Coconut Lime Chicken Tacos
🌴🌮 These Coconut Lime Chicken Tacos are a tropical escape in every bite!
Tender, juicy chicken is marinated in creamy coconut milk, zesty lime, and a hint of spice, then grilled to perfection and tucked into warm tortillas. Each taco is topped with a vibrant tropical slaw featuring fresh pineapple and crunchy cabbage, creating the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.
Finished with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and optional toasted coconut, these tacos are light, bright, and bursting with island flavor — ideal for a summer dinner, taco night, or your next backyard party!
Servings: 6 tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinate Time: 30 minutes (or up to overnight)
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat for richness)
- 2 tbsp lime juice (plus extra for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional for heat)
For the Tropical Slaw:
- 1 cup shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup diced pineapple or mango
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tbsp coconut milk
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- Small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for squeezing
- Optional: toasted coconut flakes, avocado slices
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk coconut milk, lime juice, olive oil, honey, garlic, salt, pepper, and chili powder.
- Add chicken strips and coat well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).
- Prepare the Slaw:
- In a bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, and pineapple (or mango).
- Drizzle with lime juice, coconut milk, and a little honey.
- Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken strips for about 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through and lightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Load tortillas with coconut lime chicken.
- Top with tropical slaw.
- Garnish with cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime, and optional toasted coconut or avocado slices.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately while warm!
🌟 Tips:
- For extra flavor, brush the tortillas with a little coconut milk before warming them.
- Add a quick spicy mayo drizzle if you like a kick: mix mayo + sriracha + a splash of lime!