Crispy Chicken Tacos with Lime Cabbage Slaw

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

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.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 580 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

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.

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