Shredded Chicken Tacos With Lime Slaw

Name: Shredded Chicken Tacos With Lime Slaw
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups green cabbage, shredded; 1/2 cup carrots, grated; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional); Sliced avocado (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Fix Dishes

I love making Shredded Chicken Tacos with Lime Slaw for a quick weeknight dinner that bursts with flavor. The tender, shredded chicken complements the crisp and tangy slaw perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience. It's satisfying without being heavy, so everyone at the table can enjoy it, from kids to adults. Plus, these tacos can be made in just about 30 minutes, allowing me to serve a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. I can't wait to share this recipe with you!

Created by

Aubrey Whitman

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:33:36.265Z

Preparing these Shredded Chicken Tacos is a delightful journey into flavor. My secret lies in marinating the chicken with zesty lime juice and spices, which gives the meat a juicy texture and a pop of flavor that truly stands out. I usually let it marinate while I prepare the slaw, allowing the chicken to soak up all those vibrant flavors.

The crunchy lime slaw is the perfect accompaniment, adding lightness to the meal. I love incorporating fresh cilantro and a hint of jalapeño for some extra zing! It’s a match made in taco heaven that never fails to impress.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh, zesty flavors that brighten up any meal
Quick and easy preparation for busy weeknights
Customizable toppings to suit everyone's tastes

Mastering the Chicken

The star of these tacos is undoubtedly the shredded chicken, which not only provides protein but also carries the vibrant flavors of lime and spices. Choosing already cooked chicken, whether rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken, makes this dish incredibly quick to prepare. If you're shredding your chicken yourself, try to pick parts like thighs or breasts that are moist and tender, ensuring a juicy filling. Check for flavor at intervals, as marinading helps intensify the taste; allow it to rest longer for deeper flavor infusion.

The spices play a crucial role in balancing the dish. Chili powder adds warmth while cumin provides an earthy undertone that compliments the brightness from the lime juice. Make sure to taste the chicken mixture before assembly—if it feels a little bland, a hint of additional salt or a dash more lime can make all the difference. Allowing the mixture to marinate for at least 10 minutes enhances the flavor, but if you can plan ahead, marinating for an hour or even overnight will elevate the taste significantly.

Perfecting the Slaw

The lime slaw is not just a topping; it’s a crucial element that brightens each bite of the chicken. Using fresh cabbage is key for a satisfying crunch, while cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully. For the cabbage, look for firm heads that are crisp and vibrant without browning. You can also swap green cabbage for red or napa cabbage if you're seeking a different texture or flavor profile. Just be aware that red cabbage will give your slaw a purple hue and a slightly stronger flavor.

When preparing the slaw, ensure that you mix well to evenly coat the vegetables in lime juice and olive oil. The acid from lime not only balances flavors but also softens the cabbage slightly, enhancing the overall texture. To maintain that crunch, I recommend preparing the slaw just before serving. If made in advance, store it in a sealed container in the fridge, but avoid mixing in any dressing until you're ready to serve to keep it from wilting.

Tips for Serving Variations

Serving these tacos with a variety of toppings can let everyone customize their experience. Along with the sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, try adding a sprinkle of feta cheese or crumbled queso fresco for a salty kick. Fresh jalapeños can add heat for those who like a little spice. Consider offering a side of pico de gallo or a mild salsa to enhance the flavor profile without overshadowing the main components of the taco.

If you're looking to scale this recipe, it's simple to adjust. The chicken and slaw can be made in bulk—just remember to keep the proportions consistent, which means increasing the lime juice and seasoning to taste. These tacos freeze well too; just pack the chicken and slaw separately in airtight containers. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken in a skillet until warm and freshen up the slaw with a squeeze of lime juice and another drizzle of olive oil to perk up the flavors.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to make these delightful tacos:

For the Chicken:

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Lime Slaw:

2 cups green cabbage, shredded
1/2 cup carrots, grated
1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

8 small corn tortillas
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
Sliced avocado (optional)

Make sure to have everything prepared before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to assemble your delicious tacos:

Prepare the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with lime juice, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Allow it to marinate for about 10 minutes.

Make the Lime Slaw

In another bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, grated carrots, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat and set aside.

Warm the Tortillas

Heat the corn tortillas on a skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until warm and pliable.

Assemble the Tacos

Take a warm tortilla, fill it with the marinated chicken, and top with the lime slaw. Add any optional toppings like sour cream or avocado, if desired.

Serve

Enjoy your shredded chicken tacos with lime slaw while they are fresh and warm!

Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick, add some sliced jalapeños on top of the tacos. You can also use leftovers in salads or wraps.

Making Advance Preparations

If you're short on time during a busy weeknight, preparing the chicken in advance can save invaluable minutes. You can shred and marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it covered in the refrigerator. This not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld, resulting in an even tastier taco filling. Just remember to warm it through on the stovetop or microwave before serving to ensure it’s nice and hot.

The slaw can also be made a day in advance; simply cover and refrigerate it until you're ready to assemble. To keep your slaw fresh, I suggest storing the cabbage and dressing separately until serving time. When mixing everything together, toss gently to maintain the slaw's crisp texture, and don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary as flavors might change overnight.

Common Mistakes and Fixes

One common pitfall when assembling these tacos is overstuffing them. While it’s tempting to load up on chicken and slaw, too much filling can lead to a messy taco experience. Aim for about a heaping tablespoon of chicken and a similar amount of slaw—enough to enjoy without it spilling everywhere. If your tacos are falling apart, consider using quality corn tortillas designed for durability or warming them longer to make them more pliable.

Another important aspect to watch is the balance of flavors. If after trying the chicken, the flavor isn’t popping, consider adding more lime juice or adjusting the seasoning with extra salt. Similarly, if the slaw is tasting overly acidic, a pinch of sugar can help to balance it out. Don’t hesitate to taste and tweak as you go; cooking is as much about personal preferences as following the recipe!

Creative Variations

If you're feeling adventurous, consider modifying the filling. A great alternative to chicken could be pulled pork or even grilled shrimp for a seafood twist. For a vegetarian option, try swapping the chicken for seasoned black beans or roasted jackfruit, providing a hearty texture that will still hold up in the tortillas. Each variation allows for an exciting take on flavors while still rich in wholesome nutrition.

As for the slaw, feel free to experiment by adding fruits like diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast to the tangy lime. You can also incorporate a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit of honey into your dressing for additional complexity. The possibilities are endless; just remember to keep the balance of sweet, salty, and acidic in mind to create harmonious tacos.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.

→ What can I substitute for cabbage?

You can replace cabbage with shredded lettuce or even use a mix of both.

→ How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add diced jalapeños in the slaw or incorporate hot sauce into the chicken mixture.

→ Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! Cooked and shredded chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.