Description

Craving a fresh, zesty meal that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor? Lime Chicken Soft Tacos are the perfect solution! These vibrant tacos feature tender, lime-infused chicken cooked with garlic and oregano, served in warm flour tortillas with classic toppings like diced tomato, shredded lettuce, Monterey Jack cheese, and salsa.

Ingredients

These tacos come together with ingredients that create a fresh, flavorful dish. Here’s what you need and why each matters:

Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast Meat (1 ½ lb, cubed): Provides lean, tender protein that soaks up the marinade.
Green Onions (2, chopped): Add a mild, fresh onion flavor.
Red Wine Vinegar (⅛ cup): Contributes tangy acidity to the marinade.
Lime (½, juiced): Infuses the chicken with bright, citrusy zest.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds aromatic, savory depth.
Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Brings earthy, Mexican-inspired flavor.
White Sugar (1 tsp): Balances the acidity with a touch of sweetness.
Salt (½ tsp): Enhances all flavors.
Ground Black Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a mild, spicy kick.
Flour Tortillas (10, 6-inch): Serve as the soft, warm base for the tacos.
Tomato (1, diced): Provides juicy, fresh topping.
Shredded Lettuce (¼ cup): Adds crisp, refreshing crunch.
Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese (¼ cup): Offers creamy, mild flavor.
Salsa (¼ cup): Brings spicy, tangy topping to tie it all together.

Substitutions and Variations

Chicken: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat, or swap for shrimp, pork, or tofu for alternative proteins.
Red Wine Vinegar: Substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar.
Lime Juice: Replace with lemon juice or additional vinegar for a different citrus note.
Flour Tortillas: Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free or authentic Mexican option, or lettuce wraps for low-carb.
Toppings: Swap lettuce for cabbage, Monterey Jack for cheddar or queso fresco, or add avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour tortillas or corn tortillas and ensure salsa is gluten-free.
Add-Ins: Include black beans, corn, or sour cream for extra flavor.

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Instructions

Follow these steps to create Lime Chicken Soft Tacos that are zesty, tender, and delicious:

Cook the Chicken:
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté 1 ½ lb cubed skinless, boneless chicken breast meat until tender and cooked through, about 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Add the Marinade:
- To the cooked chicken, add 2 chopped green onions, ⅛ cup red wine vinegar, juice of ½ lime, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp white sugar, ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground black pepper.
- Stir to combine, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Warm the Tortillas:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium heat.
- Place one 6-inch flour tortilla in the pan, warm for about 15–20 seconds, then flip and heat the other side for another 15–20 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Repeat with the remaining 9 tortillas, stacking them in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Spoon a portion of the lime chicken mixture into the center of each warm tortilla.
- Top with diced tomato (from 1 tomato), shredded lettuce (¼ cup total), shredded Monterey Jack cheese (¼ cup total), and a drizzle of salsa (¼ cup total), dividing toppings evenly among the 10 tacos.
Serve:
- Serve immediately while the chicken and tortillas are warm, with extra salsa or lime wedges on the side for added flavor.

Cooking Tips

Uniform Chicken Cubes: Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes for even cooking and easy taco filling.
Check Chicken Doneness: Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally; use a meat thermometer if needed.
Flavorful Simmer: Stir the chicken during simmering to coat evenly with the marinade for maximum flavor.
Tortilla Warming: Avoid overcooking tortillas to keep them soft; warm in batches and keep covered to prevent drying out.
Fresh Toppings: Dice tomato and shred lettuce just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.