Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Name: Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 bunch cilantro (chopped); 2 limes (juice and zest); 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon oil; 8 tortillas

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Simple, tasty, and filled with fresh bold flavours, this Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos recipe is not just for Taco Tuesday! It is so easy to make any night of the week and comes together in only a few simple steps.

Quickly pan-seared after a short 30 minute marinade, this cilantro lime chicken tacos recipe is a quick and easy weeknight meal that anyone can make. Bursting with bright, fresh flavours, you'll want to enjoy this again and again.

Three cilantro lime chicken tacos in a plate.

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Why You'll Love This Chicken Taco Recipe
Ingredients You'll Need to Make Chicken Tacos
How To Make This Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos Recipe
Recipes Variations
Tips and Notes
Recipe
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Why You'll Love This Chicken Taco Recipe

All you need are a handful of everyday simple ingredients and you'll have this tasty chicken taco ready in no time. The lime and cilantro impart such fresh, bright flavours that you'll want seconds!
It is easy to make ahead of time as you can marinate the chicken the night before or prepare the chicken on the weekend then reheat and assemble the tacos the night you're ready to enjoy.
It's all made in one pan! Sear the chicken in the pan and use the same pan to warm the tortillas. Dinner has never been so simple.

Ingredients You'll Need to Make Chicken Tacos

Ingredients needed to make cilantro lime chicken tacos.

chicken thighs — I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as they cook up quickly.
cilantro — always make sure to wash your cilantro before using it.
limes — since you need the juice and zest of the lime, skip the bottled stuff.
seasoning — I use salt, garlic powder, and onion powder.
oil — use your favourite neutral oil. I usually use olive oil.
tortillas — you can use corn or flour tortillas for these chicken tacos.

How To Make This Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos Recipe

Chicken being marinated in a ziplock bag.

In a bowl or ziptop bag, combine the chicken with cilantro, lime, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and oil.
Let marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours.

Chicken cooked in a skillet and tortillas warmed in a pan.

When ready to cook the chicken thighs, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a line coating of oil. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or cooked through.
Set the chicken aside to rest for 5 minutes. While the chicken rests, whip down the skillet and warm up the tortillas over medium heat.

After the chicken has rested for 5 minutes, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, you can shred it.

Assemble your tacos with your favourite toppings.

Topping Ideas for Tacos

coleslaw or shredded cabbage
sliced red onions
guacamole or sliced avocado
lime wedges
crumbled cheese (ie cotija)
crema or sour cream

Recipes Variations

Feel free to swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. You will have to adjust the cooking time.
Feel free to add some jalapenos or red chili flakes to the marinade for a kick of heat.
The chicken thighs can be chopped or shredded.

A round serving platter with three cilantro lime chicken tacos.

Tips and Notes

Allowing the chicken to rest gives the juices inside time to redistribute. If you cut into them too early, all the juices will end up on the cutting board and the chicken won't be moist.
Have a grill or grill pan? Feel free to swap that instead of using a skillet.
Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken in the microwave. Alternatively, you can freeze leftover chicken for later.
To warm the tortilla, simply place it on top of a stove's burner and heat on low for a few seconds. You can also do this in a dry skillet if you do not have a gas stove.
Room temperature limes are easier to juice. Give them a roll on the counter under the palm of your hand to loosen the juices.
Don't skip the lime zest as it adds a ton of flavour.
Avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook the cilantro lime chicken thighs in two batches if needed.

Three cilantro lime chicken tacos with toppings scattered around.

What should I serve with cilantro lime chicken tacos?

Try this pineapple salsa, avocado corn salsa, stuffed jalapeno poppers, and this Instant Pot basmati rice if you want to add more to your taco spread.

How do I check if the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the cilantro lime chicken thighs. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

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