Yes, it’s that time of the year- Fiesta Time. With Cinco de Mayo around the corner, it gives me the perfect excuse to indulge myself with these Tacos. Last year, I had to make something for my son to take to his Cinco de Mayo celebration. This year, they are not having a potluck; they are celebrating with tacos. It’s going to be a catered event… and I’m not even invited. If you have something planned this weekend and want to switch it up, may I suggest these chicken tacos?
Recipe Ingredients
I’m going to celebrate with these spicy and sweet jerk tacos here. I know you might have a bunch of tacos already planned out. However, this would be one more to add to your repertoire, summer is around the corner. (Ok, let’s be truthful here, I already had my celebration this weekend with tropical flavors). Yeah! And, there is always Taco Tuesdays. Who doesn’t love tacos? These Jerk Tacos are quick and easy but tastes like you spent the whole day in the kitchen. For this recipe, you’ll only be needing the following:
Chicken Marinade
boneless skinless chicken thighs, breasts, or both salt and pepper to taste lemon juice garlic Jerk seasoning (see my Homemade HERE) soy sauce (optional) green onions
Jerk Mayo Sauce
mayonnaise (see my How to Make Mayonnaise HERE) lemon juice Jerk seasoning hot sauce Worcestershire sauce
Grilled Chicken
The grilled chicken is made with dry Jerk seasoning (don’t forget to check out my AWESOME homemade version HERE) fortified with lemon juice, fresh garlic, and soy sauce. I got carried away and forgot I was making tacos and almost ate the whole chicken, without the fixings. Yep! IT IS that good! The flavors from the marinade seep right through every inch of the meat. For best results, I highly encourage you to marinate it overnight. But if you’re pressed with time, an hour of marinating would do the trick. You can cook this chicken over the grill or on a grill pan on medium-high heat. Just keep an instant thermometer handy though. If its internal temperature reads 165 degrees F, then you’re all set.
Can I Make-Ahead the Sauce?
Yes, you sure can! Simply mix all the ingredients and put it in an airtight container and into the fridge. This should be good for about 3 days. Feel free to leave out the hot sauce or adjust it especially when serving this to the kids. You’ll definitely fall in love with the flavor combo in this sauce.
Taco Toppings
For the taco toppings, you can actually use whatever you prefer. In this recipe, I paired it with mango salsa for a little bite and color. And of course, avocados. I love Avocados and they are a great addition here. Plus who can’t resist the avocados sales around this time! The beauty of tacos is that the possibilities are endless when it comes to toppings. So go with what rocks your boat after all it is fiesta time! For other fixings, see this list below:
Grilled Pineapple Black Bean Salsa Pico de Gallo Easy Homemade Guacamole Shredded Lettuce Shredded Cheese
Other Crowd-Pleasing Recipes to Explore
Indian Fry Bread Oven Baked Jerk Chicken Chicken Tostadas Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels
How to Make Grill Jerk Chicken Tacos
Heat grill, grill pan, or skillet on medium-high heat. Then add the chicken to the pan; grill for about 8 or more minutes on each side or until done. Use an instant thermometer – internal chicken temperature should read 165 degrees F. Let the chicken rest 15 minutes before slicing. Place the chicken on a cutting board. Cut chicken into ¼-inch-thick slices or desired shapes. Serve with the Jerk mayo sauce, tortillas, and tacos condiments.
Jerk Sauce
Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl, adjust seasonings to taste. Tightly cover and keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This can be made a day ahead.
