Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro Slaw

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken marinated in tequila and lime, topped with a crisp and tangy cilantro slaw for vibrant tacos. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, tequila, fresh lime juice 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While chicken marinates, combine 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/4 cup sour cream in a bowl. Toss well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by placing sliced chicken in each tortilla and topping with cilantro slaw. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Fresh Cilantro Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled 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 tequila from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Tequila-Lime Grilled 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled 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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