Today, I broke into my Blackstone Air Fryer & Grill Combination and came up with this beautiful and delicious recipe for dinner! Blackstone Griddle Mojo Chicken Tacos.
They’re unique, and they cook up so quickly. I was going to pair them with a side of air fryer asparagus, but by the time the chicken was done cooking (in less than 4 minutes), I was too late.
If you don’t know what this grill is all about, it’s a built-in air fryer and grill all in one. So, while you use the grill, you can also use the air fryer below in one of the three air fryer baskets. It’s the best of both worlds, especially since summer is coming.
Blackstone Chicken Tacos
Blackstone Chicken Tacos offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the rich flavors of marinated chicken with the unique cooking technique provided by the Blackstone griddle. This method allows for an even, high-heat cooking surface that perfectly chars the chicken, infusing each bite with an irresistible smoky flavor. The chicken becomes tender, juicy, and flavorful and marinated in a blend of spices, lime juice, and garlic. Once perfectly cooked, it’s sliced thinly and served on warm, slightly charred tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, a squeeze of lime, and your choice of salsa or guacamole, these tacos bring a vibrant array of flavors and textures to the table. Perfect for a casual outdoor gathering or a simple family dinner, Blackstone Chicken Tacos are sure to become a go-to recipe for anyone looking to spice up their taco night with a touch of outdoor grilling finesse.
Why You Will Love Chicken Tacos On Blackstone
- Even Cooking: The Blackstone griddle provides a large, flat surface that ensures even cooking and perfect charring of the chicken, giving you that irresistible smoky flavor in every bite.
- Versatility: With the Blackstone, you’re not just limited to chicken; you can simultaneously cook various toppings and tortillas, making it easy to customize your tacos to everyone’s liking.
- Outdoor Cooking Fun: Cooking on a Blackstone griddle allows you to enjoy the outdoors and engage with your family or guests while preparing the meal, turning cooking into a social event.
- Easy Cleanup: The Blackstone’s smooth surface makes cleaning up after cooking a breeze, especially compared to traditional grills or kitchen stovetops.
- Fast and Efficient: The high heat and large cooking area of the Blackstone mean you can cook a large batch of chicken tacos in less time, perfect for feeding a crowd quickly and efficiently.
- Flavorful Results: The direct contact with the griddle’s hot surface sears the chicken beautifully, locking in juices and enhancing the marinade’s flavors for deliciously flavorful tacos.
- Healthier Option: Cooking on the Blackstone allows excess fat to drip away from the chicken, resulting in lighter, healthier tacos without sacrificing taste.
These reasons highlight why making Chicken Tacos on a Blackstone griddle is a convenient and enjoyable cooking experience and yields deliciously satisfying results that everyone will love.
Ingredients Needed For Blackstone Griddle Chicken Tacos
Crafting Chicken Tacos on a Blackstone Griddle is an adventure in flavor and simplicity, blending the ease of griddle cooking with the rich tastes of Mexican cuisine. This recipe calls for a handful of ingredients to create a dish bursting with flavor, color, and texture. Whether you’re serving up a family dinner or entertaining guests, these ingredients ensure your chicken tacos are not only mouthwateringly delicious but also a crowd-pleaser.
Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.
- Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or pounded to even thickness. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender meat that’s easily flavored with your choice of marinade.
- Mojo Marinade or Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a bright, acidic touch to the chicken, tenderizing it and adding a zesty flavor that complements the taco seasoning.
- Tortillas: Use small, soft corn or flour tortillas as the base of your tacos. Warm them on the grill for a few seconds on each side to make them pliable and toasty.
- Pickled Onions: The sharp tanginess and slight sweetness of pickled onions cut through the richness of the chicken, adding a vibrant burst of flavor and a crunch that brightens each bite. Their bold color also adds visual appeal to the tacos, making them even more enticing.
- Shredded Cabbage: Adding a handful of finely shredded cabbage to your tacos introduces a delightful crunch and a fresh, slightly peppery taste that complements the savory chicken. Its crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the soft tortillas and tender meat, while its mild flavor absorbs the spices and dressings, tying all the taco components together harmoniously.
- Salsa Verde, Salsa, or Pico de Gallo: A spoonful of your favorite salsa or fresh pico de gallo introduces a juicy kick that rounds out the taco’s flavors.
- Olive Oil: A bit of oil helps to marinate the chicken, ensuring the spices adhere well and the chicken doesn’t stick to the skillet.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Or add your favorite poultry seasoning.
How To Make Chicken Tacos Blackstone
Making Chicken Tacos on a Blackstone Griddle transforms a simple meal into an outdoor cooking experience, allowing the flavors to shine through perfectly cooked chicken and charred tortillas. Here’s how to make them:
Start by preheating the Blackstone on medium heat for a couple of minutes. Then, toss your chicken tenders in 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season your chicken tenders with salt and black pepper.
Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping the chicken a few times during cooking. The exact time will depend on how big your chicken tenders are. Mine were bite-sized.
Toss with the mojo marinade and add to the Blackstone Griddle for about a minute or two.
Heat the tortillas in the microwave or grill, then pile on your toppings. I added up some pickled onions and shredded cabbage and drizzled some salsa verde on top.
Recipe Variations
Blackstone Griddle Chicken Tacos are incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous adaptations to suit any taste preference. Here are some recipe variations to spice up your taco nights:
- Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos: Marinate the chicken in a mixture of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil before grilling. This will give your tacos a smoky heat and deep, robust flavor.
- BBQ Chicken Tacos: Brush your cooked chicken strips with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of grilling. The sauce will caramelize beautifully on the hot griddle, adding a sweet and tangy twist to your tacos.
- Citrus Herb Chicken Tacos: Marinate the chicken in a blend of orange and lime juices, cilantro, mint, and a touch of honey. This variation offers a refreshing, herbaceous flavor that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Hawaiian Chicken Tacos: Top your grilled chicken with a salsa made from diced pineapple, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño. The sweet and spicy combination brings a tropical flair to your taco lineup.
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos: After grilling, toss the chicken strips in buffalo sauce and serve with a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing. This variation is perfect for those who love their tacos with a bit of a kick and creamy dressing.
- Mediterranean Chicken Tacos: Season your chicken with a mixture of oregano, garlic, and lemon zest before grilling. Serve with a topping of diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
- Asian Fusion Chicken Tacos: Marinate the chicken in soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Serve with a slaw of red cabbage, carrots, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, drizzled with a sweet and spicy Sriracha mayo.
- Vegetarian “Chicken” Tacos: For a vegetarian option, use grilled marinated tofu or a plant-based chicken substitute following the same preparation methods. This ensures everyone can enjoy taco night regardless of dietary preferences.
Each of these variations on Blackstone Griddle Chicken Tacos brings its own unique set of flavors and textures, proving that with a bit of creativity, the possibilities for customizing your tacos are endless. Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet, spicy, tangy, or savory, there’s a taco variation here to satisfy your cravings.
Pro Tips
Cooking chicken tacos on a Blackstone griddle can produce deliciously juicy and flavorful tacos. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Preheat the Griddle: Before cooking, preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and develops a nice sear.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken with your preferred taco seasoning or a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. You can also marinate the chicken beforehand for extra flavor. Ensure the chicken is patted dry before placing it on the griddle to prevent excess moisture.
- Oil the Griddle: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the griddle, lightly oil the surface. Use an oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil or canola oil. Use a brush or paper towel to coat the griddle with oil evenly.
- Sear the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken on the preheated griddle and let it sear for a few minutes on each side until it develops a golden brown crust. Avoid moving the chicken too frequently to allow proper searing and browning.
- Maintain Proper Heat: Once the chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low to continue cooking without burning the exterior. This will help ensure the chicken cooks evenly and remains juicy inside.
- Cook Until Fully Done: Continue cooking the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the chicken. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Rest and Slice: After removing the chicken from the griddle, allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and juicy meat. Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces, ready to be assembled into tacos.
- Toast Tortillas: For that extra touch of flavor, quickly toast the tortillas on the griddle. Place them directly on the hot surface for a few seconds on each side until they become slightly charred and pliable.
- Assemble Your Tacos: Now it’s time to assemble your chicken tacos. Load the tortillas with the grilled chicken and your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, onions, avocado slices, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Don’t forget your favorite salsa or sauce for added flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once your tacos are assembled, serve them immediately while they’re still warm. Enjoy the delicious combination of perfectly cooked chicken and flavorful toppings.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating mouthwatering chicken tacos on your Blackstone griddle. Happy cooking and savoring your homemade tacos!
Faqs
Can I use frozen chicken for making tacos on a Blackstone Griddle? Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it must be fully thawed before you cook it on the Blackstone Griddle. Thawing ensures even cooking and optimal flavor. Always pat the chicken dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning and grilling.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the griddle? Ensure your Blackstone Griddle is well-seasoned and preheated before adding the chicken. Lightly oiling the griddle surface and the chicken can also help prevent sticking. If your griddle is seasoned correctly, the chicken should release easily once it’s seared.
What’s the best way to clean the griddle after cooking? While the griddle is still warm (but not hot), scrape off any leftover food particles with a griddle scraper. Then, wipe it down with a cloth or paper towel moistened with water or a mild detergent solution. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to protect the surface until next use.
Can I make the tacos gluten-free? Yes, to make gluten-free Blackstone Griddle Chicken Tacos, simply use gluten-free tortillas and ensure that your taco seasoning and any additional sauces or toppings are gluten-free.
How can I make my chicken tacos spicier? Increase the heat by adding more chili powder or cayenne pepper to your seasoning mix, incorporating diced jalapeños or other hot peppers into your toppings, or using a spicy salsa. Adjust according to your heat tolerance.
What are some healthy topping options for these tacos? Healthy toppings include diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado slices, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. These add freshness, texture, and additional nutrients without a lot of calories.
Can I prepare the chicken in advance for quicker meal prep? Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before grilling. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken more deeply, resulting in more flavorful tacos.
How do I keep the tacos warm if I’m cooking for a crowd? Wrap the cooked tacos or just the warmed tortillas in aluminum foil and place them in a low oven (around 200°F) to keep warm while you finish cooking. Alternatively, a tortilla warmer is an excellent tool for keeping tortillas warm on the table.
Can I use other parts of the chicken besides breasts for the tacos? Yes, chicken thighs are a great alternative to breasts for tacos. They’re juicier and more flavorful due to their higher fat content. Just ensure they’re cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How long can I store leftover chicken taco filling? Leftover cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat it on the Blackstone Griddle or in a microwave until it’s hot throughout before serving.
More Easy Blackstone Recipes
- AIR FRYER CHEESY BREAKFAST TACOS
- FABULOUS DESSERT- AIR FRYER CHERRY CHEESECAKE TACOS
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Blackstone Griddle Chicken Tacos
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup mojo marinade
- 8 regular tortillas, flour or corn
- 1 cup pickled onions
- 1 cup cabbage, shredded
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
- Salt & Black Pepper To Taste
Instructions
- Start by preheating the Blackstone on medium heat for a couple of minutes. Then toss your chicken tenders in about 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season your chicken tenders with salt and black pepper.
- Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, flipping the chicken a few times during the cooking process. The exact time will depend on your big your chicken tenders are. Mine were bite-sized.
- Toss with the mojo marinade and add back to the griddle for about a minute or two.
- Heat the tortillas in the microwave or on the grill, and then pile on your toppings. I added up some pickled onions, shredded cabbage, and drizzle on some salsa verde on top.
- Plate, serve and enjoy!
Equipment
- Blackstone Griddle
- Cooking Oil, i.e., olive oil, etc.
Nutrition
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