Effortless and delectable Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos topped with zesty coleslaw and homemade avocado crema create an ideal EASY summer dish! Bursting with fresh flavors and nutritious components!
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Let’s chat about grilling season! When summer comes to mind, I instantly envision BBQs, pool gatherings, and firing up the grill; these cilantro lime chicken tacos are a wonderfully flavorful recipe to enjoy with your friends and family this season. With their vibrant colors and fresh flavors, your friends will surely appreciate it! Just don’t forget to add a margarita or two.
Why You’ll Adore this Recipe
- A nutritious and scrumptious meal full of flavor that can be ready in under 30 minutes!
- The cilantro lime marinade is AMAZING and infuses these tacos with so much taste.
- You’ll also love the luscious avocado crema and tangy coleslaw, but you are welcome to use any toppings that suit your preference!
Ingredients You’ll Require
- chicken – for this recipe, you will need 1 1/2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts or boneless skinless thighs.
- olive oil – this will be used to coat your shrimp and vegetables, and I recommend utilizing a quality olive oil that doesn’t have to be costly—just ensure it’s cold-pressed and organic for the best flavor.
- limes – fresh lime juice and zest are necessary for this marinade. The lime provides a wonderful, fresh flavor to the tacos—always opt for fresh lime juice instead of the bottled variety.
- honey – adds a hint of sweetness and helps balance the tangy flavors; you may also substitute maple syrup or another natural sweetener.
- garlic – fresh garlic provides the best flavor, but if you have only garlic powder, one teaspoon can be used instead.
- cilantro – contributes a wonderfully fresh and flavorful aspect to the marinade.
- tortillas – I opted for flour tortillas for these tacos, but corn tortillas are also excellent if you need a gluten-free option or have a preferred style.
- toppings – these incredible tacos are topped with a creamy avocado crema and zesty coleslaw (recipes below!), but you could also add fresh pico de gallo, guacamole, crumbled cotija cheese, and even more fresh cilantro.
The creamy avocado crema is a tried-and-true recipe of mine, featured in this salad as well. It’s one of my favorites and pairs exceptionally well atop these tacos! I added just a bit more hot sauce than usual because I wanted a good kick, but feel free to adjust to your spice preference.
How to Prepare Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
- Create the marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, honey, and cilantro until well mixed.
- Marinade the chicken. Place the chicken into a sizable ziplock bag and pour the marinade over, ensuring the chicken is well coated. Cover and marinate for around 4 hours to overnight.
- Prepare the coleslaw. While the chicken marinates, mix cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt, and incorporate with the slaw mixture.
- Make the avocado crema. In a food processor or high-powered blender, blend the avocado, garlic, cilantro, yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, sriracha, and salt/pepper until smooth. While the motor runs, slowly drizzle in the olive oil and water until achieving the desired smoothness.
- Grill the chicken. Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan over medium heat and add the marinated chicken breasts. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt and grill for about 4 to 5 minutes per side until juices run clear. Move the chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures they remain juicy!
- Assemble the tacos. Slice or shred the chicken and serve with tortillas, coleslaw, and avocado crema along with your chosen toppings.
Why You’ll Love this Coleslaw
Let’s discuss this incredibly simple coleslaw! It’s crunchy, flavorful, and contributes stunning color to the tacos—making it essential for this recipe. If you desire a creamy coleslaw, this may not be your style, but I’ve kept it healthier by tossing it with a little olive oil, lime juice, and zest with a hint of honey and allowing those flavors to meld just before serving. Simple, easy, and delicious! This is also my go-to slaw for topping burgers and sandwiches, or even adding to salads for a delightful crunch.
How to Serve
These cilantro lime chicken tacos are delightful on their own, but here are some of my favorite sides (and cocktails) to enjoy with them, particularly when entertaining friends!
How to Store Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken in a sealed, airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Store any leftover toppings separately in containers for up to 5 days. Reheat chicken in a skillet on the stovetop or microwave until warm.
More Taco Recipes
More Mexican Recipes
I hope you all enjoy these Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos! If you adore this recipe as much as we do, please leave me ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny! I love seeing all your mouthwatering recreations!
For the marinade:
For the coleslaw:
For the avocado crema:
Place the chicken into a large ziplock bag or bowl.
To create the marinade, whisk together the lime juice, zest, olive oil, garlic, honey, and cilantro until blended, then pour over the chicken ensuring it is completely covered. Seal and marinate chicken for about 4 hours to overnight.
To prepare the coleslaw, mix cabbage, carrots, green onions, and cilantro in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, honey, and salt, then toss with the slaw mixture.
For the avocado crema, combine the avocado, garlic, cilantro, yogurt, lime juice, sriracha, and salt/pepper in a food processor and pulse until blended. With the motor on, gradually add the olive oil and water until smooth and the desired consistency is achieved.
To grill the chicken, preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and add in the marinated chicken breasts. Sprinkle lightly with salt and grill for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side until juices flow clear. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep them juicy!
To create the tacos, place the chicken within a tortilla and top with slaw and a drizzle of the avocado crema. Serve with a fresh squeeze of lime and delight in!
Serving: 2tacos | Calories: 407kcal | Carbohydrates: 60.8g | Protein: 31.8g | Fat: 20.4g | Saturated Fat: 5.5g | Sodium: 1.182mg | Fiber: 3.1g | Sugar: 4.3g
Nutrition info is automatically calculated, so it should only serve as an approximation.
**Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Marinade: A Flavorful Celebration for Your Palate**
When discussing tacos, few combinations are as enticing as succulent, marinated chicken complemented by fresh, vibrant toppings. Chicken tacos featuring cilantro lime marinade exemplify how straightforward ingredients can come together to create a dish overflowing with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a taco night, preparing meals for the week, or simply desiring a colorful and satisfying recipe, this dish is bound to become a beloved option in your kitchen.
### The Wonders of Cilantro Lime Marinade
The key to unforgettable chicken tacos resides in the marinade. A cilantro lime marinade is a perfect mix of tangy, herbal, and slightly spicy elements that soak into the chicken, enriching its flavor. The primary components include:
– **Cilantro**: This herb imparts a fresh, citrusy brilliance to the marinade, harmonizing beautifully with lime and spices.
– **Lime Juice and Zest**: Lime juice provides acidity that tenderizes the chicken while adding a zesty punch. Lime zest boosts the citrus aroma and flavor.
– **Garlic**: Fresh garlic lends a savory richness that enhances the other items.
– **Olive Oil**: This helps evenly coat the chicken, preserving moisture during cooking.
– **Spices**: Cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and a dash of cayenne pepper infuse warmth and a subtle smokiness.
– **Honey or Agave**: A hint of sweetness counterbalances the acidity of the lime and the spices’ warmth.
Combining these ingredients produces a marinade that not only tenderizes the chicken but ensures that each bite is laden with robust, vibrant flavor.
### Preparing Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Marinade
#### Ingredients:
For the marinade:
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– Juice and zest of 2 limes
– 3 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– 1 teaspoon honey or agave syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
For the tacos:
– 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
– 8-10 small corn or flour tortillas
– Toppings: diced avocado, chopped red onion, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, sliced jalapeños, and fresh lime wedges
#### Instructions:
1. **Create the Marinade**: In a medium bowl, whisk the cilantro, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, honey, salt, and pepper until blended.
2. **Marinate the Chicken**: Place the chicken in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.
3. **Cook the Chicken**: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. **Assemble the Tacos**: Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Fill each tortilla generously with sliced chicken. Top with preferred taco items like diced avocado, chopped red onion, shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
5. **Serve and Enjoy**: Arrange the tacos on a platter and serve immediately. Pair with sides such as Mexican rice, black beans, or a refreshing cucumber salad for a complete meal.
### Tips for Perfect Chicken Tacos
– **Select the Right Cut**: Chicken thighs are ideal for tacos due to their juiciness, but chicken breasts are a suitable leaner option.
– **Avoid Over-Marination**: While marinating is vital for flavor, excessive marination (over 4 hours) can overly break down proteins, resulting in a mushy texture.
– **Adjust the Heat**: Modify the cayenne pepper amount or include diced jalapeños in the marinade for spicier tacos.
– **Prepare Ahead**: Chicken can be marinated and cooked beforehand, then reheated when ready to assemble the tacos.
### Why Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos Are a Favorites
Cilantro lime chicken tacos are a flexible offering that