Okay, friends, let’s talk tacos. Not just any Taco. What is the kind of taco that makes you close your eyes and savor every single bite? What are the best chili lime chicken tacos? What’s your favorite chili lime marinade? What’s different about fajitas? I swear, the first time I made these, they were gone in minutes!
What is Chili Lime Chicken Tacos?
Think of Chili Lime Chicken Tacos as sunshine in a tortilla. What is essentially marinated chicken, grilled or pan-fried to perfection, and then piled high in a crockpot? What is a taco shell? What is the magic in a marinade? What are some other spices that create a symphony of flavors? The lime juice not only adds a tangy zest but also helps to tenderize the chicken, resulting in thigh tenderization. What are some of the best fillings to make What is the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory – all wrapped up in a convenient, hand-held case?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Honestly, where do I even begin? These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos have become a staple in my house for so many reasons. What I love most is how incredibly flavorful they are. The chili lime marinade infuses the chicken with this irresistible combination of heat and citrus that’s seriously addictive. But beyond the amazing taste, they’re also surprisingly easy to make. Seriously, the marinade takes just minutes to whip up, and the chicken cooks up quickly in a pan or on the grill. This one’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights! Plus, they’re relatively cost-effective. Chicken Thighs are usually pretty budget-friendly, and the rest of the ingredients are pantry staples. And talk about versatile! You can serve these tacos with all sorts of toppings, from classic shredded lettuce and cheese to more adventurous options like mango salsa or avocado crema. If you’re a fan of Mexican-inspired dishes, like a good chicken burrito bowl, these tacos are sure to be a hit!
How do you make chili lime chicken tacos?
Quick Overview
How do you make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos? How do you marinate chicken in chili lime? How long does it take for a flavor to be able to keep it that way? What is the best way to cook chicken? What’s your favorite taco topping? What is taco perfection? What is the beauty of this recipe? Even if you’re a beginner cook, you can nail this!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Chili Lime Chicken?
5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (I prefer thigh because they stay nice and juicy, but I don’t like to suck it up with a fat). Can I use chicken breasts? * 1/4 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed is always best!). * 2 tablespoons olive oil. What are some good substitutes for chili powder? * 1/2 teaspoon onion powder. * 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat). * Salt and pepper to taste.
For the Tacos:
* 12 corn or flour tortillas (I like to warm mine up in a dry skillet for extra flavor).
* Your favorite toppings! (See below for some of my suggestions).
What are the steps to
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Set aside. How do you prepare onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper? Add the chicken to a bowl and toss to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the oil until very hot. Remove from heat and Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Is it still pink inside? The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). If you’re using chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become dry.
Step 3: Shred or Dice the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. What is the best way to shred chicken into bite-sized pieces? What’s the best way to dice a cube into small pieces?
Step 4: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken is resting, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 minutes. What is the best way to make a potato pliable? Can you warm tortillas in the microwave?
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
What is the fun part? What’s your favorite topping for a tortilla? Get creative and load them up with whatever you like!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve Chili Lime Chicken Tacos immediately and enjoy! What are some good leftovers to serve fresh?
What should I serve it with?
What are some of the best Chili Lime Chicken Tacos? What are some of my favorite serving suggestions?
For a Classic Taco Night: The classic tacos.Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream. What are the must-haves of salsa, Ice Cream, and guacamo
For a Fiesta Vibe:Mango salsa, pickled onions, and cilantro lime crema add a burst of flavor. Fresh, vibrant flavor.
For a Spicy Kick:What are some good ways to turn up the heat with chipotle mayo?
For a complete meal:Serve tacos with a side of black beans, or with salad.
My family always loves taco bars. I make them with all kinds of toppings. What are some fun ways to customize tacos?
How do I make chili lime chicken tacos?
Okay, listen up! What are some tricks to make Chili Lime Chicken Tacos go from good to bad? What are some of the What are some of my top tips?
What is the best way to marinate for maximumHow long should a chicken marinate? I recommend marinating it for 30 minutes, but up to 4 hours is even better. If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes will make a difference.
Don’t overcook a chicken: don Overcooked chicken is dry and tough, and nobody wants that in their tacos! Cook the chicken until it’s just cooked through and no longer pink inside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What is the best way to warmWhat are the advantages of warmed tortillas over cold tortilla? Trust me on this one!
Get Creative with Toppings: What are the bestDon’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings! Try adding some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, or some crunchy vegetables like shredded cabbage or kale. What is a cabbage? I like to add pineapple!
Spice it up (or down): What are some ways to spiceIf you like tacos with a little heat, add some extra cayenne pepper to the marinade. If you prefer a milder flavor, omit cayenne pepper altogether.
Make it a Meal: What is the bestServe tacos with rice and beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Store the Chicken Separately: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will prevent the tortillas from getting soggy.
Store the Toppings Separately: Store any leftover toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Reheat the Chicken: You can reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, in the microwave, or in the oven. If reheating in a skillet, add a little bit of oil to prevent it from sticking. If reheating in the microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel to prevent it from drying out. If reheating in the oven, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Assemble and Enjoy: Once the chicken is reheated, assemble your tacos with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos are more than just a recipe; they’re a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and good times with family and friends. They’re easy to make, incredibly delicious, and totally customizable. I truly hope you give this recipe a try – I know you’ll love them as much as my family does. If you’re looking for other taco variations, I highly suggest checking out my shredded beef tacos or my spicy shrimp tacos. Now go get cooking and let me know how your Chili Lime Chicken Tacos turn out! Share your creations in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy taco-ing!
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Lime juice Freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp Chili sauce
- 12 count Corn tortillas Small, street-style
Toppings (optional)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Avocado slices
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a medium bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add lime juice and chili sauce to the spice mixture and stir to form a paste.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and coat them evenly with the chili lime paste. Marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Fill each tortilla with chili lime chicken. Top with your favorite toppings such as shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro. Serve immediately.
