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To make these tasty chili lime chicken tacos, gather these ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 lime (juiced and zested) - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving If you need to swap ingredients, here are some ideas: - Use chicken breast instead of thighs for a leaner option. - Swap lime with lemon for a different tang. - Use onion powder in place of garlic if you prefer. - Try corn tortillas with flour ones for a softer bite. - You can replace red cabbage with green cabbage for crunch. The right spices can boost your taco flavor. Here are the key ones: - Chili powder gives a warm, spicy kick. - Cumin adds a nutty, earthy taste. - Paprika brings a sweet and smoky flavor. These spices work together to create a zesty taste you will love. Start by making the marinade. In a bowl, mix: - 2 tablespoons chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Juice and zest of 1 lime - 2 minced garlic cloves - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste This mix gives the chicken a bright, zesty flavor. Take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Add them to the marinade and coat well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, let it marinate up to 2 hours. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill the thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them cooked through with nice grill marks. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. Then, slice it into strips. Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 20 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. On each tortilla, place a few strips of grilled chicken. Top with: - Shredded red cabbage - Slices of avocado - Fresh chopped cilantro Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side. This adds an extra zing! For the full recipe, see the section above. Enjoy your flavorful and zesty chili lime chicken tacos! Grilling chicken can be simple and fun. First, make sure your grill is hot. A preheated grill helps the chicken sear well. I like to use a medium-high heat. This gives the chicken nice grill marks and a smoky flavor. Always let the chicken rest after grilling. This keeps the juices inside, making it tender. Tacos can tear easily, but there are ways to help. Warm your corn tortillas before filling them. This makes them soft and less likely to break. I recommend grilling them for about 20 seconds on each side. You can also stack them in a clean towel to keep them warm. This way, they stay flexible for filling. Presentation matters when serving food. Use colorful toppings like red cabbage and avocado. These not only look good but taste great too. I love adding fresh cilantro for a pop of green. You can serve the tacos on a platter with lime wedges. This adds a fresh touch and an extra zing! For extra flair, consider using decorative plates to impress your guests. Check out the Full Recipe for more ideas! {{image_2}} Want to switch up your tacos? Try using shrimp! Shrimp cooks quick and soaks up flavors well. Just marinate them like you do the chicken. You can also use pork. Pork shoulder or tenderloin works great. Just adjust the cooking time since pork takes longer. If you prefer a meatless meal, you have tasty choices. Use grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty base. They absorb the chili lime flavors and offer a nice texture. Another great option is to use chickpeas. Roast them with spices for a crunchy, flavorful bite. You can also fill your tacos with roasted veggies like peppers and zucchini for color and taste. Toppings make tacos fun! Try adding mango salsa for a sweet twist. Just mix diced mango with red onion, cilantro, and lime juice. You can also use a spicy jalapeño salsa for heat. Think about adding pickled red onions for tang. Don't forget cheese! Crumbled feta or cotija adds creaminess. For a crunch, add crushed tortilla chips or nuts. Each of these ideas makes your chili lime chicken tacos even more exciting. For the full recipe, check out the complete instructions to get started! After enjoying your chili lime chicken tacos, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure the chicken and toppings are separate. This way, the flavors stay fresh. Keep the container in the fridge. It will last about 3 days. If you have extra marinated chicken, store it in the same way. When it’s time to reheat, keep it simple. Use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water to keep the chicken moist. Cover with a lid to trap steam. Heat for about 5 minutes. For tortillas, warm them in a pan for a few seconds. This keeps them soft and tasty. If you want to save tacos for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap the grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped chicken in a freezer bag. Squeeze out excess air. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months. Tortillas do well in the freezer too. Just stack them with parchment paper in between. You should marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have extra time, marinate it for up to 2 hours. This lets the chicken soak up all the chili lime flavors. The longer it sits, the more taste you will get. Just remember not to exceed 2 hours; otherwise, the acid from the lime can toughen the meat. Yes, you can use other types of tortillas. Flour tortillas work great if you prefer a softer bite. You can also try whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a twist. Each type adds a unique flavor and texture to the tacos. Just warm them up before serving for the best taste. Many side dishes go well with these tacos. Here are a few ideas: - Mexican rice - Black beans - Grilled corn - Fresh guacamole - A simple salad with lime vinaigrette These sides complement the zesty chicken and add more color to your meal. To amp up the spice, try adding more chili powder to the marinade. You can also mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra heat. Fresh jalapeños or sliced serrano peppers make great toppings. If you enjoy a kick, experiment with your favorite hot sauces for a big flavor boost. In this post, we explored key ingredients, marinade steps, and grilling tips to create delicious chili lime chicken tacos. I shared ingredient substitutes, storing methods, and variations to suit your taste. You can try alternative proteins and exciting toppings to make each meal unique. Remember, well-marinated chicken and proper heating keep your dish flavorful. Enjoy creating these tacos, and don’t hesitate to get creative with flavors and ingredients!

Chili Lime Chicken Tacos

Dive into a flavor fiesta with these chili lime chicken tacos! Juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in a zesty mix of chili powder, lime, and garlic make the perfect filling for soft corn tortillas. Topped with crunchy cabbage, creamy avocado, and fresh cilantro, these tacos promise a delicious meal everyone will love. Ready to spice up your dinner? Click to explore the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 lime (juiced and zested)

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded

1 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

In a bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.

    Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, making sure they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill the thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.

          Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

            While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 20 seconds on each side, until they are pliable and slightly toasted.

              To assemble the tacos, place a few strips of grilled chicken on each tortilla. Top with shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.

                Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing!

                  Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4