Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime Cabbage Slaw
Tender crispy chicken tacos topped with a zesty lime cabbage slaw and spicy chipotle crema. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs chicken thighs, tortillas, red onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 580 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- 8 tortillas
- 1 red onion
- 2 jalapeños
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 head cabbage
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo
Instructions
- Step 1: Season 1.5 lbs chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: For slaw: Shred 1/2 head cabbage and 1 diced red onion. Toss with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Refrigerate for 15 minutes.
- Step 3: For crema: Blend 2 tbsp chipotle peppers in adobo with 1/4 cup mayonnaise and 2 tbsp sour cream until smooth. Warm 8 tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. Fill with chicken, slaw, and a dollop of crema. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime Cabbage Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 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 Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime 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 Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime 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 Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime 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 Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime Cabbage 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★★★☆☆
Decent recipe but nothing special. Might try a different version.
