Harlingen-Style Quick Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy spiced chicken strips served in warm corn tortillas topped with a refreshing cilantro lime slaw for a fast and flavorful taco experience. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs into thin strips. In a bowl, toss with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp honey. Toss until the slaw is evenly coated and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds until pliable. Divide cooked chicken evenly among tortillas, top with cilantro lime slaw, and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Harlingen-Style Quick Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Harlingen-Style Quick 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-Style Quick 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-Style Quick 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-Style Quick 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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