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Three-Ingredient Grilled Chicken
By Alexandra Stafford
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Last Updated: 08/22/2025
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
No time? No problem. Marinating this chicken takes no more than five minutes, and it yields incredibly flavorful meat, delicious on its own or well suited for chopping up and throwing into salads, wraps, sandwiches, and more.
A few years ago, I shared my updated recipe for making tacos, a recipe that evolved considerably from its origins, one that called for a few packets of taco seasoning, an ingredient I never imagined purchasing. Today, I make a double batch of those tacos every other week, and every time I tear open one of those little packets, I am so grateful for their existence.
My latest favorite use for taco seasoning is this grilled chicken. Here’s my formula: 1 packet of chicken thighs (about 2 lbs.), 1 packet of taco seasoning, and a few tablespoons of olive oil. It takes no thought or time, and it produces perfectly seasoned meat, delicious on its own or great for chopping up and using in tacos, wraps, salads, sandwiches, etc. I usually marinate 2 packets of thighs at a time, and I use it over the course of two days.
When you find yourself pressed for time (or not) but want to make a flavorful meal for your friends or family, this is the recipe to reach for. Of course, its success relies on the quality of the taco seasoning, and I’ve included a few of my favorite brands as well as reader favorite brands in the recipe box below.
Three-Ingredient Grilled Chicken, Step by Step
Gather your ingredients: taco seasoning, chicken thighs, oil. You can use breasts, but I prefer thighs.
Place the chicken in a large bowl, sprinkle with taco seasoning: I use 1 packet of taco seasoning (about 3.5 tablespoons) per one package of thighs (roughly 2 lbs. of meat) and 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
Toss to coat:
Cover the bowl and let marinate in the fridge for as short as 1 hour and as long as 48 hours:
Preheat your grill. I preheat for roughly 20 minutes — you want it above 500ºF.
Clean your grates, then lay your chicken on them.
Close your grill… the temperature will have dropped. Grill for 4 to 5 minutes depending on the size of the thighs…
… then flip, cover, and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes a side.
Transfer to a plate to cool for at least 5 minutes; then serve:
Three-Ingredient Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 12 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Made with three ingredients — olive oil, taco seasoning, and chicken — this recipe comes together in no time, and is so incredibly flavorful.
Notes:
- Taco Seasoning: My favorite is the Whole Foods 365 brand Mild, but I also love the Simply Organic brand. With the 365 brand, I don’t need to add any salt; with the Simply Organic brand, I finish with a little salt to taste — post grilling. It is important to experiment with various brands to learn their salt content — you may or may not need any salt depending on the brand. A few other Reader favorite taco seasoning brands suggested on this post include: The Spice House, Penzey’s, and Siete Foods.
- Chicken: I prefer thighs, but you can use breasts if you prefer.
- Recipe doubles well, so don’t be afraid to scale up as needed.
Ingredients
- 1 package of boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 2 lbs.), see notes above
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of taco seasoning, see notes above
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken in a large bowl. Sprinkle the taco seasoning and olive oil over it. Toss until the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the fridge for 1-48 hours. You can also grill the chicken immediately if you are pressed for time.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill to high for roughly 20 minutes — you want it to be at roughly 525ºF when you start. Clean your grates if you haven’t already, then re-cover the grill and let it get back up to at least 525ºF before proceeding. Lay the chicken on the grates, cover, and grill for 4 to 5 minutes. Uncover, flip the chicken, and grill for another 4 to 5 minutes or until cooked through. Remove the chicken, and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. (Note: as noted above, depending on the brand of taco seasoning you are using, you may or may not need any salt. Taste the chicken post grilling and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if necessary.)
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: chicken
- Method: grill
- Cuisine: American
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
58 Comments on “Three-Ingredient Grilled Chicken”
As a full time working Mom with two young children and a spouse who is frequently gone, I find three ingredient recipes with a spice packet I already have in my house *extremely relevant.* 😁 Plans for dinner tonight are made! Thank you for being my guide to cooking food that is always exactly as fussy as it needs to be and never more. 💛
well said
Cait… thank you 💕 My husband travels frequently as well, and on those days/nights/weeks never am I more grateful for packets of taco seasoning and simple recipes, which prevent me from resorting to takeout, and which everyone loves.
I love a good spice blend, and there are some excellent ones out there. I am in for this recipe! (phooey to the critical commenter on the earlier post, and her snark). Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you, Claire! There really are some excellent blends out there… again, better than I could make, so why not? xoxo
This is my go to Mexican chicken recipe!
Also, I never understand why people waste their time and energy with comments like the one you mentioned. I appreciate you continuing to share your awesome posts with us despite the haters. Thanks!!
I don’t know either, Katy! And thank you… means a lot 💕
Ali, contrary to what the other reviewer stated, I love the idea of a simple recipe for everyday chicken I can throw on the grill or a cast iron pan. I cook for a living, and while I don’t often use spice mixes, I do ‘love’ a good cheat (especially if the ingredients are good) and I will get some of those taco seasoning packets this weekend. One of my favorite chicken marinade ‘cheat’ is the Trader Joe’s chimichurri, so flavorful!!! So keep sharing your wonderful recipes, even if it is discovering a good spice packet. There is room for both in everyday cooking! Enjoy the long weekend, mine may include making this chicken!!!
Thank you, Susanna! I agree: there is room for both in everyday cooking! And thank you for sharing the TJ’s chimichurri cheat! I am in PA for a soccer tournament but there is a TJ’s right near our hotel, and I am planning on hitting it up before heading home tomorrow morning. I’ll look for it!
Try the Zhoug from TJ’s! I was worried that it would be too spicy for my kids when I brushed it on swordfish before grilling but it ended up being very mild. Maybe it would be more potent when you marinade for longer but it’s good. Definitely using the chimichurri going forward!
Will do! I’ve heard good things from someone else about this, too, and I have been meaning to try. Thank you for the reminder!
I’ve only commented before on recipes I have made (and I’ve not made this—yet) but it must be said: taco spice packets are LIFE. I love this because I’ve never used them this way! Can’t wait to make this easy delicious chicken because your recipes are a staple in my kitchen. Some might even say relevant! And PS our favorite taco spice packet is Siete! Not organic but delicious flavor and great ingredients! Love your recipes Ali!
Taco spice packets are LIFE!! Thank you, Christina 🙂 I actually bought a packet of the Siete taco spice in anticipation of posting this recipe but I have yet to try it… I will this week. The one I bought has nutritional yeast in it, which I love and which I am so curious to experience in a marinade. Thank you for your kind words 💕
Love this simple recipe.
Can you help by giving me baking instructions please, I am aware that the grill is superior, but I won’t be able to do that regularly. And this has potential goal to be a weeknight dinner.
You could broil it for the same 4-5 minutes per side if you don’t have a grill or if it’s not grilling weather. Just preheat the grill for a few minutes.
Great tips, Miriam! Thank you 🙂
Hi! Miriam’s broiling tip is great. Preheat your broiler for at least 15 minutes — I think this is key when broiling. You can place the chicken on a rack (like a cooling rack) and you can line the sheet pan with foil for easy cleaning — the rack can go in the dishwasher afterwards. Broil for 5-6 minutes a side.
As a full-time working mother, with a spouse who also works full-time and two young children-this is the recipe I need. Quick and easy and yummy! Thank you as always! ❤️
Thank you, Kathleen 💕💕💕
Brilliant! I like Penzey’s taco seasoning, too 🙂
I need to order some! I’ve heard good things 🙂
And LOL went to set this up to grill tomorrow or next day … and had no taco seasoning! So am using the Penzey’s Turkish seasoning … this is such a great recipe for using what you have :0
My favorite part about people who leave comments like that is that nothing is stopping them from using their own spice blend. Admittedly, I use some recipes just as guides and make adjustments that work for me. As an example, I’m not a fan of canned cream of mushroom soup so I make my own and freeze it. But I have better things to do than go around and shame people who are giving me FREE content. It’s recipes such as yours that maybe simple but are things that maybe I didn’t think about myself. As always, you don’t disappoint. Now off to marinate some chicken!
Right?! I don’t understand the shame piece either. So unnecessary. Also, I love that you make your own canned cream of mushroom soup! I know I would love this. Thank you for writing and thank you for your kind words.
Sra, ALEXANDRA…estoy en argentina….recibi todas las recetas de PIZZA SCHOL…y no se como felicitarla por la extraordinaria explicacion que dio.
Por supuesto que ya hice la masa para una pizza alta hidratacion y la cocine en el horno air frayer…salio todo EXTRAORDINARIO…nuevamente la felicito y agradezco sus detallada e inteligente explicacion.
YOUR VERY TRULI. JUANQUI.
Me alegra mucho oír esto. Gracias!
Delish. Made it with 6 thighs and one pack of the Whole Foods taco seasoning.
So easy.. Will be going into the rotation this summer.
Great to hear, Michelle! Thanks so much for writing 🙂
Good recipe! . . . It works great with a skewer of shirmp too!
Great to hear, Terry! Love this idea 🙂
Ha! Thanks for the great idea, you’re still relevant to me! All hail shortcuts for very busy home cooks who make almost everything from scratch.
Thank you, Sarah 🙂 🙂 🙂
Fabulous recipe! Thank you. Not only delicious but I broke a bone a week ago and have a cast on my left wrist. This recipe was totally achievable. Grateful x 2 !!
Awww so sorry to hear about the broken bone! Glad this recipe was achievable. Thanks so much for writing 🙂
Ali, Thank you for another delicious recipe! So easy and flavorful…and quick! Can’t wait to serve when my children and grandchildren come home this summer-it will be a hit!
I’m so happy to hear this, Diane! Thanks for writing and sharing this. Enjoy your family this summer 🙂
Do you think I can grill it in a grill pan on the stove?
Thanks!
Yes! I’ve done this 🙂
A Winner! Sooo delish. Everyone wanted the recipe. All you have to do is follow the simple recipe. Easy Peasy Pleaser. (I made the Italian chopped salad as the side and it too was a hit).
Thanks Ali!
Great to hear JJ! Thanks so much for writing 🙂 So glad the salad was a hit, too.
This was perfect. I’m in Canada so I used Cholula taco seasoning and it worked well. I’d love it if you shared more simple marinades like this (without chopping or grating) for crazy times. Until now, my one ingredient marinade for chicken thighs is baba ghanoush. I’m thrilled to have a completely different option to switch it up.
Great to hear, Heather! I didn’t know Cholula made a taco seasoning! I will look for it as Cholula is our hot sauce of choice around here 🙂 And I love the idea of using baba ghanoush as a marinade. I’ve never thought to do that, but I will try. Noted re more simple marinades 🙂
Made this with a packet of Trader Joe’s taco mix…was a bit too spicy for my taste but my husband daughter loved it! Would make again with half a packet…thanks for the easy dinner recipe! Love it! Served with your red pepper salad dressing on fresh greens! Wonderful!
Great to hear, Laura! Thanks so much for writing and sharing these notes. So glad you liked the salad, too 🙂
This was delicious! I’m a city-dweller with only two people in my household, so here’s how I adapted it:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 scant Tbsp taco seasoning (I like to keep a jar of it around – the Burlap & Barrel one is awesome, and we currently have one from Frontier Co-Op with no salt, so I used that)
1 1/2 tsp Diamond Crystal kosher salt (obviously less for other brands, and if the taco seasoning has salt use less, as you said)
1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil
The night before, I whisked the oil and seasonings in a big bowl and added the chicken, stirring until it was evenly coated. Then I covered and stashed it in the fridge and brought to room temp before cooking.
I preheated the air fryer to 380F and used the metal rack for maximum air flow (not just the grate – the rack lifts the food up a few inches) and cooked it for 15 minutes – no flip necessary.
It was fantastic!! Quick and so flavorful. The chicken got a little charred and crispy on the outside but perfectly cooked inside.
We’d never thought to use taco seasoning before (brilliant! thank you for suggesting!), but some of our favorite variations on this theme are shawarma, ranch, Italian, and pretty much any other seasoning blend you can think of or make. The ones from Trader Joe’s are really good, and we love Burlap & Barrel, Penzey’s, Spice House, blends from the local Middle Eastern grocer… I’m sure there are others that just aren’t coming to mind at the moment. It’s such a smart way to get great flavor with minimal effort.
Thank you – please keep the simple recipes coming!
So great to read all of this, Wendy! Thanks so much for writing and sharing all of these notes — so helpful for others who buy taco seasoning in larger quantities as opposed to the packets and for those looking to scale the recipes back. So appreciate you taking the time to share all of this. I’ll keep the simple recipes coming 🙂
I can’t find the Father’s Day list that is supposed to be associated with the link that I clicked. It takes me directly to a recipe and not to the Father’s Day gift ideas.
Hi! So sorry… here you go: https://vector-hatch.live/2025/06/07/fathers-day-gift-guide-9-ideas/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I don’t have taco blend but will try this with a random mix of what I have on hand that sorta tastes like taco seasoning. Thanks for giving us “forgot to marinate” people permission to do it last minute.
It’ll be great. Yep, green light to prepare last minute 🙂
This is a great recipe! We had the most flavorful chicken tacos ever and two dinnersworth in the freezer. I buy Penzy’s taco seasoning which is what I will use in the future for this (I was out). Easy peasy!
Great to hear, Melissa! Thanks so much for writing and sharing these notes 🙂
This is a perfect recipe! I had used up all the taco seasoning, but I wanted to try this, so I used the 4-3-2-1 rub from an Epicurious recipe from many years ago. I often add some finely ground coffee to mine as well ala Trader Joe’s barbecue rub, which no longer seems to be available. It worked well, and I thought I would share in case anyone else is out of taco seasoning.
Great to hear, Roberta! Thanks so much for writing and sharing these notes. I had not heard of that rub, and now I’m excited to try it.
So easy and very delicious. We sliced the thighs and served with corn tortillas, homemade tomatillo salsa, sour cream and cilantro onion Serrano topping. With chipotle spiked pinto beans
YUM! Great to hear, Suzanne 🙂 Thanks so much for writing and sharing this.
Finally made this tonight and will make it again and again. So tasty and easy. Happy to have leftovers. I see some tacos ahead for lunch! Thanks for another winner, Ali.
Great to hear, Leslie! Thanks so much for writing and enjoy those tacos!!🌮🌮🌮