Spicy Magnolia Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro Slaw

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

Tender grilled chicken seasoned with bold Tex-Mex spices, served in warm tortillas with a crisp, tangy cilantro slaw inspired by Magnolia, Texas flavors. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, chili powder, ground cumin 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub evenly over 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and meat is nicely charred.
  3. Step 3: Combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 finely diced small jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Toss to create a fresh cilantro slaw.
  4. Step 4: Warm 12 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Slice grilled chicken into strips and divide evenly among tortillas. Top each taco with a generous spoonful of cilantro slaw and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Magnolia Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Spicy Magnolia Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro 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 chili powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Magnolia Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro 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 Spicy Magnolia Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro 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 Spicy Magnolia Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro Slaw?

Mexican chicken 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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