Chipotle-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

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

Smoky chipotle-marinated grilled chicken served in warm corn tortillas topped with a zesty cilantro-lime slaw. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 52 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, fresh 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.

★ 4.4 (8 ratings) Prep: 40 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp lime zest until well combined and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or skillet for 30 seconds each side until pliable and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing sliced chicken on tortillas and topping with cilantro-lime slaw. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 52 minutes (40 min prep + 12 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 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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

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

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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