Houston Downtown Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Zesty street-style tacos featuring grilled chicken and a cooling lime crema, ready in 20 minutes. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 25 minutes pairs boneless chicken breasts, lime juice, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Slice 1 lb boneless chicken breasts into 1/2-inch thick strips. In a bowl, mix with 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken strips for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, turning occasionally.
  3. Step 3: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 20 seconds per side until pliable.
  4. Step 4: Mash 1 medium avocado with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro and 1 tbsp lime juice to make a smooth crema.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp crema on each tortilla, adding chicken strips, then topping with 1/4 cup finely diced red onion.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Houston Downtown Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Crema 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 Houston Downtown Tacos with Cilantro-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 boneless chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Houston Downtown Tacos with Cilantro-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 Houston Downtown Tacos with Cilantro-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 Houston Downtown Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Crema?

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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