These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa are a fresh and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. The combination of zesty chicken, sweet peach salsa, and creamy cilantro-lime crema creates a delightful balance of flavors that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend gathering with friends and family. With a little kick from the chili powder and a refreshing citrusy zing, these tacos are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These tacos are a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. The cilantro-lime chicken is juicy and full of vibrant taste, while the peach salsa adds a sweet, tangy crunch. The creamy cilantro-lime crema ties everything together, making each bite smooth and satisfying. The addition of Cotija cheese adds a touch of saltiness that perfectly complements the other ingredients. Whether you’re craving something light yet flavorful or need a fun taco night idea, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (or more)
½ teaspoon chili powder (or more)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Peach Salsa:

4 peaches, cored and diced
1 sweet red bell pepper, diced
¼ cup red onion, diced
3 green onions, diced
½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
¼ teaspoon chili powder (or more)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Taco Sauce (Cilantro-Lime Crema):

⅓ cup Greek yogurt
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Sriracha
1 lime, freshly squeezed
½ bunch fresh cilantro, chopped

Other Taco Ingredients:

8 tortillas (yellow or white corn tortillas or flour tortillas)
½ cup Cotija cheese, crumbled
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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

Directions

Cook the Chicken:

Slice the chicken breasts into strips and season with smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 2 minutes. Lower the heat to low, add lime juice, and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and stir in chopped fresh cilantro.

Make the Peach Salsa:

Wash and chop the peaches, leaving the skin on.
In a large mixing bowl, combine diced peaches, diced red bell pepper, red onions, green onions, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and chili powder. Toss everything together. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, lime juice, or chili powder if needed.

Make the Taco Sauce (Cilantro-Lime Crema):

In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Sriracha, lime juice, and chopped cilantro until smooth.

Toast the Tortillas:

Using the same skillet from cooking the chicken, heat over medium-high heat. Add the tortillas one at a time and toast for about 30 seconds per side until golden brown spots appear.

Assemble the Tacos:

Fill the toasted tortillas with the cooked chicken and peach salsa.
Drizzle with the cilantro-lime crema, then top with crumbled Cotija cheese, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of chili powder.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 8 tacos
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per Serving: 234 kcal

Variations

Grilled Chicken: Instead of cooking the chicken on the stovetop, grill the chicken for an extra smoky flavor.
Spicy Peach Salsa: Add a diced jalapeno to the peach salsa for some extra heat.
Vegan Version: Substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, and use a dairy-free yogurt in the crema.
Add Avocado: For a richer taco, add slices of avocado on top of the salsa for a creamy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken, salsa, and crema separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also warm the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet before assembling the tacos again.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly! They may take a little longer to cook, but they’ll be just as flavorful and juicy.

2. Can I make the peach salsa ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the peach salsa up to a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

3. Can I use a different cheese instead of Cotija?

Yes, you can substitute Cotija with feta cheese or even queso fresco for a similar salty flavor.

4. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, feel free to use flour tortillas if you prefer, but corn tortillas give the tacos a more authentic flavor and texture.

5. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.

6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free tortillas to make the tacos gluten-free.

7. Can I freeze the leftovers?

While the chicken and salsa can be frozen, the texture of the salsa may change upon thawing. It’s best to store everything separately and assemble the tacos fresh.

8. Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh?

Fresh peaches work best in this salsa for the right texture and flavor, but if you must, you can substitute canned peaches in a pinch. Just be sure to drain them well.

9. Can I use a store-bought taco sauce instead of making the crema?

Yes, you can substitute store-bought taco sauce or sour cream in place of the cilantro-lime crema for a quicker option.

10. How can I make the tacos spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chili powder to the salsa, use a hotter variety of Sriracha, or toss some sliced jalapenos into the taco filling.

Conclusion

These Cilantro-Lime Chicken Tacos with Peach Salsa are bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors that will make your taste buds dance. With the zesty chicken, sweet and tangy salsa, and creamy cilantro-lime crema, these tacos are a delicious, light, and refreshing option for taco night. They’re quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty dinner!