Honey Lime Shredded Chicken Tacos

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to elevate your taco night with these Honey Lime Shredded Chicken Tacos. This recipe combines sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of spice, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients for Honey Lime Shredded Chicken Tacos

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star of this dish, providing lean protein and absorbing the marinade's flavors beautifully. The honey adds a touch of natural sweetness, while the fresh lime juice brings a zesty brightness that cuts through the richness. A splash of olive oil ensures the chicken stays moist during baking. For spice, a bit of chili powder delivers warmth without overwhelming heat, complemented by garlic powder and onion powder for depth. A pinch of salt and black pepper rounds out the seasoning.

The corn tortillas are the perfect vessel for the juicy shredded chicken, while shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes add crispness and freshness. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro introduces an herbaceous note, and crumbled queso fresco provides a mild, creamy finish.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra tender chicken, marinate it for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  • Double the recipe and freeze the shredded chicken for quick meals later.
  • Warm tortillas are more flexible and less likely to break when assembling tacos.

Serving Suggestions

These tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican street corn or a simple avocado salad. For a refreshing drink, try serving with a chilled limeade or a light, fruity beer. If you're looking to spice things up, offer a variety of salsas on the side, from mild to fiery, to cater to everyone's taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more richness and are just as delicious.
What if I don't have queso fresco?
You can substitute feta cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a dairy-free option.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken on low for 4-6 hours or until easily shredded.

Honey Lime Shredded Chicken Tacos Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it's hot and ready when your chicken is prepped. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will become a flavorful marinade that turns the chicken into something extraordinary.

Place your chicken breasts in a baking dish. Pour the honey-lime mixture over them, making sure each piece is well-coated. Use a spoon to help spread the marinade if needed. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to trap in the moisture and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know the chicken is done when it’s cooked through and can be easily shredded with a fork.

Once the chicken is ready, let it cool slightly to avoid burning your fingers. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the baking dish to soak up any remaining juices. Meanwhile, warm up your corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. This will only take 1-2 minutes per side and makes the tortillas more pliable and tastier.

To assemble the tacos, place a generous amount of shredded chicken on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. Serve immediately and savor the delicious combination of flavors!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
  • A delightful balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
  • Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
  • Light and refreshing, making it great for warmer days.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that you likely already have.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup crumbled queso fresco

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice, olive oil, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour honey-lime mixture over them, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.
5. Remove chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly before shredding with two forks.
6. Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes on each side.
7. Assemble tacos by placing shredded chicken on each tortilla, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, and queso fresco.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

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