Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus with smoky chipotle, topped with a refreshing cilantro-lime slaw for vibrant tacos. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 1 tbsp minced chipotle in adobo sauce, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs and marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the slaw by combining 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 tsp lime zest, and 1/4 cup mayonnaise in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips. Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering tortilla with sliced chicken and topping with cilantro-lime slaw. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 Citrus-Marinated Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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.

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