Shredded Chicken Tacos With Lime Slaw

Name: Shredded Chicken Tacos With Lime Slaw
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 cups shredded green cabbage; 1 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; Juice of 2 limes; 1 tbsp honey; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 small corn tortillas; Avocado slices; Extra lime wedges

Highlighted under: Comfort Classics

I absolutely love making Shredded Chicken Tacos With Lime Slaw for a quick and delicious meal. The tender, flavorful chicken combined with the zesty slaw creates the perfect balance of taste and texture. I always appreciate how easy it is to prepare, and it’s a great way to use leftover chicken. These tacos never fail to impress my family and friends, especially when topped with a hint of fresh lime. It’s a go-to recipe that brings a burst of flavor to our table.

Created by

Stella Cameron

Last updated on 2026-02-24T07:48:54.689Z

When I first tried making Shredded Chicken Tacos with Lime Slaw, I was pleasantly surprised by how well the flavors came together. The slow-cooked chicken is infused with a blend of spices that enhance its natural juiciness, and the lime slaw adds a refreshing crunch. I recommend marinating the chicken for at least an hour to really let those flavors develop. It makes all the difference!

One of my favorite tips is to give the slaw a good squeeze of lime juice right before serving. This brightens the flavor and ensures it stays crisp. Pairing the tacos with some avocado slices and a sprinkle of cilantro elevates the dish to a whole new level. It's a meal I love to share with friends!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Tender, flavorful chicken seasoned to perfection
Zesty lime slaw adds a refreshing crunch
Quick and easy preparation, perfect for weeknight dinners

Understanding the Ingredients

The star of Shredded Chicken Tacos is the chicken itself, which, when seasoned with chili powder and cumin, becomes incredibly tender and flavorful. These spices not only infuse the chicken with warmth but also complement the fresh lime slaw beautifully. Using chicken breasts is ideal since they shred easily when cooked properly, but thighs work too for a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the cooking time; thighs may need slightly longer to achieve that perfect shreddable texture.

The lime slaw is a crucial component that brightens the dish. The acidity of the lime juice cuts through the richness of the chicken, while the crunchy cabbage and carrots provide essential texture. Fresh cilantro adds a burst of herbaceous flavor that contrasts nicely with the earthy spices used in the chicken. If you find cilantro overpowering, fresh parsley can be a pleasant substitute that maintains the slaw’s freshness.

Techniques for Perfect Tacos

Slow cooking the chicken is the key technique here, allowing for deep flavor development and ultra-tender results. Ensure that your slow cooker is set on low, as cooking on high might leave the chicken slightly drier if monitored closely. A good visual cue is when the chicken easily pulls apart with a fork—this indicates it’s done. If you’re short on time, consider poaching the chicken in the broth for a quicker method, cooking it for about 20-25 minutes until fully cooked.

Warming the corn tortillas is another essential step to avoid tearing and to enhance their flavor. A skillet over medium heat for about 30-45 seconds per side does the trick—look for toast marks or a slight puffing to signal they’re ready. Consider wrapping them in a clean towel post-cooking to keep them warm and moist until assembly. This small step can elevate your taco experience by retaining softness and flexibility for filling.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh ingredients for the best tacos:

For the Shredded Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Lime Slaw:

2 cups shredded green cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Juice of 2 limes
1 tbsp honey
Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

8 small corn tortillas
Avocado slices
Extra lime wedges

Make sure to have everything ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your delicious tacos:

Cook the Chicken

In a slow cooker, combine chicken breasts, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and chicken broth. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours until the chicken is tender. Shred the chicken using two forks.

Prepare the Lime Slaw

In a bowl, mix shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, and chopped cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to combine.

Assemble the Tacos

Warm the corn tortillas in a skillet over medium heat. Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and top with lime slaw. Add avocado slices and serve with extra lime wedges.

Enjoy your delicious homemade tacos!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken overnight and experimenting with different toppings like diced tomatoes or jalapeños.

Serving Suggestions

To complement these Shredded Chicken Tacos, I love serving a side of black beans or refried beans for added protein. A fresh salsa or pico de gallo works wonderfully for those who enjoy a little extra zest and color. For an enhanced flavor, you can also offer crumbled queso fresco or sliced jalapeños for those who prefer a kick. If you have leftovers, consider placing the chicken and slaw atop a bed of greens for a refreshing taco salad.

Don’t forget about beverage pairings! A light lager or a citrus-infused beverage, like a limeade or a margarita, can be a refreshing choice. These drinks balance the richness of the chicken and the zesty slaw. If you are opting for a non-alcoholic option, try infusing sparkling water with lime and mint leaves for a delightful refreshment that complements the meal.

Storing and Reheating

If you find yourself with extra shredded chicken, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. Just make sure to label your containers for easy identification later. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight, and gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.

The lime slaw is best enjoyed fresh, but it can last in the refrigerator for about 1-2 days before it becomes too wilted. To keep the slaw crisp, consider storing the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve. This way, the vegetables maintain their texture, ensuring a swift crunch in every bite, which is central to the taco’s appeal.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Shredded beef or pork also work wonderfully in these tacos.

→ How can I make the slaw spicier?

You can add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the slaw to give it a kick.

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, both the chicken and slaw can be made a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with these tacos?

Consider pairing them with rice and beans, or a fresh fruit salsa for a complete meal.