Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in fresh cilantro and lime, served in warm tortillas topped with tangy pickled onions and creamy avocado. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, fresh cilantro, chopped, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

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.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour marinade over them, turning to coat all sides. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: While chicken marinates, prepare pickled onions by combining 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1 tbsp granulated sugar, and 1 thinly sliced medium red onion in a small bowl. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side. Slice grilled chicken into strips and divide among tortillas. Top with pickled red onions and slices from 1 large ripe avocado. Serve with 4 fresh lime wedges for squeezing over tacos.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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 cilantro, chopped from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion 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 Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Pickled Red Onion?

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.

Related recipes