Latin-Inspired Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw

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

Tender shredded chicken tacos topped with a crisp cilantro-lime slaw and a drizzle of creamy sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. This latin american-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika 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: 25 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Rub 2 chicken breasts with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place the chicken on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until cooked through and juices run clear.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1 minced jalapeño in a bowl. Toss well and set aside.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1 tsp honey to make a creamy sauce.
  5. Step 5: When chicken is done, shred it using two forks.
  6. Step 6: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by layering shredded chicken, a generous spoonful of cilantro-lime slaw, and a drizzle of the creamy sauce on each tortilla. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Latin-Inspired Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Latin-Inspired 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 Latin-Inspired 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 Latin-Inspired 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 Latin-Inspired Chicken Tacos with Cilantro-Lime Slaw?

Latin American 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.

Related recipes