Guacamole

Experience the rich, smoky flavor of wood-fired grilling with these Loaded Grilled Chicken Tacos. Dennis The Prescott brings a delightful recipe combining grilled chicken, homemade pico de gallo, guacamole, and spiked sour cream, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a taco night with a twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Pellets: Cherry

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

For the Pico de Gallo:

• 1 1/2 pounds plum tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• Kosher salt to taste

For the Guacamole:

• 2 avocados
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro leaves
• Kosher salt to taste

For the Spiked Sour Cream:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• Pinch of kosher salt

For Serving:

• 12 flour tortillas
• 1 lime, cut into wedges
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• Handful of fresh cilantro
• Hot sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: Combine chicken breasts, olive oil, spices, salt, and pepper in a resealable plastic bag. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
2. Preheat the Grill: Set your Traeger grill to 450°F and preheat with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
3. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken on the hot grill, cook with the lid closed for 25 to 30 minutes until crispy and golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
4. Prepare Pico de Gallo: Mix diced tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice in a bowl. Season with kosher salt to taste and set aside.
5. Prepare Guacamole: Mash avocados with lime juice in a bowl, leaving some chunks for texture. Add red onion and cilantro, mix well, and season with kosher salt to taste.
6. Prepare Spiked Sour Cream: Mix sour cream, chili powder, lime juice, and a pinch of kosher salt in a small bowl.
7. Assemble Tacos: Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips. Place the chicken on warm tortillas, top with pico de gallo, guacamole, and a drizzle of spiked sour cream. Garnish with jalapeño slices, fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges and hot sauce.

Enjoy these flavorful tacos with a burst of wood-fired taste and a variety of fresh toppings!

Insights and Tips

1. Marination is Key: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
2. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the pico de gallo and guacamole to enhance the overall taste.
3. Customize Your Tacos: Feel free to add other toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, or pickled onions to customize your tacos to your liking.