Harlingen-Inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

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

Soft corn tortillas filled with spiced shredded chicken and topped with a crisp cilantro-lime slaw, bringing a fresh twist to classic Tex-Mex street flavors. This mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Season 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.
  2. Step 2: Remove chicken from skillet and shred using two forks. Keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 small minced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon honey, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Toss until well mixed and slightly creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing shredded chicken evenly among tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of the cilantro-lime slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Harlingen-Inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 Harlingen-Inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Harlingen-Inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 Harlingen-Inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime 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 Harlingen-Inspired Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw?

Mexican mexican 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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