This straightforward Traeger Chicken Tacos recipe is flexible, flavorful, and ideal for meal prep. Tender chicken breasts are seasoned, smoked on a Traeger grill, then finished with salsa verde and cheddar for tacos with a crisp, smoky bite. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, packed lunches, or a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, this recipe delivers bright Mexican-inspired flavors with simple ingredients and minimal fuss.
Traeger Chicken Tacos
Traeger Chicken Tacos highlight the deep, smoky notes you get from pellet grilling. Chicken breasts are seasoned with a Mexican-style rub, smoked until juicy, then combined with salsa verde and cheddar cheese before being tucked into crunchy taco shells. The smokiness from the grill enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and pairs beautifully with the tang of salsa verde and the richness of melted cheddar.
This recipe emphasizes simplicity and versatility: you can use the grilled chicken as a taco filling, fold it into burrito bowls or salads, or portion it for weeknight meals. It scales well for batch cooking — grill several breasts at once, shred or chop the meat, and store portions in the refrigerator for quick reheats. The result is a convenient, protein-rich base that adapts to lunches, dinners, and casual entertaining.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Versatile for meal planning: Make a big batch and use the chicken throughout the week in tacos, bowls, and salads.
- Distinct smoky flavor: Smoking on a Traeger adds depth without complicated steps.
- Customizable: Swap toppings, adjust spice, or use soft tortillas instead of hard shells.
- Family-friendly: Mild, crowd-pleasing flavors that both adults and kids enjoy.
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Recipe Shopping List
Below are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe. For precise measurements and the printable recipe card, see the recipe card section further down.
- Chicken breasts
- Mexican-style rub (store-bought or homemade)
- Salsa verde
- Hard taco shells (or soft tortillas if preferred)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
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How To Make This Recipe
Here is a concise overview of the method. Follow the detailed recipe card below while cooking for exact times and measurements.
- Preheat: Heat your Traeger or pellet grill to 350°F.
- Season: Coat both sides of the chicken breasts with Mexican rub.
- Grill: Smoke the chicken about 6 minutes per side, or until an instant-read thermometer reads 165°F in the thickest part.
- Rest and chop: Let the chicken rest 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté: In a skillet, combine the chopped chicken with salsa verde and heat briefly to meld flavors.
- Assemble: Arrange hard shells upright in a baking pan, place some cheese in the bottom, fill with chicken, then top with more cheese.
- Finish: Warm the assembled tacos in the Traeger or oven until the cheese melts and shells are heated through; an air fryer works as well.
- Garnish: Add sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro before serving.
Try a smoked quesabirria recipe for another bold taco option
Recipe FAQ
Yes. Soft flour or corn tortillas work well if you prefer a softer texture. Adjust finishing time accordingly to keep tortillas warm without becoming too soft.
Absolutely. Grill the chicken ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat in a skillet with salsa verde when ready to serve. Avoid assembling hard-shell tacos in advance, as the shells will become soggy when reheated. Prepared chicken works great in salads, bowls, or soft tacos for lunches.
Serve This With…
- Mexican Rice: A classic, comforting side that pairs perfectly with tacos.
- Spanish Rice: Slightly bolder than basic Mexican rice, for extra flavor.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado adds richness and freshness.
- Bean Dip: A simple, savory appetizer to enjoy before the tacos.
Mexican-Inspired Recipes
- Blackstone Mexican Fried Rice
- Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
- Mexican Beef Stew
- Blackstone Mexican Pizza
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Smoked Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas
- Smoked Shredded Beef Enchiladas
- Traeger Steak Fajitas
- Blackstone Chicken Fajitas
- Braised Chicken Tacos
- Traeger Carnitas Taquitos
- Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
Traeger Chicken Tacos
Simple grilled chicken tacos made with smoked chicken breasts, salsa verde, and cheddar. Great for prepping ahead and easy to customize.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 6 chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons Mexican rub
- 1 cup salsa verde
- 18 hard taco shells (or soft tortillas)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 6 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat your Traeger or pellet grill to 350°F.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with the Mexican rub.
- Place the chicken on the grill and cook about 6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest for 10 minutes to retain juices.
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and sauté briefly with the salsa verde until heated through.
- Arrange taco shells upright in a baking pan. Place some cheese in the bottom of each shell, add the chicken, then top with remaining cheese.
- Warm the assembled tacos in the Traeger, oven, or air fryer until the cheese melts and the shells are heated.
- Garnish with sour cream, hot sauce, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories: 582 · Total Fat: 28g · Saturated Fat: 12g · Trans Fat: 1g · Unsaturated Fat: 12g · Cholesterol: 147mg · Sodium: 709mg · Carbohydrates: 30g · Fiber: 3g · Sugar: 3g · Protein: 49g