Chicken Thigh Tacos – Shredded Chicken with Slaw
Shredded chicken thigh in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and lime crema.
Chicken Thigh Tacos – Shredded Chicken with Slaw
Shredded chicken thigh in corn tortillas with cabbage slaw, avocado, and lime crema.
Nutrition Per Serving
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Ingredients
- 500 g Boneless chicken thighs
- 8 small Corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Cabbage
- 1 Avocado
- 3 tbsp Sour cream
- 2 Lime
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Chili powder
- for garnish Cilantro
Instructions
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1
Season the chicken
Mix 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, salt, and the juice of 1 lime in a bowl. Add 500g boneless chicken thighs and coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight for maximum flavor).
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2
Cook the chicken
Pan-sear thighs over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until charred and internal temp reaches 74°C. Let rest 5 minutes, then shred with two forks into rough pieces. The char adds smoky flavor.
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3
Make the cabbage slaw
Toss 2 cups shredded cabbage with a squeeze of lime juice, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. The acid slightly wilts the cabbage and adds brightness that cuts through the rich chicken.
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4
Prepare the lime crema
Mix 3 tbsp sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with the juice of 1 lime and a pinch of salt. This cool, tangy crema balances the spiced chicken perfectly.
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5
Assemble the tacos
Warm corn tortillas in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side. Fill with shredded chicken, cabbage slaw, sliced avocado, and a drizzle of lime crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro and an extra squeeze of lime.
Notes
- • Double the chicken and save leftovers for burrito bowls, salads, and quesadillas.
- • Char the corn tortillas slightly over a gas flame for authentic smoky flavor.
- • Use two overlapping tortillas per taco for structural integrity.
- • Pickled red onions (red onion + lime juice + salt, 30 min) are an incredible addition.
- • Squeeze fresh lime over everything just before eating.
The Best Chicken Thigh Tacos
These tacos use shredded chicken thighs — juicier, more flavorful, and better-textured than breast for tacos. The cumin-chili-lime seasoning creates a smoky, slightly charred exterior while keeping the meat incredibly moist inside. With cabbage slaw and lime crema, every bite is a perfect balance of spicy, cool, crunchy, and creamy.
Taco Night, Every Night
The beauty of tacos is their simplicity and adaptability. Season and cook the chicken once, then let everyone build their own tacos with their favorite toppings. It's one of the best social meals you can make.
Variations
Feel free to change up this recipe and make it your own:
- Al pastor style: Add pineapple chunks to the pan with the chicken. The sweet-spicy-charred combination is incredible.
- Baja style: Use a chipotle mayo instead of lime crema and add shredded purple cabbage.
- Lettuce wrap tacos: Use butter lettuce cups instead of tortillas for a keto/low-carb version.
Storage
Store shredded chicken for up to 4 days. Make slaw and crema fresh each time. Warm tortillas just before serving — they don't store well once heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many calories are in chicken thigh tacos?
About 380 calories for 2 tacos with 28g protein, 30g carbs, and 16g fat. That's a well-balanced meal. Use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for a low-carb version.
Chicken thigh vs breast for tacos?
Thighs are significantly better for tacos. They shred more easily, stay juicier, and have more flavor. The slightly higher fat content means they won't dry out like breast often does.
Corn or flour tortillas?
Corn tortillas are more traditional, lower in calories, and gluten-free. Flour tortillas are softer and hold more filling. For authentic tacos, always corn.
Can I make the chicken ahead?
Yes. The seasoned, shredded chicken keeps for 4 days refrigerated. It actually develops more flavor overnight as the spices penetrate. Just warm in a pan with a splash of lime juice before serving.
What toppings go on chicken tacos?
Classic toppings: cabbage slaw, avocado, lime crema, cilantro, pickled onions, salsa, radishes, and cotija cheese. Keep it simple — 3-4 toppings is ideal. Don't overload the tortilla.
Did you make this recipe?
Please let us know how it turned out for you! Share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #aimealplan.
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