🌮 Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
🍽️ Serves: 4
⏱️ Total Time: ~35 minutes (plus marinating time)
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
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1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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3 tbsp olive oil
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Juice and zest of 2 limes
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
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1 tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp chili powder
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½ tsp paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for a kick)
For Serving:
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Tortillas (flour or corn, warmed)
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Shredded cabbage or lettuce
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Avocado slices or guacamole
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Sour cream or Mexican crema
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Cotija or shredded cheese
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Extra chopped cilantro
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Fresh lime wedges
🔪 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
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In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix all marinade ingredients.
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Add chicken and coat well.
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Marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours for best flavor.
2. Cook the Chicken:
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Heat a skillet, grill, or grill pan over medium-high heat.
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Remove chicken from marinade and cook for:
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5–6 minutes per side for thighs
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4–5 minutes per side for breasts
(or until internal temp hits 165°F / 74°C)
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Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or chop.
3. Assemble the Tacos:
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Layer sliced chicken into warm tortillas.
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Top with your choice of:
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Shredded cabbage or lettuce
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Avocado or guac
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Sour cream or crema
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Cheese
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Fresh cilantro
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A squeeze of lime juice
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🌶️ Optional Add-Ons:
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Pickled red onions
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Mango or pineapple salsa for a sweet-tangy contrast
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Hot sauce or chipotle mayo for heat
📝 Tips:
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Chicken thighs = juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work great too.
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Want to meal prep? Marinate and grill the chicken ahead, then reheat and assemble tacos throughout the week.
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Don’t skip lime zest — it adds a punch of bright flavor!
Let me know if you’d like a sheet pan version, a slow cooker variation, or a side dish like Mexican street corn or cilantro lime rice!
