Mediterranean Easy Grilled Chicken Tacos
These Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken tacos are packed with flavor and simple to make. The chicken is marinated in a creamy, tangy, slightly sweet mixture of coconut milk, lime, soy sauce, and honey, giving it a juicy, tender texture. Sliced red chilies add a hint of heat, while fresh toppings like onions, cilantro, and salsa verde create brightness and crunch. Perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, these tacos are versatile and crowd-pleasing.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk (or 1 cup)
1/4 cup lime juice (about 2 limes)
2 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp lime zest (optional)
1 red chili, sliced (optional)
Taco Assembly and Toppings
Corn or flour tortillas
Diced onions
Chopped cilantro
Salsa verde
Shredded lettuce
Diced tomatoes
Grated cheese
Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
In a bowl, combine coconut milk, lime juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic, onion, lime zest, and red chili. Mix well.
Add chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let sit at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour in the fridge for extra flavor.
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Brush the grill with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill.
Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until cooked through and slightly charred.
Let the chicken rest for 3–5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Warm tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
Assemble tacos: place chicken strips on tortillas, then top with diced onions, cilantro, lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and salsa verde.
Serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Tips
Marinate chicken for at least 10 minutes for quick flavor, or up to 1 hour for deeper taste.
Pat chicken dry before grilling to get better sear marks.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
For juicier chicken, use thighs instead of breasts.
Adjust red chili quantity to control spiciness.
Toast tortillas lightly for a better texture and flavor.
Reserve a small amount of marinade (uncooked) for brushing chicken after grilling.
Slice chicken against the grain for tender pieces.
Add avocado slices for creaminess.
Serve immediately; the grilled chicken is best hot and juicy.
Variations
Swap coconut milk with Greek yogurt for a tangy marinade.
Use lime juice plus orange juice for a citrus twist.
Add smoked paprika or cumin for more depth of flavor.
Substitute chicken with shrimp or firm fish fillets.
Make it spicy with chipotle peppers or chili powder.
Include roasted bell peppers or onions as extra filling.
Top with a dollop of tzatziki for Mediterranean flair.
Use whole wheat or low-carb tortillas for a lighter option.
Add pickled red onions for extra tang.
Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a taco bowl version.
Q&A
Can I make the marinade ahead? Yes, store in the fridge up to 24 hours.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling? Yes, bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, but monitor cooking to avoid dryness.
Can I make it vegetarian? Substitute with tofu or portobello mushrooms.
Is coconut milk necessary? It adds creaminess; Greek yogurt is a good alternative.
Can I make it less sweet? Reduce or omit honey/maple syrup.
How do I prevent tortillas from tearing? Warm them before assembling.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance? Yes, cook ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Can I make this spicy? Add more red chili or sprinkle chili flakes.
What toppings are essential? Onion, cilantro, and lime give the freshest flavor, but you can mix according to preference.
Nutrition
(Approx per taco)
Calories: 280–320
Protein: 25 g
Carbs: 20 g
Fat: 12 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Conclusion
These Mediterranean Easy Grilled Chicken Tacos are juicy, flavorful, and quick to prepare. The coconut-lime marinade keeps the chicken tender while adding a subtle sweetness, and the fresh toppings create a perfect balance of texture and brightness. Perfect for weeknights, casual dinners, or entertaining, these tacos are versatile, satisfying, and easy to customize to your taste.