Chili-Infused Chicken Tacos with Lime

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

Tender chicken marinated in chili spice, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh lime. This mexican ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.

★ 4.4 (10 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1.5 pounds chicken thighs, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 cup lime juice, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Mix well to coat and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing chicken on tortillas, topping with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro per serving, and squeezing lime juice over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Infused Chicken Tacos with Lime take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 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 Chili-Infused Chicken Tacos with Lime?

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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Infused Chicken Tacos with Lime?

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 Chili-Infused Chicken Tacos with Lime 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 Chili-Infused Chicken Tacos with Lime?

Mexican mexican 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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