These grilled honey lime chicken tacos with avocado slaw are the ultimate combination of fresh, zesty, and creamy flavors wrapped in a warm tortilla. The marinated chicken is tender and flavorful, while the creamy avocado slaw adds a refreshing crunch, making this dish an easy, yet satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The balance of sweet honey and tangy lime creates a deliciously complex flavor profile that infuses the chicken with irresistible taste. Grilling the chicken adds a nice char that complements the honey-lime marinade perfectly. Paired with the creamy, slightly spicy avocado slaw, these tacos are a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal for guests, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Tacos with Avocado Slaw

Ingredients

Honey Lime Chicken Marinade:

1½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp honey
Juice + zest of 2 limes
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper

Avocado Slaw:

1 ripe avocado, mashed
1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
¼ cup red onion, finely diced
1 small jalapeño, minced (optional)
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp chopped cilantro
Salt to taste

For Serving:

8 small corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Lime wedges

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together honey, lime juice and zest, olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more flavor.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5–6 minutes per side, until caramelized and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
Make the Avocado Slaw: In a medium bowl, mash the ripe avocado with lime juice and a pinch of salt. Add shredded cabbage, red onion, chopped jalapeño (if using), and chopped cilantro. Stir gently until the slaw is creamy but still chunky. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly on the grill for 15–20 seconds per side until warm, pliable, and lightly charred. Keep them warm by wrapping them in a towel.
Assemble the Tacos: Layer each tortilla with a generous portion of grilled chicken slices and a scoop of avocado slaw. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers, store the grilled chicken and avocado slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. Tortillas are best eaten fresh, but you can wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven if needed.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Just be sure to adjust the grilling time to avoid overcooking the chicken breasts.

Can I prepare the avocado slaw ahead of time?

While you can prepare the avocado slaw a few hours in advance, it’s best to serve it fresh to avoid browning. If you must make it ahead, add a little extra lime juice to help preserve its color.

Can I substitute the corn tortillas with flour tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute flour tortillas if you prefer. Just warm them up in a skillet or on the grill to get them soft and pliable.

How spicy are these tacos?

The spiciness depends on how much jalapeño you add to the slaw. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the jalapeño or reduce the amount to suit your taste.

Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop grill pan?

Yes, you can use a stovetop grill pan to cook the chicken. Just make sure it is preheated to medium-high heat before grilling.

Can I add other toppings to these tacos?

Definitely! You can add salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to customize the tacos to your liking.

Can I make these tacos with shrimp or beef instead of chicken?

Yes, this recipe works well with shrimp or beef. Just adjust the marinating time and cooking time according to the protein you use.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, these tacos are naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free tortillas. Just check the label on your tortillas to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you like heat, add extra minced jalapeños to the slaw or drizzle some hot sauce on top of the tacos.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

You can, but using freshly grilled chicken gives the tacos a better flavor and texture. If you use pre-cooked chicken, simply warm it up and add the marinade for flavor.

Conclusion

These grilled honey lime chicken tacos with avocado slaw are a perfect mix of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re grilling for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these tacos are easy to prepare, bursting with fresh ingredients, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of marinated chicken, creamy avocado slaw, and warm tortillas is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire!