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Flavorful Honey Lime Chicken Street Tacos with Quick Pickled Onion

honey lime chicken street tacos - featured image

These honey lime chicken street tacos feature a juicy, sweet and tangy marinated chicken paired with bright, crunchy quick pickled onions, wrapped in soft tortillas for a quick and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) chicken breasts or thighs, thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons honey (local raw honey preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 810 small corn or flour tortillas
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional)
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
  2. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for at least 15 minutes or up to 1 hour in the fridge.
  3. Thinly slice the red onion and place in a small jar or bowl.
  4. In a separate container, stir together apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and optional red pepper flakes until sugar dissolves.
  5. Pour the mixture over the onions, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil.
  7. Add marinated chicken slices in a single layer (cook in batches if needed). Cook 3-4 minutes per side until browned and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
  8. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet about 30 seconds per side or wrap in foil and heat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.
  9. Assemble tacos by dividing cooked chicken among warm tortillas.
  10. Top with quick pickled onions, fresh cilantro, and crumbled cheese if desired.
  11. Serve with lime wedges and squeeze fresh lime over tacos before eating for extra zing.

Notes

Marinate chicken for 15-60 minutes for best flavor without breaking down meat texture. Warm honey slightly if thick for easier mixing. Do not overcrowd pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper sear. Quick pickled onions can be made ahead and keep up to 2 weeks refrigerated. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option. For vegan alternative, swap chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower and honey with agave syrup.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey lime chicken, street tacos, quick pickled onions, easy taco recipe, weeknight dinner, Mexican street food, gluten-free tacos, quick marinade