Street-Style Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema

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

Juicy grilled chicken tacos with smoky chipotle seasoning and a cooling cilantro-lime crema that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. This mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, chipotle powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pound 1 lb boneless chicken thighs to 1/2-inch thickness. In a bowl, mix 1 tbsp chipotle powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp avocado oil. Rub evenly over chicken and marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are charred.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, blend 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1 tbsp lime juice until smooth for the crema.
  4. Step 4: Warm 12 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 15 seconds per side. Slice chicken into thin strips and assemble tacos with 2-3 strips, a dollop of crema, and a squeeze of lime.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately with extra lime wedges and cilantro for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Street-Style Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Street-Style Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Street-Style Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema?

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 Street-Style Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema 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 Street-Style Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema?

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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