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Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Cabbage Slaw

This Spiced Chicken Tacos with Lime Cabbage Slaw recipe is the perfect antidote to the "boring chicken dinner." It is bright, crunchy, and packed with complex flavors—all while staying under that 30-minute weeknight goal.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 415

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz Chicken Breast sliced into strips
  • 8 Flour tortillas small taco size
  • 3 cups Red cabbage thinly sliced
  • ¾ cup Red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 Avocado sliced
  • ½ cup Plain yogurt a healthy swap for sour cream!
  • Slaw & Pickle Liquids: ½ cup Cider vinegar, 1 tbsp Lime juice, 2 tbsp Oil (divided).
  • The Taco Rub: 1 tsp Salt divided, ¾ tsp Chili powder, ½ tsp each of Garlic powder, Cumin, and Paprika.
  • Garnish: Pumpkin seeds, fresh cilantro, and sliced radishes.

Method
 

  1. Quick-Pickle the Onions: In a small pot, bring the vinegar and ½ cup water to a boil. Add the sliced onion, remove from heat, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Drain before serving.
  2. Prep the Lime Slaw: In a medium bowl, toss the cabbage with lime juice, 1 tbsp oil, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside for 15 minutes to let the flavors marry and the cabbage soften slightly.
  3. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and the remaining ½ tsp salt. Rub the spice blend thoroughly over the chicken breast.
  4. Sear & Shred: Heat the remaining 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until well-browned and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Let it rest for a minute, then shred into large, juicy pieces.
  5. Assemble: Layer each warm tortilla with the lime slaw, spiced chicken, pickled onions, and avocado slices. Top with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds.
  6. The Finishing Touch: Garnish with fresh cilantro and radish slices for extra crunch and color.

Notes

Yinz Mom Tip: To get that "street taco" feel, char your tortillas directly over a low gas flame for 5 seconds per side before filling them!