Bold Spiced Chicken Tacos with Citrus Slaw

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Flavorful chicken tacos paired with a crunchy citrus slaw for a bright and fun street food experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken strips for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until cooked through and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage with 1 tsp orange zest, 2 tbsp fresh orange juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Toss to combine and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering cooked chicken strips and a generous scoop of citrus slaw, then drizzle with 1/4 cup sour cream before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Bold Spiced Chicken Tacos with Citrus Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Bold Spiced Chicken Tacos with Citrus Slaw?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Bold Spiced Chicken Tacos with Citrus Slaw?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Bold Spiced Chicken Tacos with Citrus Slaw for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Bold Spiced Chicken Tacos with Citrus Slaw?

Mexican tacos & burritos like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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