Downtown Amarillo Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in chili and lime with fresh toppings, served in warm corn tortillas for a vibrant street-food style taco. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh lime juice, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  5. Step 5: Warm 12 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken, 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 4 thinly sliced radishes, and 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese on each tortilla. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Downtown Amarillo Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos 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 Downtown Amarillo Chili-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 fresh lime juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Downtown Amarillo Chili-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 Downtown Amarillo Chili-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 Downtown Amarillo Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos?

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.

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