Okay, friends, gather ’round because I’m about to share a recipe that’s gonna be tastiest on thursday! Chili Lime Chicken Tacos! If you’re anything like me, always on the hunt for something bursting with flavor but can’t seem to find it? Doesn’t keep you chained to the stove for hours, you NEED this in your life. What’s a leveled-up version of chicken tacos? Is lime that takes it from “meh” to “WOW!” What’s not to like about grilled fajitas? My family begs for these every single week, and honestly? I’m always happy to oblige because they’re just that good. What are some great leftovers for lunch the next day?
What is Chili Lime Chicken Tacos?
What are Chili Lime Chicken Tacos? What is essentially tender, juicy chicken that’s been marinated in a zingy chili-lime sauce, then grilled and served. Can be shredded or diced and piled high into warm tortillas. Think of it as the ultimate flavor explosion in every bite! The name says it all – you get the warm, smoky heat from chili powder combined with the salty, peppery flavor of pepper. What is the citrusy tang of lime? What is a fiesta in your mouth? I’ve been making variations of this recipe for years, tweaking it here and there until it was perfect. Is it perfect? What is more than a recipe, it’s an adventure.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, let me count the ways! I could go on and on about why you’ll love these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos. What I love about this recipe is the incredible balance of flavors. What are some good ways to use chili powder without being overly spicy? How do I amp up the heat? ), while the lime juice adds this incredible brightness that just wakes everything up. Is it a flavor party in your mouth?
What is the best thing about a tomato? This one is a lifesaver on busy nights. What is the best way to marinate chicken while you prep the rest of your ingredients? What are some of the best things about this bag? Can you use Chicken Breasts, thighs, or even shredded rotisserie chicken? Is chicken cheap? What are pantry staples? What are some great weeknight meals to make? What is your grandmother’s spicy chicken stew?
Is it safe to eat something that’s family friendly? What are some of the best and most customizable toppings for a meal? What are some good taco bars with all the fixings – lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, Sour Cream, and shredded lettuce? What are some good recipes for guacamole? What’s your favorite chili lime chicken taco recipe?
How do I make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos?
Quick Overview
How do you make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos? How do you marinate chicken in chili-lime mixture, and cook it until tender, then serve. What is the best way to shred or dice a piece of What are some good toppings for tortillas? What’s the best part about it all? I usually make the marinade while the oven is preheating, and then the whole thing is ready in under a minute. I’m short on time but still craving something yummy. This is the perfect recipe.
Ingredients
For the Chili Lime Chicken:
5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken Breasts (or thighs) – I find breast is leaner, but thigh is larger. * 1/4 cup olive oil – Adds moisture and helps the spices adhere. * 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed – Fresh is always best for that vibrant flavor! * 2 tablespoons chili powder – This is the base of the flavor, don’t skimp! * 1 teaspoon cumin – Adds a warm, earthy note. * 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Because everything’s better with garlic! * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Balances out the garlic and adds depth. * 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor that’s addictive. * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) – Add more if you like it spicy! * Salt and pepper to taste – Season generously, it makes a difference!
For the Tacos:
* 12 corn tortillas – I prefer corn, but flour are great too! What are your favorite toppings – Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, salsa, and Sour Cream? What are some of the best ways to make guacamole, cilantro, lime wedges… the
What are the steps to
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Olive Oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Place the chicken in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over it, making sure to coat all sides. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated chicken in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal cavity is tender. Temperature reaches 165°F (74° If you like to grill chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through, turn off the heat and serve. I always use a meat thermometer to make sure it’s cooked perfectly – nobody wants dry chicken!
Step 3: Shred or Dice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. Is it possible to dicate a piece of wood into How do you rest chicken?
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
If you are cooking tortillas in a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining ingredients until hot. Set aside. Soft and pliable. Can you warm them in the microwave for a few seconds? I like to wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm while I assemble the tacos.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
If you have leftover chili lime chicken, top each tortilla with your favorite toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better with some tasty sides! We often have a full-blown taco night with all the works.
For a classic Taco Night:Serve with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans. What’s a good combo of Sour Cream and guacamole?
For a lighter meal: What are some examples?What is a good Black Bean Salsa? It adds a lovely crunch and complements the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
For a Fiesta Feel:What are some good ways to serve tortilla chips with salsa? What’s a good margarita?
For a Quick and Easy Side:What’s a good salad with lime vinaigrette? Is it light, refreshing, and adds a pop of color to the plate?
My family loves grilled corn on the cob! Is it sweet, smoky, and just like summer? What are the serving options?
How do I make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos?
What are some of the best chili lime chicken tacos you’ve ever had?
Marinate for at least 30 minutes.What is the best way to get that amazing flavor? If you have time, marinate it overnight for maximum flavor.
Don’t overcook the chicken. It will Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to 165°F (74°C). If grilling, watch it carefully and don’t let it dry out. Basting with a little extra marinade while cooking can help keep it moist.
How do I use fresh lime juice?What are the best flavor combinations of fresh lime and bottle lime? Is there a way to trust me on this one? Add a little lime zest to the marinade for extra flavor.
How do you cook tortillas?Cold, stiff tortillas are no fun! What are some good ways to make them soft in a microwave? I’ve even used a gas stovetop flame for some seconds on each side to get an charred flavor. How do you burn a banana?
Get creative with toppings: The toppings are where you can really customize these tacos to your liking! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different combinations. Some of my favorites include shredded cabbage, pickled onions, cotija cheese, and a drizzle of chipotle mayo. My friend Sarah always adds a scoop of mango salsa, which is surprisingly delicious!
How do you adjust the heat to your liking?If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade. Add a few drops of hot sauce to this recipe if you like. What are the best tac If you prefer a milder flavor, omit cayenne pepper altogether.
Do not overcrowd the baking dish! If you’re baking the chicken, make sure to leave some space between the pieces. Overcrowding the dish will cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in a less flavorful and less tender product.
Make a double batch: These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos are so good, they’ll disappear in minutes! Make a double batch and enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day. They’re also great for meal prepping – just portion out the chicken and toppings into containers and you’re good to go!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Refrigerating: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the toppings separately to prevent them from getting soggy. Don’t assemble the tacos until you’re ready to eat them.
Freezing: You can also freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can microwave it, bake it in the oven, or sauté it in a skillet. I prefer to sauté it in a skillet with a little Olive Oil – it helps to crisp it up and restore some of the flavor. If you’re microwaving it, add a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent it from drying out.
Assembled Tacos: I don’t recommend storing assembled tacos, as the tortillas will get soggy. It’s best to store the components separately and assemble them fresh.
I always try to use up leftover chicken in salads, quesadillas, or even as a topping for nachos. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and enjoy these delicious flavors in different ways!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to recipe for Chili Lime Chicken Tacos! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family and I do. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and totally customizable. What more could you ask for? These are perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a casual weekend gathering, or even a fun taco night with friends. If you enjoy these flavors, you might also like my recipe for Cilantro Lime Rice – it pairs perfectly with these tacos! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 12 oz corn tortillas
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Marinate chicken in lime juice, chili powder, and cumin for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through.
- Warm tortillas according to package directions.
- Fill tortillas with chicken and your favorite toppings.
