// May 24, 2025 Jump To Recipe

No time? No problem. Marinating this chicken takes no more than five minutes, and it yields incredibly flavorful meat, delicious on its own or well suited for chopping up and throwing into salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more.

A few years ago, I shared my updated recipe for making tacos, a recipe that evolved considerably from its origins, one that called for a few packets of taco seasoning, an ingredient I never imagined purchasing. Today, I make a double batch of those tacos every other week, and every time I tear open one of those little packets, I am so grateful for their existence.

My latest favorite use for taco seasoning is this grilled chicken. Here’s my formula: 1 packet of chicken thighs (about 2 lbs.), 1 packet of taco seasoning, and a few tablespoons of olive oil. It takes no thought or time, and it produces perfectly seasoned meat, delicious on its own or great for chopping up and using in tacos, wraps, salads, sandwiches, etc. I usually marinate 2 packets of thighs at a time, and I use it over the course of two days.

When you find yourself pressed for time (or not) but want to make a flavorful meal for your friends or family, this is the recipe to reach for. Of course, its success relies on the quality of the taco seasoning, and I’ve included a few of my favorite brands as well as reader favorite brands in the recipe box below.

Gather your ingredients: taco seasoning, chicken thighs, oil. You can use breasts, but I prefer thighs.

Place the chicken in a large bowl, sprinkle with taco seasoning: I use 1 packet of taco seasoning (about 3.5 tablespoons) per one package of thighs (roughly 2 lbs. of meat) and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.

Toss to coat:

Cover the bowl and let marinate in the fridge for as short as 1 hour and as long as 48 hours:

Preheat your grill. I preheat for roughly 20 minutes — you want it above 500ºF.

Clean your grates, then lay your chicken on them.

Close your grill… the temperature will have dropped. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes depending on the size of the thighs…

… then flip, cover, and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes a side.

Transfer to a plate to cool for at least 5 minutes; then serve:

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