If you’re craving a fresh, vibrant meal that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor, these Chili Lime Chicken Tacos are the answer! With juicy marinated chicken, a colorful filling of corn and black beans, and all your favorite toppings, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or your next taco night.
In this article, you’ll find a step-by-step guide, helpful tips, and answers to your most common questions about making the best chili lime chicken tacos.
Why You’ll Love These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
Chili lime chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser for so many reasons:
- Bold, zesty flavors from lime, chili, and spices
- Juicy, tender chicken thanks to a simple marinade
- Customizable toppings for everyone’s taste
- Quick and easy to prepare, with stovetop or grill options
- Great for meal prep and freezer-friendly
Whether you’re serving a family dinner or hosting friends, these tacos are sure to impress! Learn also how to prepare Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts (see FAQ for substitutions)
- 1/4 cup lime juice, divided
- 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp minced jalapeno
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For the Filling
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Soft taco flour tortillas
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, cut into chunks
- Avocado dressing
- Lime wedges
Chili Lime Chicken Tacos: Zesty, Flavorful, and Easy (2025)
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts (see FAQ for substitutions)
- 1/4 cup lime juice, divided
- 2 tbsp canola or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp minced jalapeno
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp coriander
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
For the Filling
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Pinch of ground black pepper
- Soft taco flour tortillas
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Avocado, cut into chunks
- Avocado dressing
- Lime wedges
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a large Ziplock bag, combine half the lime juice with all the marinade ingredients except the chicken. Seal and shake to mix.
- Add the chicken breasts, seal again, and toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you’re short on time, marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil, then the marinated chicken. Cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Flip, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and drizzle with remaining lime juice and zest.
Grill Method:
- Preheat and grease your grill to medium (about 400°F/204°C).
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest, slice, and garnish as above.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté red onion until translucent.
- Add frozen corn and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 more minutes. Keep warm.
4. Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the flour tortillas.
- Fill each tortilla with sliced chili lime chicken and the corn-black bean mixture.
- Top with cilantro, avocado, avocado dressing, and a squeeze of lime.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Tacos
- Method: Stovetop or Grill
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1serving
- Calories: 460kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1.149mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 63g
- Cholesterol: 181mg
Keywords: chili lime chicken tacos
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large Ziplock bag, combine half the lime juice with all the marinade ingredients except the chicken. Seal and shake to mix.
- Add the chicken breasts, seal again, and toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you’re short on time, marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
2. Cook the Chicken
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add a little oil, then the marinated chicken. Cook for 5 minutes until browned.
- Flip, reduce heat to medium, and cook for another 5-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer to a cutting board, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice and drizzle with remaining lime juice and zest.
Grill Method:
- Preheat and grease your grill to medium (about 400°F/204°C).
- Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until it reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Rest, slice, and garnish as above.
3. Prepare the Filling
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil.
- Sauté red onion until translucent.
- Add frozen corn and cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in black beans, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 3 more minutes. Keep warm.
4. Assemble the Tacos
- Warm the flour tortillas.
- Fill each tortilla with sliced chili lime chicken and the corn-black bean mixture.
- op with cilantro, avocado, avocado dressing, and a squeeze of lime.
Tips for the Best Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
Marinate longer for more flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight.
Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken is cooked to 160°F (71°C) for juicy, safe results.
Customize your toppings: Try shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or pickled onions.
Make it spicier: Add extra jalapeno or cayenne to the marinade.
You may be interested as well in cooking the Bacon Cheeseburger Stuffed Tater Tot Cones for your family.
FAQ – Chili Lime Chicken Tacos
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and will be even juicier. Just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.
Can I use frozen chicken?
You can use frozen chicken, but it must be fully thawed before marinating. Marinating frozen chicken won’t allow the flavors to penetrate properly.
Is Cilantro Lime Chicken gluten free?
The chicken and marinade are naturally gluten free. To keep the entire taco gluten free, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and check that your spices and toppings are gluten free.
Can I freeze Cilantro Lime Chicken?
Yes! After cooking and cooling, slice the chicken and freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
How to serve Cilantro Lime Chicken
Serve the chicken in tacos with the corn and black bean filling, or try it in burrito bowls, salads, or over rice. It’s also delicious in wraps or as a protein for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Taco Bar: Set out all the toppings and let everyone build their own tacos.
Burrito Bowls: Serve the chicken and filling over rice with your favorite toppings.
Meal Prep: Portion into containers with rice and veggies for easy lunches.
Family Dinner: Pair with chips, salsa, and a simple salad for a complete meal.
Conclusion
These Chili Lime Chicken Tacos are a fresh, flavorful, and versatile meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With a zesty marinade, juicy chicken, and a colorful filling, they’re perfect for any occasion.
Plus, they’re easy to customize, gluten free (with corn tortillas), and freezer-friendly. Try them for your next taco night and enjoy a burst of flavor in every bite!
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