Quick Mexican Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Juicy chicken strips seasoned with smoky spices, served in warm tortillas topped with a vibrant cilantro lime slaw for a fresh and fast taco dinner. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 20 minutes pairs thinly sliced chicken breast, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, thinly sliced chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups, thinly shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb thinly sliced chicken breast and toss with 2 tbsp olive oil and the spice mix until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken strips for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Step 3: In another bowl, combine 2 cups thinly shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1 tsp honey. Toss well to create a tangy cilantro lime slaw.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Assemble tacos by placing cooked chicken strips in each tortilla and topping with the cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Quick Mexican Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Quick Mexican 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 Quick Mexican 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 Quick Mexican 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 Quick Mexican Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw?
Mexican 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.
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