Game Day Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema

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

Zesty chipotle chicken tacos topped with a cooling lime crema, perfect for a fun and flavorful game day meal. This Mexican-inspired taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, chipotle chili powder, ground cumin 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips with 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 2 tbsp olive oil. Toss well to coat evenly.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken strips for 6-8 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred on edges, stirring occasionally.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, whisk together 1/2 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a small bowl until smooth to make the lime crema.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds on each side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble the tacos by dividing the cooked chicken among the tortillas, topping with 1 cup shredded red cabbage, a drizzle of lime crema, and sprinkling with 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Game Day Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Game Day Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema?

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 chipotle chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Game Day Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema?

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 Game Day Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema 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 Game Day Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema?

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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