Sautéed Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro Lime Slaw

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

Tender chicken strips sautéed with warm spices, nestled in soft tortillas and topped with a crunchy, tangy cilantro lime slaw. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, ground cumin, 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: In a bowl, toss 1 lb sliced chicken breasts with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey in a bowl. Toss well to create a fresh slaw.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable (about 30 seconds each).
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by spreading 1 tbsp sour cream on each tortilla, adding a portion of the sautéed chicken, and topping with a generous scoop of cilantro lime slaw. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Chicken Tacos with Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Tacos with Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Tacos with Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Tacos with Fresh 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 Sautéed Chicken Tacos with Fresh 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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