Chili Lime Chicken Tacos

$To make delicious chili lime chicken tacos, gather these key items: - 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Juice of 2 limes - Zest of 1 lime - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1 avocado, sliced These ingredients create a tasty balance of flavors. The chicken absorbs the marinade well, and the lime adds a fresh kick. You can add these items for extra flavor and texture: - ½ cup crumbled feta cheese - Fresh cilantro for garnish These optional ingredients can elevate your tacos. The feta adds creaminess, and cilantro brings a burst of freshness. To prepare your tacos, you will need: - Mixing bowl - Grill pan or skillet - Knife - Cutting board - Tongs Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A grill pan gives your chicken nice grill marks, making it look great on your plate. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. This mix creates bold flavors for the chicken. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For even better taste, marinate overnight. Next, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook each side for about 6 to 7 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and have nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to check. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. When done, remove the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips. Now, it’s time to build your tacos. Warm the corn tortillas in the same pan. Heat each one for about 30 seconds on each side until warm and slightly charred. Lay out the tortillas on a plate. Add a good amount of sliced chicken to each one. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. If you like, sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese. Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy your tasty chili lime chicken tacos! To make your marinade shine, use fresh lime juice and zest. This adds a bright kick. Mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken breasts well. Let them hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait longer, marinate overnight. This makes the chicken super tasty. Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. A hot pan gives good grill marks. Cook the marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside. This guarantees it is safe to eat. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Resting helps keep the juices inside. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips. Warm your corn tortillas in the same pan for a bit. Just 30 seconds on each side works well. Assemble your tacos by placing sliced chicken on each tortilla. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and avocado slices. If you like, sprinkle on crumbled feta cheese. Finish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve right away with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy every flavorful bite! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful. Use Fresh Lime Juice: Always opt for fresh lime juice over bottled for a brighter and more vibrant flavor. The zest also adds an aromatic quality that enhances the overall taste of the tacos. Keep Ingredients Balanced: When assembling your tacos, ensure a balanced ratio of chicken to toppings. This will help each bite be flavorful and satisfying, preventing them from becoming too overloaded. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Add pickled red onions, jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and texture. {{image_2}} To make your tacos spicier, add sliced jalapeños or crushed red pepper. You can mix these into the marinade or sprinkle them on top. The heat pairs well with the lime flavor. This twist gives you a tasty kick that many will love! If you want a veggie version, swap the chicken for marinated tofu or jackfruit. Tofu absorbs flavors well. Use the same marinade for a great taste. Cook it just like the chicken. Jackfruit gives a shredded texture. Both options make delicious tacos! Toppings can change your taco game! Try adding fresh corn, black beans, or pickled onions. Each adds a new flavor and texture. You can also use different cheeses like queso fresco or cheddar. Don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest! If you have leftover tacos, store them in an airtight container. Keep the chicken and toppings separate. This helps keep the tortillas from getting soggy. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat them, just reheat the chicken and warm the tortillas again. To freeze the chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. This way, it stays fresh. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the chicken safe and tasty. To reheat the chicken, use either a microwave or a skillet. If using a microwave, place it on a plate and cover it. Heat it in short bursts until hot. If using a skillet, warm it over medium heat for a few minutes. Make sure the chicken is heated through. Then, warm the tortillas in the skillet for a few seconds to bring back their softness. Enjoy your tasty tacos again! You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit overnight. This gives the chicken a deeper flavor and makes it juicier. The lime juice and spices will soak in well. Yes, you can use other proteins for these tacos. Shrimp, beef, or tofu work great. Just adjust the cooking time for each protein. Shrimp cooks fast, while beef may need longer. You can top your tacos with many ingredients. Here are some ideas: - Shredded lettuce - Diced tomatoes - Sliced avocado - Crumbled feta cheese (optional) - Fresh cilantro - Lime wedges for extra zest Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings! This blog covered the key steps to make delicious Chili Lime Chicken Tacos. We looked at the necessary ingredients, cooking tools, and how to marinate and cook the chicken. You learned tips for perfect tacos and fun variations, like spicy options and vegetarian choices. Finally, we discussed how to store leftovers and answer common questions. Enjoy your cooking and have fun with different flavors and toppings. Tacos can be simple or gourmet; it’s all up to you!$

Delicious tacos made with marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and a zesty lime flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 40

Total Time 50

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
2 limes juice
1 lime zest
to taste salt and pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup diced tomatoes
1 avocado sliced
0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
for garnish fresh cilantro

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, lime juice, lime zest, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to overnight for best flavor).
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips.
In the same pan, add the corn tortillas one at a time and heat them for about 30 seconds on each side, until they are warm and slightly charred.
Lay out the warmed tortillas. Add a generous amount of the sliced chicken to each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, and crumbled feta cheese if using.
Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime juice, if desired. Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor.

Keyword chicken, chili, lime, tacos