Grilled Chicken Tacos with Pickled Jalapenos

This casual, light, California-style taco dinner is about bold, fresh flavors and make-ahead ease. The pickled jalapenos and simple cabbage slaw can—and should—be prepared several hours or a day ahead. Then all you need to do is pan-grill the chicken tenders and warm the tortillas just before mealtime.

For other taco recipes, check out Fish Tacos with Spicy Olive and Green Apple Slaw and Braised Beef Soft Tacos with West Texas Red Sauce.

Tip: Use any leftover pickled jalapenos to top grilled burgers or taco salads.

Makes 8 tacos

Ingredients

For the Pickled Jalapenos

• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup fine salt
• 8 jalapenos sliced into thin rings
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed and peeled
• 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper

Jalapenos and Brine Mixture 

Sliced Jalapenos

For the Tacos

• 3 tbsp white balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tbsp sugar
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 3 cups shredded napa cabbage
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
• 1-1/4 lbs chicken breast tenders
• olive oil, for brushing
• 8 6-inch flour tortillas, warmed

Slaw Ingredients

Preparation

For the Pickled Jalapenos

1. Combine both vinegars, sugar, and salt in a large saucepan and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sugar and salt dissolve. 
2. Add the jalapeno slices, garlic, and black pepper and return to a light simmer. Cook 2 minutes. Remove from the heat, cover, and steep 1 hour.
3. Pour the mixture into a glass bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 4 hours (or overnight). Drain and remove garlic before serving.

Jalapenos in Brine

Jalapenos after Steeping 1 Hour

Slaw (recipe below) and Pickled Jalapenos

For the Tacos

1. Combine the vinegar, lime juice, and sugar in a small bowl, whisking to dissolve the sugar. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Combine the cabbage, scallions, and cilantro in a medium bowl. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and stir well to combine. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or overnight).

Slaw Dressing

Slaw Mixture

1. Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and grill until golden and just cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Remove to a cutting board and let rest 3 minutes. Cut into bite-sized pieces.

Chicken Beginning to Grill

Grilled Chicken Tenders

Serve the chicken with slaw, jalapenos, and tortillas and let your guests build their own tacos.

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Pickled Jalapenos