This simple Traeger Chicken Tacos recipe is a versatile and perfect for meal prep! This recipe not only offers incredible flavors but also flexibility for your weekly meal planning. With chicken breast as the star, cooked to perfection on your Traeger grill, these tacos bring a crispy, smoky flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether it’s for a quick dinner, a hearty lunch, or a gathering with friends, these chicken tacos are sure to be a hit.
Traeger Chicken Tacos
Traeger Chicken Tacos are all about bringing a smoky touch to this classic taco recipe. By cooking chicken breasts seasoned with a your favorite Mexican rub and then combining it with salsa verde, cheddar cheese, and a few other simple ingredients, you’ll get a meal that’s not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the smoky depth added by using a Traeger grill, enhancing the overall taste and experience.
The process begins with thoroughly seasoning the chicken breasts with a Mexican rub, ensuring every bite is flavorful. After grilling, the chicken is sautéed with salsa verde, introducing a flavorful and slightly spicy element that complements the grilled chicken beautifully. Assembled in crunchy taco shells with melted cheddar cheese, these tacos strike the perfect balance between texture and taste.
One of the best parts about this recipe is its adaptability. Whether you’re looking to make Chicken Burrito Bowls, Taco Salads, or enjoy them as is, the base of grilled chicken is versatile enough to fit any meal. Plus, if you cook in bulk over the weekend, you have a delicious protein ready to go, making weeknight dinners or work lunches a snap.
Why you’ll love this dish…
- Versatile Meal Planning: Perfect for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
- Smoky Flavor: The Traeger grill adds a unique, smoky flavor that we can’t get enough of!
- Customizable: Easily adjust toppings and sides to cater to all taste preferences.
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids, making dinner time a joy.
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Traeger Chicken Tacos shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Chicken Breasts
- Mexican Rub
- Salsa Verde
- Hard Taco Shells
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- Sour Cream
- Hot Sauce
- Cilantro
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How to make Grilled Chicken Tacos
Wondering what you’re getting yourself into when you make this dish? Here’s a quick overview of the process! Make sure you follow the instructions at the recipe card at the bottom of the post while you’re cooking.
- PreheatPreheat your grill to 350°F and season chicken breasts with Mexican rub.
- GrillGrill chicken for 6 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- SautéLet the chicken rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces and sauté with salsa verde.
- AssembleAssemble tacos with cheese, chicken, more cheese, and bake until the cheese melts and shells are warm.
- GarnishGarnish with sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro before serving.
Try our Smoked Quesabirria!
Grilled Crispy Chicken Tacos FAQ
Can I use a different type of taco shell?
Absolutely! Feel free to use soft tortillas or any other type of shell you prefer for a different texture.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
You can pre-cook the chicken breasts and keep them in the fridge before you’re ready to eat. Then, proceed with the quick sauté in the fry pan with the verde salsa to reheat, right before serving. You can also put the chicken and salsa in a microwave-safe container to make this for lunch. It goes great on top of a taco salad, or in a soft shell tortilla. I would not pre-assemble the tacos for later. The hard shells won’t hold up to a reheat.
Serve this with…
- Mexican Rice: A side of Mexican rice is perfect next to these tacos!
- Spanish Rice: A little more kick than the Mexican Rice above.
- Guacamole: Add a dollop of guacamole for a creamy, rich texture and a boost of flavor.
- Bean Dip: Chips have met their match with this delicious (and simple) dip!
More Great Mexican-Inspired Recipes to Love!
- Blackstone Mexican Fried Rice
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Mexican Beef Stew
- Blackstone Mexican Pizza
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Smoked Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Smoked Shredded Beef Enchiladas
- Traeger Steak Fajitas
- Blackstone Chicken Fajitas
- Braised Chicken Tacos
- Traeger Carnitas Taquitos
- Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
Homemade Salsas, Sauces, and Condiments
Traeger Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Mexican rub suggestions below
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 18 hard taco shells
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 6 tablespoons cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to 350°F.
- Season the chicken breasts with your Mexican rub on both sides.
- Place onto the grill and cook for 6 minutes. Flip and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Cut the chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces and place into a skillet with the salsa verde. Sauté for a couple of minutes.
- Place the tortillas into a cake pan upright. Place half the cheese into the bottom of the tortillas. Top with the chicken and the rest of the cheese.
- Place the pan into the Traeger or oven (or you can use an air fryer and skip the pan) and let cook just until the cheese is melted and the shells are warm.
- Top with the sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro.
- Serve hot.
