Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos are a flavorful and zesty dish featuring marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served in warm tortillas. Topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy sauce, these tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Ingredients

For the Chipotle Lime Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (minced)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For the Tacos:

• 8 small corn or flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves (fresh)
• Lime wedges (for serving)

For the Chipotle Sauce (optional):

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Salt (to taste)

Timing

Making Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced chipotle, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat Grill or Skillet: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill or cook in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
3. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 3: Prepare the Chipotle Sauce (Optional)

1. Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, minced chipotle, lime juice, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

1. Warm Tortillas: Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
2. Fill Tacos: Place sliced chicken in the center of each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
3. Drizzle Sauce: If using, drizzle the chipotle sauce over the filled tacos.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish: Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
2. Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos (per taco, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Taco
Calories	220
Protein	15g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	20g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Protein Options: Substitute chicken with shrimp, beef, or tofu for different flavors.
• Add Heat: Increase the amount of chipotle in the marinade or sauce for extra spice.
• Vegetable Additions: Include grilled bell peppers or corn for added texture and flavor.

Conclusion

Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos are a delicious and easy-to-make meal bursting with flavor. The combination of zesty chicken and fresh toppings makes these tacos a hit for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful recipe!