Taco-Style Grilled Chicken with Lime-Cilantro Slaw
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in smoky spices paired with a crisp lime and cilantro slaw for vibrant tacos or bowls. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 40 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 330 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
- 4 (about 1.5 lbs) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 1/2 small, thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro leaves
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 20 minutes.
- Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups thinly sliced green cabbage, 1/2 thinly sliced red onion, 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp honey. Toss well to create a bright, tangy slaw.
- Step 4: Serve the sliced grilled chicken topped with the lime-cilantro slaw in tortillas or over rice for a fresh taco-style meal.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Taco-Style Grilled Chicken with Lime-Cilantro Slaw take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Taco-Style Grilled Chicken with Lime-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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Taco-Style Grilled Chicken with Lime-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 Taco-Style Grilled Chicken with Lime-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 Taco-Style Grilled Chicken with Lime-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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