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Grilled Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Lime Crema

Elina James
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 servings
Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chipotle Chicken:
  • 1 ½ lbs (700 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • For the Lime Crema:
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for richness)
  • Juice and zest of 1 lime
  • 1 clove garlic, finely grated or minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro (optional)
  • For Serving:
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes or pico de gallo
  • Fresh cilantro leaves
  • Lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Prepare the Chipotle Marinade : In a large bowl, whisk together chipotle peppers, olive oil, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours for deeper flavor).
  • Step 2: Grill the Chicken : Outdoor grill: Preheat to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Indoor grill pan: Heat over medium-high and oil lightly. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  • Step 3: Make the Lime Crema : In a small bowl, whisk together sour cream, lime juice, zest, garlic, and salt until smooth. Add chopped cilantro if using. Chill until ready to serve.
  • Step 4: Warm the Tortillas : Heat tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, until warm and slightly charred. Keep them wrapped in foil or a clean towel to stay soft.
  • Step 5: Assemble the Tacos : Spread a spoonful of lime crema onto each tortilla. Add slices of grilled chipotle chicken. Top with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, red onion, and tomatoes. Drizzle extra crema and sprinkle cilantro.
  • Step 6: Serve : Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing and enjoy!