Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos

Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos

PAIRING

The deep, fruit-forward profile of the classic red acts as a perfect cooling agent for the light char on the chipotle chicken. Plus, the bright, citrusy acidity from the lime juice, pico de gallo, and cotija cheese mirrors and lifts the orange and lemon in the wine. It’s a flawless balance of smoke, spice, and sweetness.

 

THE RECIPE

Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 15 mins Yield: 6 tortillas

Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lime juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced, plus 1 tbsp of the adobo sauce
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt

To Assemble:

  • 6 corn tortilla shells
  • 1 cup refried black beans, warmed
  • 2 cups shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • 1 large avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese
  • 4 radishes, thinly sliced
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges (for serving)
  • Optional: Smoky chipotle crema (Greek yogurt or sour cream mixed with a touch of adobo sauce)

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, and salt. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  2. Grill: Pre-heat your grill or a grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and you have nice char marks.
  3. Rest & Chop: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then chop or shred it.
  4. Assemble: Spread a spoonful of warmed black beans onto each tortilla shell. Add the shredded lettuce, then top with a generous pile of the grilled chicken.
  5. Garnish: Top with avocado slices, crumbled cotija, radishes, cilantro, and a drizzle of chipotle crema (if using).
  6. Serve: Add a squeeze of fresh lime right before eating.

In the Glass: Perfect Red Sangria

  • The Base: Joaco's Sangria
  • The Mix: Deeply chilled and poured over large ice cubes.
  • The Garnishes (As seen in the photo):
    • Orange slices (essential citrus bridge)
    • Fresh blackberries and raspberries (mirrors the label and berry profile)