Name: Ghost Pepper Chicken Tacos – Spicy, Smoky & Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1½ tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp cumin; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½–1 tsp ghost pepper powder (start small—very hot!)👉 Or use 1–2 tsp ghost pepper hot sauce for easier control.; 2 tbsp lime juice; 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotles in adobo, optional for smokiness); 8 small flour or corn tortillas; Toppings (cooling + creamy recommended): Diced avocado or guacamole; Shredded cabbage or lettuce; Pineapple salsa or mango pico de gallo; Cilantro; Crumbled queso fresco or cotija; Lime wedges

Description

If you crave bold, blazing flavor that doesn’t compromise on balance, then Ghost Pepper Chicken Tacos are your answer. These tacos bring together succulent chicken marinated in zesty citrus and smoky spice, then elevated with the heat of ghost pepper powder (or ghost pepper hot sauce) and finished with creamy, cooling toppings like avocado, shredded cabbage, and fresh lime. The result? A fiery bite followed by soothing relief—and all wrapped in a warm tortilla for taco-night glory.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
2 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½–1 tsp ghost pepper powder (start small—very hot!)
👉 Or use 1–2 tsp ghost pepper hot sauce for easier control.

For the Marinade:

2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotles in adobo, optional for smokiness)

For the Tacos:

8 small flour or corn tortillas
Toppings (cooling + creamy recommended):
- Diced avocado or guacamole
- Shredded cabbage or lettuce
- Pineapple salsa or mango pico de gallo
- Cilantro
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija
- Lime wedges

Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, honey, vinegar, and adobo sauce.
Add all dry spices and ghost pepper powder/hot sauce.
Add the chicken, toss to coat, and marinate at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

2. Cook the Chicken

Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until internal temperature hits 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop method: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

3. Warm the Tortillas

Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over open flame for 10–15 seconds per side until slightly charred.

4. Assemble the Tacos

Layer cabbage, sliced chicken, salsa, avocado, and cheese.
Finish with fresh lime and cilantro.

Notes

Turn up the heat with these fiery Ghost Pepper Chicken Tacos! Packed with bold flavor and a spicy kick, they’re perfect for adventurous eaters who love a little thrill in every bite. Serve with cooling toppings like avocado or sour cream to balance the heat.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilled
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tacos
Calories: 390

Keywords: Spicy Chicken Tacos, Ghost Pepper Tacos, Hot Chicken Tacos, Fiery Chicken Tacos, Extreme Spicy Tacos