If you’re searching for a showstopper that brings sunshine to your table no matter the season, look no further than this Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe. Juicy grilled chicken thighs soak up a punchy, citrusy marinade, while juicy fresh peach salsa delivers a sweet and spicy kick with every bite. Every element comes together in a warm tortilla for the kind of crowd-pleasing meal that leaves you thinking, “I wish I made a double batch.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe is that it relies on simple, wholesome ingredients, each playing a vital role. From zesty lime and aromatic cilantro to sweet peaches and smoky paprika, these ingredients are easy to find but downright essential for flavor, texture, and those gorgeous, summery colors.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs): Thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for grilling and slicing.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Acts as the base for the marinade, ensuring the chicken stays moist and tender.
- Juice and zest of 2 limes: Lime brightens everything up and infuses every bite with citrusy zing.
- Chopped fresh cilantro (¼ cup + 2 tablespoons): Adds fresh, herbal notes to both the chicken and salsa, tying the dish together.
- Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh garlic brings a subtle kick without overpowering the marinade.
- Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Earthy, warm, and classic for that taco flavor we crave.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds depth and just a whisper of smokiness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balance and enhance all the vibrant flavors.
- Small corn or flour tortillas (8): Choose your favorite—both work beautifully as a soft taco vessel.
- Ripe peaches, diced (2): Juicy peaches are the star of the salsa, providing lush sweetness.
- Red onion, finely chopped (½ small): For a pop of color and a bit of bite in the salsa.
- Jalapeño, seeded and minced (1): Adds gentle heat; feel free to adjust the amount for your spice preference.
- Juice of 1 lime: For more tang in the salsa, making each spoonful incredibly refreshing.
- Salt to taste: Essential for perking up the salsa and tying all the flavors together.
How to Make Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, lime juice and zest, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This vibrant marinade is where the chicken picks up all its incredible flavor. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Let the chicken soak in these flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for even more punch.
Step 2: Prepare the Fresh Peach Salsa
While the chicken marinates, make your peach salsa. In a small bowl, gently mix together diced peaches, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt. The peaches will release their juice, mingling beautifully with the lime and jalapeño for a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy bite. Pop the salsa into the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the bowl and let any extra marinade drip off. Grill the chicken thighs for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they’re deeply golden, slightly charred in spots, and cooked all the way through. Rest the chicken on a cutting board for 5 minutes so those juices stay locked in, then slice into strips.
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
Don’t skip this step! Warming your tortillas—either in a dry skillet, wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave, or directly over a gas flame—makes them soft, pliable, and brings out their flavor. Keep them wrapped in a kitchen towel until you’re ready to assemble.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
To build your Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe, pile the sliced grilled chicken onto each warm tortilla, then spoon a generous helping of peach salsa on top. Every taco should look bright, juicy, and absolutely irresistible. Serve right away so you get that perfect combination of hot, cool, and fresh.
How to Serve Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of tasty garnishes can take your Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe to the next level. Try a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Fresh cilantro leaves and a squeeze of lime always make a taco look restaurant-worthy, too.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve your tacos alongside light and lively sides. Classic Mexican rice, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple black bean salad all pair wonderfully. If you want something even more refreshing, a side of crisp jicama sprinkled with lime and chili powder is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your presentation by serving the tacos family-style on a large platter, so everyone can build their own. Or, for parties, make mini street taco versions as appetizers. If you’re feeling creative, turn the components into a vibrant taco salad or tuck the chicken and salsa into lettuce cups for a gluten-free twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extras, store the sliced chicken and peach salsa separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken keeps for up to 3 days, while the peach salsa is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak freshness and texture.
Freezing
The grilled chicken from the Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or store in freezer bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. The peach salsa, however, is best made fresh—freezing can make the peaches soggy and the herbs lose their brightness.
Reheating
To reheat chicken, simply warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts until heated through. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s thawed completely for even reheating. Remember to warm tortillas fresh each time for the best taco experience!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner option, just be careful not to overcook it so it stays juicy. You may want to marinate a bit longer for extra tenderness.
Is the peach salsa spicy?
The peach salsa delivers a gentle heat thanks to the jalapeño, but you can always adjust the spice level. For more heat, leave in some jalapeño seeds; for less, simply use half or omit it altogether.
Can I make this Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe ahead for a party?
Yes! Marinate your chicken and make the salsa a few hours ahead. Grill the chicken before guests arrive, then slice and rewarm if needed. Assemble tacos when you’re ready to serve so everything stays fresh and vibrant.
What’s the best way to choose ripe peaches for the salsa?
Look for peaches that yield slightly to gentle pressure and smell fragrant. Avoid overly hard or mushy peaches. Ripe, juicy peaches bring out the best in this recipe’s bold, sweet-tangy salsa.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just choose corn tortillas rather than flour tortillas, and be sure your spices are labeled gluten-free if that’s important for your diet.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fresh, flavor-packed, and just plain fun to eat, you’ll love making—and devouring—the Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe. Every bite is bursting with sunshine and good vibes, perfect for sharing with friends, family, or anyone who appreciates a truly stellar taco night. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to summer favorite!
Print
Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa are a perfect blend of flavors, featuring marinated grilled chicken topped with a refreshing peach salsa. Ideal for a summer meal, these tacos are bursting with zesty and fruity notes that will delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- juice and zest of 2 limes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
Peach Salsa:
- 2 ripe peaches (diced)
- ½ small red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced)
- juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- salt to taste
Additional:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice and zest, cilantro, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Peach Salsa: Mix diced peaches, red onion, jalapeño, lime juice, cilantro, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until serving.
- Grill the Chicken: Cook marinated chicken on a grill or skillet for 5–6 minutes per side. Rest, then slice into strips.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, fill with chicken strips, and top with peach salsa.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a creamier taco, add sour cream or avocado slices.
- The peach salsa also complements grilled shrimp or pork.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
