Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in smoky chipotle and zesty lime, served on warm tortillas with a refreshing cilantro slaw for a vibrant taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 30 minutes turns pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, tablespoons fresh lime juice, tablespoons olive oil into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tablespoons minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, tossing to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the cilantro slaw by mixing 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion in a medium bowl.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 teaspoon honey, then pour over the cabbage mixture. Toss to combine and chill until serving.
  5. Step 5: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  7. Step 7: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing sliced chicken on each tortilla and topping with a generous spoonful of cilantro slaw.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro 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 Grilled Chipotle-Lime Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw?

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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