Garlic-Lime Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in garlic and lime, served in corn tortillas with homemade pico de gallo for a bright, fresh flavor. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 50 minutes pairs chicken breasts, garlic cloves, lime juice 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: 40 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 bowl, combine 1 lb chicken breasts sliced thinly with 4 minced garlic cloves, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare pico de gallo by mixing 2 diced medium tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 small minced jalapeño (seeded), 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/2 tsp salt in a bowl. Set aside.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken slices for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing the grilled chicken on each tortilla and topping with 2 tablespoons of fresh pico de gallo. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic-Lime Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Garlic-Lime Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo?

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 breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic-Lime Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo?

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 Garlic-Lime Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo 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 Garlic-Lime Chicken Tacos with Fresh Pico de Gallo?

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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