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Fresh Cilantro Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos Easy Meal Prep Recipe

cilantro lime grilled chicken tacos - featured image

These grilled chicken tacos are bright with fresh cilantro and lime, perfect for easy meal prep. Juicy, flavorful, and quick to make, they bring a vibrant twist to your typical grilled chicken.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas (about 6-inch size)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion or pickled onions (optional)
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving
  • Optional toppings: sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, or your favorite salsa

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade (5 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  2. Marinate the Chicken (at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours): Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bowl or a resealable bag and toss to coat evenly. Refrigerate to soak up flavors.
  3. Preheat the Grill (10 minutes): Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high (about 400°F / 200°C).
  4. Grill the Chicken (6-8 minutes per side): Cook chicken on grill, flipping once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Rest and Slice (5 minutes): Remove chicken from grill, cover loosely with foil, let rest, then slice thinly against the grain.
  6. Warm the Tortillas (2-3 minutes): Warm tortillas on grill or dry pan until soft and pliable.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Layer sliced chicken on tortillas, add shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced onion, and desired toppings. Squeeze fresh lime before folding.

Notes

Do not marinate chicken longer than 4 hours to avoid mushy texture. Rest chicken after grilling to keep juices locked in. Use fresh lime juice and cilantro for best flavor. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking. Reheat chicken gently to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken tacos, cilantro lime chicken, easy meal prep, healthy tacos, chicken marinade, quick dinner