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+ servings
Two chicken tacos on a plate topped with guacamole.
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4.84 from 6 votes

Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

These Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos are the perfect easy weeknight dinner. Cilantro lime marinated chicken is topped with salsa and guacamole in a charred tortilla.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Marinating Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 245.31kcal
Author: Sarah Hill

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1-1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lime juiced
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 6-8 flour or corn tortillas
  • lettuce for serving
  • salsa for serving
  • avocado or guacamole for serving

Instructions

  • Marinate chicken thighs in olive oil, lime, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, onion powder, cumin, garlic cloves and cilantro. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  • Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan on medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add chicken thighs and cook for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F. Cook longer for larger chicken thighs. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  • While the chicken rests, heat the tortillas. Heat each tortilla over an open flame for approximately 30 seconds per side, in a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or place the tortillas between 2 slightly damp paper towels and warm in the microwave for 1 minute.
  • Next, cut the rested chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing 2-3 pieces of lettuce on a tortilla and top with about ⅓-1/2 cup of chicken, salsa and avocado or guacamole. Serve with a lime wedge and more cilantro and enjoy!

Notes

  • If you have leftover chicken and aren't in the mood for more tacos, you can use the chicken for many things. Add it on top of lettuce for a delicious salad, serve it on a taco bowl with your favorite vegetables and rice, or use it to make soup or chili!
  • The chicken will last about 3-4 days in the fridge if stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze the chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for about 3 months. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
  • To ensure extra juicy chicken, don't skip the 30-minute marinating time!

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 245.31kcal | Carbohydrates: 3.09g | Protein: 33.16g | Fat: 10.69g | Saturated Fat: 2.25g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.97g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5.06g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 161.59mg | Sodium: 153.38mg | Potassium: 461.37mg | Fiber: 0.72g | Sugar: 0.42g | Vitamin A: 198.29IU | Vitamin C: 7.26mg | Calcium: 30.62mg | Iron: 1.88mg