Popular Street-Style Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in smoky spices served in warm corn tortillas topped with a fresh tangy cilantro lime slaw. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, olive oil, chipotle 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: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While the chicken marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro in a bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 1 tsp honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until smooth. Pour dressing over cabbage mixture and toss until well combined.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken slices for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and warm.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the grilled chicken evenly among the tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately for a popular street-food inspired meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Popular Street-Style Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 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 Popular Street-Style 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 thinly sliced chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Popular Street-Style 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 Popular Street-Style 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 Popular Street-Style 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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