Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
318 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Mexican
Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos
Description
The recipe begins with a marinade combining lime juice, avocado oil, chopped fresh cilantro, minced garlic, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Chicken breasts soak in this mixture for 30 minutes up to 4 hours, allowing the citrus and herbs to tenderize and flavor the meat.
Grilling the chicken over medium-high heat produces a seared outside and juicy interior, with a target internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety. After cooking, resting the chicken maintains its moisture before slicing thinly.
The sliced chicken is served on warm corn or flour tortillas, offering a bright and herbaceous taco experience. The combination highlights the fresh tang of lime and aroma of cilantro complemented by gentle heat from the spices and natural sweetness.
Marinating times and even thickness of chicken are key for consistent cooking and flavor absorption. Using a thermometer ensures perfectly cooked poultry. Resting post-grill helps preserve juiciness, making these tacos satisfying and easy to assemble for a casual meal.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breast boneless skinless
- 2 lime juiced
- 1/4 cup avocado oil
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped, fresh
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortilla or flour tortillas
Instructions
For the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together lime juice, avocado oil, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, honey, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well coated. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Grilling:
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot grill. Discard the remaining marinade.
- Grill the chicken for 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
To Assemble:
- Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet.
- Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of grilled chicken on each tortilla.
Notes
- Marinate chicken between 30 minutes and 4 hours; longer times can alter texture due to lime juice acidity.
- For even grilling, pound chicken breasts to uniform thickness.
- Preheat grill to medium-high to get good sear and retain juices.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Let cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing for juicier results.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 318 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 318kcal | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 29g | 10% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 36mg | 12% |
| Sodium | 95mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 361mg | 8% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 180IU | 4% |
| Vitamin C | 11mg | 12% |
| Calcium | 63mg | 6% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.