Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in chili and lime, served in warm tortillas with a fresh cilantro slaw. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, lime juice, chili powder 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, trimmed boneless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups, shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime zest
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
- Step 3: While chicken marinates, prepare the slaw by combining 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion in a bowl.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, mix 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest. Pour this dressing over the slaw and toss to combine thoroughly.
- Step 5: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred.
- Step 6: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 7: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
- Step 8: Assemble tacos by placing sliced chicken on tortillas and topping with generous amounts of cilantro slaw. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chili-Lime Grilled 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 Chili-Lime Grilled 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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Lime Grilled 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 Chili-Lime Grilled 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?
Mexican chicken 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.
