Chili Lime Chicken Tacos with Fruity Pico de Gallo

Arbol chili powder and lime juice add zing to chicken tacos. This fruity pico de gallo makes a bright, citrusy accompaniment. Ready in 30 minutes!

This recipe was first published on July 17, 2018 and last updated October 31, 2022.

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This chicken taco recipe hits the spot when you are in the mood for something fresh and healthy, not to mention quick and easy to throw together. The chicken taco meat gets a kick from homemade taco seasoning made with spicy arbol chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin.

And what about that gorgeous pico de gallo? It is absolutely the perfect accompaniment for these spicy tacos. The best part is you can use whatever type of firm, ripe, fruit is in season. I’ve made it with peaches and mangos but nectarines, plums, cherries, even persimmons would be good. The salsa adds a counterbalance of sweetness that makes these tacos complete. This is the weeknight dinner you’ve been searching for.

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WHY YOU SHOULD MAKE CHILI LIME CHICKEN TACOS

Because they’re GOOD that’s why. And also because they make taco night infinitely better.

The chicken in these tacos is coated in lime juice and a spice mix that you can pretty much put on anything and it works. Stick this taco seasoning recipe in a corner of your brain for when you grill fish, roast potatoes, make those American-style ground beef tacos we all love.

It is 5 simple ingredients but together they make just about anything taste significantly better. If you can’t find ground arbol chili powder, or it’s just too spicy for you, you can substitute any chili powder you’d like.

Ingredients To Make These Chicken Tacos

• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Arbol chili powder or cayenne pepper
• Limes
• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breasts
• Vegetable oil or olive oil
• Corn tortillas or flour tortillas
• Ripe, firm fruit like peaches, mangoes, nectarines, or plums
• Serrano chile
• Fresh cilantro
• Scallions

How To Make It (Step-by-Step Instructions)

step one

Make pico de gallo. Chop fruit, serrano chile, cilantro, and scallions into very small dice. Add everything to a bowl. Season with salt and squeeze a half of a lime over the top. Stir to combine. Taste and add more salt or lime juice if needed. Set aside.

step two

Make taco seasoning. Combine the cumin, paprika, pepper, salt, and chili powder in a small bowl.

step three

Season chicken. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, removing any extra fat or gristle. Place chicken in a large bowl, squeeze lime juice over it. Add spice mixture and toss to coat chicken.

step four

Cook chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil. Once oil is shimmering add the chicken and all the lime juice and spread chicken into an even layer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid has evaporated and created a glistening sauce and the chicken is tender, about 10-12 minutes.

step five

Serve. Warm the tortillas then spoon chicken into the tortillas and serve with the pico de gallo. Store any leftovers in and airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

What To Serve With Them

I mean, black beans are a given. If you have the time, make my Sofrito Black Beans recipe. Short on time? Try my Best-Ever Canned Black Beans.

Rice is also nice. Our Mexican Green Rice recipe is always a hit, plus adds some nutrient-dense kale to the meal. You also can’t go wrong with traditional Mexican Red Rice either.

Chicken Taco FAQ’s

Can I grill the chicken instead?

I like to chop up the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and brown them in a frying pan but they are also good grilled. If you’d like to grill them instead, marinate the thighs whole, grill them, then transfer the chicken to a cutting board and chop into small pieces before serving. Or shred chicken with two forks to make shredded chicken tacos.

Do I really need to make the pico de gallo?

Short answer, yes! The sweet, juiciness of the salsa is the perfect counterpoint to tart lime juice, and kicky spice of the tacos. Add a sprinkle of salt and basically all flavor notes are accounted for. The pico de gallo is great on its own but together with the chicken is just dreamy. I’ve also added the pico de gallo straight to the pan and let it cook with the chicken but I liked it better fresh on top as a chicken taco topping instead.

Can I make it in the Instant Pot?

Sure! To cook the chicken in the instant pot, combine the chopped chicken, lime juice, and spices in the instant pot. Seal and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Allow for natural pressure release for 5-10 minutes at least. Then serve with pico de gallo!

Favorite Taco Toppings

• Sour cream
• Minced white or red onions
• Diced ripe tomatoes
• Sliced avocado
• Guacamole
• Shredded lettuce

Other Ways To Use This Zesty, Spicy Chicken

Of course this tender chicken makes unbelievable tacos but it is perfect for adding a phenomenal boost of tasty protein to other things too.

If I want a heartier meal, I skip the tortillas and serve the chicken and pico de gallo with Crockpot Borracho Beans and Cilantro-Lime Rice.

The chicken and pico de gallo also make an excellent topping for nachos. Add the pico after it comes out of the oven.

Swap the seasoned ground turkey with the chili-lime chicken in our healthy taco salad recipe.

More Taco Recipes You’ll Love

• Grilled Fish Tacos with Sweet Corn Salsa (another place to use the homemade taco seasoning)
• Skillet Charred Shrimp Taco Recipe (these are next-level good)
• Summer Squash Vegetarian Tacos (plant-based perfection)
• Tacos Al Pastor (why are these so delicious?!)
• Slow Cooker Beef Tacos (hearty and satisfying)
• Short Rib Tacos (also easily made in the slow cooker)
• Ground Pork Tacos (with poblano peppers and walnut sauce)

It’s About To Be Taco Tuesday

No matter what day of the week it is! I know you will love these tangy chicken tacos as much as we do. Give it a try and let me know when you do by snapping a pic and tagging me on Instagram @holajalapeno and #holajalapeno so I can see or leave me a comment below (don’t forget to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating) ! Also, sign up for my weekly newsletter, lots of good stuff there too!

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