How to Create Smoky Grilled Chicken and Peach Salsa Tacos
Tacos are one of the most delicious and versatile meals you can make. They’re fun to eat, easy to customize, and perfect for gatherings or a quick weekday dinner. Today, we’re making smoky grilled chicken and peach salsa tacos, a dish that combines savory, smoky chicken with sweet, juicy peaches. The flavors are fresh, bold, and perfect for taco night! Best of all, it’s surprisingly simple to make.
Ready to cook? Let’s jump into the recipe step by step!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the grilled chicken:
– 1 pound (450 grams) of boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon chili powder (optional for spice)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Juice of 1 lime (or lemon)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For the peach salsa:
– 2 ripe peaches (or nectarines), diced
– 1 small red onion, finely chopped
– 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (optional for spice)
– Juice of 1 lime
– A handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt, to taste
For assembling the tacos:
– 8 small corn or flour tortillas
– Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, avocado slices, sour cream, or queso fresco
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade
To achieve that smoky flavor, start by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, mix the smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil and lime juice, stirring everything together until it forms a smooth paste.
Next, rub the spice mixture all over the chicken until it’s evenly coated. Place the chicken in a dish or large zip-top bag and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, letting it marinate for longer—up to 4 hours—will make the flavor even deeper.
Step 2: Make the Peach Salsa
While the chicken marinates, you can whip up the peach salsa. This fresh, fruity topping is what makes these tacos extra special.
Dice your peaches into small, bite-sized pieces. The sweetness of ripe peaches contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken. Chop the red onion finely, mince the jalapeño if you’re using it, and add them to a bowl along with the peaches.
Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and sprinkle in a little salt to bring out the flavors. Add the chopped cilantro and gently stir everything until well combined. Taste your salsa and adjust the salt or lime juice as needed. Let it sit in the fridge while you finish the chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Time to grill the chicken! If you have an outdoor grill, preheat it to medium-high heat. If you don’t, you can use a stove-top grill pan or even a regular frying pan.
Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates or your pan to prevent sticking. Cook the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until it’s fully cooked and has a nice char. To check doneness, slice into the thickest part; the chicken should have no pink inside.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle so the chicken stays moist and flavorful. Slice or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for your tacos.
Step 4: Warm Your Tortillas
Warm tortillas make all the difference when it comes to tacos. You can heat your tortillas directly on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side. This helps them become soft and pliable. If you prefer, you can wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave them for 20-30 seconds.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! Take one warm tortilla and add a generous scoop of the smoky grilled chicken. Top it off with the fresh peach salsa. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some optional toppings like shredded lettuce, avocado slices, sour cream, or crumbled queso fresco.
Fold the taco and enjoy the magic—a perfect bite filled with smokiness, sweetness, and crunch.
Tips for Success
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Pick ripe peaches. The salsa depends on the natural sweetness of the peaches, so make sure they’re ripe and juicy. If peaches aren’t in season, substitute with nectarines or even mangoes.
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Get smoky flavor without a grill. If you don’t have a grill, you can mimic the smoky taste by adding a touch of liquid smoke to your marinade.
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Don’t skip the lime juice. Lime juice adds brightness that ties everything together. If you’re out of lime, lemon works as a substitute.
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Make it your own. Tacos are about flexibility, so feel free to adjust the spice levels or add extra toppings like hot sauce, shredded cheese, or pickled onions!
Conclusion
Smoky grilled chicken and peach salsa tacos are a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. The smoky, spicy chicken pairs beautifully with the sweet and citrusy peach salsa, creating a taco full of balanced flavors.
Whether you’re hosting friends or cooking dinner for your family, this recipe is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, full of fresh ingredients, and incredibly delicious. So grab your grill (or pan), some tortillas, and get ready for taco night!
Have fun cooking, and enjoy every bite! 🌮
