Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cabbage Slaw

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

Juicy chicken thighs marinated in smoky chipotle and lime, served in warm corn tortillas with a refreshing cabbage slaw. This mexican ready in about 40 minutes pairs Chicken thighs, Lime juice, Chipotle powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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.

★ 4.1 (11 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat 1.5 pounds chicken thighs dry and season with 1 teaspoon chipotle powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and toss to coat.
  2. Step 2: Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, prepare slaw: In a bowl, combine 4 ounces thinly sliced cabbage, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, 1 tablespoon lime juice, and 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro. Toss to combine.
  4. Step 4: Slice chicken into strips and serve with warm corn tortillas, a generous portion of cabbage slaw, and extra lime wedges.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cabbage Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (10 min prep + 30 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 Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cabbage 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 chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cabbage 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 Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cabbage 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 Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cabbage Slaw?

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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