Escape the ordinary with these Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema! This vibrant, flavor-packed dish takes your taste buds on a global adventure, blending the bold, smoky essence of chipotle with the bright, zesty notes of cilantro and lime. Whether you’re craving a cozy night in or seeking to impress at your next gathering, these tacos are sure to delight with their juicy, crispy texture and comforting, indulgent flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
These Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are a true crowd-pleaser, bursting with warm, satisfying flavors that will have your family and friends coming back for more. The tender, lightly charred chicken is infused with the smoky, spicy essence of chipotle, while the creamy, bright cilantro lime crema provides a delightful contrast and a cooling complement to the heat. Loaded with fresh toppings like diced avocado, crisp cabbage, and tangy pickled onions, these tacos offer a medley of textures and flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a cozy movie night or planning a lively fiesta, these tacos are sure to be the star of the show, bringing people together with their irresistible, craveable appeal.
Ingredients
To make these Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema, you’ll need a flavorful assortment of ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering dish. The key components include juicy chicken thighs, smoky chipotle chiles, tangy lime juice, and fragrant cilantro, which form the foundation of the dish. Complementary ingredients like avocado, cabbage, and pickled onions add a variety of textures and flavors, while the warm tortillas and creamy cilantro lime crema tie everything together for a truly epic taco experience.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp – Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tbsp – Fresh lime juice
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp – Ground cumin
- 1 cup – Plain yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 cup – Fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp – Fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp – Salt
- 12 – Corn or flour tortillas, warmed
- 1 – Avocado, diced
- 2 cups – Shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup – Pickled red onions
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (for a leaner option)
- Spice Level: Use a different type of chili pepper or reduce the amount of chipotle chiles (for a milder heat)
How to Make Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
Prepare to embark on a flavorful adventure with these Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema! This recipe is divided into four easy-to-follow steps, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve delicious, chef-worthy results.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the chicken in a zesty blend of chipotle chiles, lime juice, garlic, and spices, allowing the flavors to permeate the meat. Meanwhile, make the creamy, bright cilantro lime crema by combining tangy yogurt or sour cream with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Fire up the grill or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the marinated chicken until it’s charred and cooked through. Slice or shred the chicken, then assemble the tacos by layering the warm tortillas with the spicy chipotle chicken, crisp cabbage, creamy avocado, and tangy pickled onions.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Finish the tacos by drizzling the creamy cilantro lime crema over the top, allowing the cool, zesty sauce to balance out the heat of the chipotle chicken. Garnish with additional cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a bright, festive touch.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese or a dollop of fresh pico de gallo to the top of the tacos. These final touches will elevate the dish, making it a true showstopper that’s sure to impress your guests.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Heartier Meal: Serve the tacos on a bed of warm, fragrant rice or with a side of smoky, charred vegetables
- Bread Swap: Use crunchy taco shells or soft, pillowy naan bread instead of tortillas
- Extra Heat: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the chicken marinade or crema
- Flavor Boost: Top the tacos with crumbled cotija cheese or a dollop of fresh pico de gallo
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Extra lime wedges, allowing your guests to customize the heat and acidity to their liking.
Storage: Any leftover chicken and crema can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: The chicken can be reheated in a skillet or the microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: The chicken marinade and cilantro lime crema can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, making this recipe a great option for meal prepping or easy entertaining.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are a wholesome and satisfying option, packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy, zesty flavors. Each serving provides a good source of essential nutrients, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats from the avocado. With a balance of macronutrients and a flavorful, indulgent taste, these tacos make for a nutritious and craveable meal that’s sure to leave you feeling satisfied.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 440 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 44 g
- Fat: 19 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of chicken is best for these tacos?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the ideal choice for these Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos. The dark meat stays tender and juicy, even when cooked over high heat. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option.
Can I make the crema ahead of time?
Absolutely! The cilantro lime crema can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes the recipe even more convenient for meal prepping or entertaining.
How can I make these tacos less spicy?
To reduce the heat, simply use fewer chipotle chiles in adobo sauce or swap them out for a milder chili pepper, such as ancho or pasilla. You can also start with just a small amount of the chipotle seasoning and add more to taste.
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?
Yes, you can definitely bake the chicken instead of grilling it. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What are some tasty toppings to add to these tacos?
In addition to the avocado, cabbage, and pickled onions, you can try adding crumbled cotija cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced radishes, or a dollop of fresh pico de gallo to the tacos for even more flavor and texture.
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Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Grilling or Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Spicy Chipotle Chicken Tacos are packed with flavor and topped with a refreshing cilantro lime crema. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun taco night!
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup shredded lettuce
– 1 cup diced tomatoes
– 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco
– 1 avocado, sliced
– Fresh cilantro for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
For the cilantro lime crema:
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 lime, juiced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, chipotle in adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
3. 2. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. 3. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
5. 4. While the chicken is resting, prepare the cilantro lime crema by whisking together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl.
6. 5. Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
7. 6. Assemble the tacos by placing sliced chicken on the tortillas, then topping with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, queso fresco, avocado slices, and a drizzle of cilantro lime crema.
8. 7. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
– For extra heat, add more chipotle in adobo.
– You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if desired.
– These tacos are great served with a side of Mexican rice or beans.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: tacos, chicken, spicy, chipotle, cilantro, crema