Charred Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

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

Zesty grilled chicken marinated in chili and lime, served in warm tortillas topped with a fresh cilantro and cabbage slaw. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs chicken thighs, boneless skinless, chili powder, lime juice 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tsp chili powder, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, toss 2 cups shredded cabbage with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tbsp honey until well combined and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken and a generous spoonful of cilantro slaw on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 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 Charred Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro 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 chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro 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 Charred Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro 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 Charred Chili-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro 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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