Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in smoky spices served in warm corn tortillas topped with a zesty cilantro lime slaw for refreshing crunch. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 55 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, smoked paprika 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Step 2: While chicken marinates, prepare the slaw by mixing 2 cups shredded green cabbage, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp honey, and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño until evenly coated; refrigerate.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the edges char slightly.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable and lightly charred.
- Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken and a generous spoonful of cilantro lime slaw onto each tortilla. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime 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 Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Tacos with 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 Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Tacos with 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 Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Tacos with 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 Tex-Mex Grilled Chicken Tacos with 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.
