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Flavorful Chipotle Lime Grilled Chicken Street Tacos Easy Recipe with Fresh Slaw

chipotle lime grilled chicken street tacos - featured image

These chipotle lime grilled chicken street tacos feature a smoky, tangy marinade paired with a fresh, crunchy slaw for a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons adobo sauce from the chipotle can
  • Juice of 2 fresh limes
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned or shredded
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey or agave
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Small corn tortillas
  • Optional: crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
  • Optional: sliced radishes or avocado for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade by blending chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. Alternatively, finely mince chipotle and garlic and whisk all ingredients together.
  2. Marinate the chicken thighs in the marinade for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight, in a sealed bag or covered dish in the refrigerator.
  3. Make the fresh slaw by combining shredded green and red cabbage, carrot, and chopped cilantro. Whisk lime juice, olive oil, honey, salt, and pepper to make the dressing, then toss with the cabbage mixture. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Preheat the grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot.
  5. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  7. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes until soft and pliable. Keep warm wrapped in a kitchen towel.
  8. Assemble the tacos by placing grilled chicken on each tortilla, topping with fresh slaw, and sprinkling with queso fresco or garnishes like radishes or avocado.
  9. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges on the side.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 2-12 hours for best flavor; avoid marinating more than 24 hours to prevent mushy texture. Use chicken thighs for juicier meat. Oil grill grates or brush chicken with oil to prevent sticking. Let chicken rest after grilling to retain juices. Warm tortillas just until soft and pliable to avoid brittleness. Adjust chipotle peppers to control spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: chipotle lime grilled chicken, street tacos, fresh slaw, easy taco recipe, smoky chicken tacos, grilled chicken, Mexican street food