Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 4
Marinated in a vibrant blend of achiote, citrus, and spices, these Smoky Achiote Chicken Tacos bring the bold, earthy flavors of the Yucatán straight to your plate. The smoky-sweet marinade infuses every bite with depth, while fresh toppings like pickled onions and creamy avocado balance the heat. Wrapped in warm corn tortillas, these tacos are a fiesta of flavors!
Ingredients For Smoky Achiote Chicken Tacos
For the Chicken:
☑ 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs 🍗
☑ 2 tablespoons 🥄 achiote paste (or ground annatto) 🌶
☑ ¼ cup 🍊 orange juice (freshly squeezed)
☑ 2 tablespoons 🥄 lime juice 🍋
☑ 1 tablespoon 🥄 apple cider vinegar 🍏
☑ 2 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
☑ 1 teaspoon 🥄 ground cumin 🌿
☑ ½ teaspoon 🥄 smoked paprika 🌶
☑ 1 teaspoon 🥄 sea salt 🧂
☑ 2 tablespoons 🥄 olive oil 🛢
For the Tacos:
☑ Warm corn tortillas 🌽
☑ Pickled red onions 🧅
☑ Sliced avocado 🥑
☑ Fresh cilantro 🌿
☑ Lime wedges 🍋
👨🍳 Cooking Steps For Smoky Achiote Chicken Tacos
🔥 Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1️⃣ In a bowl, whisk together achiote paste, orange juice, lime juice, vinegar, garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and olive oil.
2️⃣ Coat the chicken thoroughly with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).
🔥 Step 2: Grill or Pan-Sear
1️⃣ Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2️⃣ Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and fully cooked.
3️⃣ Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into strips.
🔥 Step 3: Assemble & Serve
1️⃣ Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop.
2️⃣ Fill each tortilla with the sliced chicken, then top with pickled onions, avocado, and fresh cilantro.
3️⃣ Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish! 🍋
Juicy, smoky, and packed with citrusy goodness, these Achiote Chicken Tacos are a taste of the Yucatán! Whether you grill them outdoors or cook them on the stovetop, they’re guaranteed to bring bold, authentic flavors to your table.
🌍 Craving More Extreme Culinary Adventures? If you’re fascinated by rare and ancient food traditions, explore our guide to Jhal Muri: Kolkata’s Iconic Spicy Puffed Rice Snack! You Need to Try! with Indigenous Roots for the Adventurous Food Lover.
Discover rare culinary experiences at Good Food and More—where every recipe is a journey through heritage, craftsmanship, and unforgettable flavors.
