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Taco night is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the excitement of assembling your own culinary creation. Among the myriad of taco variations, cilantro lime chicken tacos stand out as a crowd favorite. This dish perfectly encapsulates a balance of savory and zesty flavors, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, busy weeknights, or simply as a refreshing twist to your usual dinner routine.

Cilantro Lime Chicken Tacos

Elevate your taco night with this easy and delicious cilantro lime chicken tacos recipe! Bursting with flavor from marinated chicken thighs, zesty lime, and fresh toppings like crunchy red cabbage and creamy avocado, these tacos are perfect for gatherings or a satisfying weeknight dinner. Discover how simple ingredients combine to create a nutritious and balanced meal that's sure to impress. Enjoy the vibrant taste of culinary creativity packed in every bite!

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (approximately 2 limes)

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus additional for garnish)

8 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup red cabbage, thinly shredded

1 ripe avocado, sliced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, sea salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro until well combined. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for the best flavor, allow it to marinate for 1-2 hours.

    Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. After marinating, remove the chicken from the bowl and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.

      Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the grilled chicken thighs into thin, bite-sized strips to enhance their tenderness and flavor.

        Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is resting, warm the tortillas. This can be done by placing individual tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat, cooking for about 30 seconds on each side, or by wrapping the tortillas in aluminum foil and placing them in a preheated warm oven.

          Assemble the Tacos: On each warm tortilla, place a generous portion of the sliced chicken. Top with a handful of shredded red cabbage, slices of avocado, and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Finish with an extra sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.

            Serve: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an invigorating citrusy kick!

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For an added visual appeal, arrange the tacos on a colorful platter, and sprinkle extra cilantro leaves over the top. Serve the lime wedges in a small bowl nearby for easy access. Enjoy!