Cilantro-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in a zesty cilantro-lime sauce, served in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings for a vibrant taco night. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs chopped fresh cilantro leaves, freshly squeezed lime juice, olive oil 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb thinly sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken slices for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable. Assemble tacos by layering grilled chicken, 1 small finely diced red onion, 1 medium sliced avocado, and 1/2 cup sour cream.
  5. Step 5: Serve tacos with 4 lime wedges to squeeze over just before eating.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 min prep + 10 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 Grilled Chicken Tacos?

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 chopped fresh cilantro leaves from drying out.

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

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 Grilled Chicken Tacos 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 Grilled Chicken Tacos?

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.

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