Not only is the taste incredible, but the convenience of this being a freezer meal recipe makes it even more enjoyable. Customize each taco with your favorite toppings, creating a mouthwatering combination thats impossible to resist.
Are you ready to take your taco night to the next level? These Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos are a dish that are bursting with the perfect blend of smokey chipotle and zesty lime, with a marinade that infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors, making each bite a fiesta in your mouth. The best part of this recipe is the convenience it will bring you. Being a Make-Ahead Freezer meal, you will gain much needed time back into your day, while also creating a delicious recipe! Let’s cook together and turn your make-ahead meals into mouth watering Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos together.
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Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos Freezer Meal Recipe
Not only is the taste incredible, but the convenience of this being a freezer meal recipe makes it even more enjoyable. Customize each taco with your favorite toppings, creating a mouthwatering combination thats impossible to resist.
Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.
Add sauce ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth. (You may have to scrap sides once or twice). Optional: Reserve 2 tbsp chipotle lime sauce and store in fridge until day of cooking.
Add chicken and chipotle lime sauce to a labeled gallon freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to three months.
Slow Cooker | Cooking Directions
Thaw freezer meal in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into a slow cooker.
Cook on high for 2-3 hours.
Remove chicken from slow cooker and slice. Optional: Mix chicken with reserved sauce (This will bring the spice! Omit this step if you are looking for less heat)
Serve chicken in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Optional: Serve over rice, chips, or as a burrito.
Grill | Cooking Directions
Thaw freezer bag in fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
Remove chicken from freezer bag and place on grill. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally until chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165.
Brush chicken with reserved chipotle lime sauce and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
Serve and enjoy.
Instant Pot | Cooking Directions:
Dump the contents of the freezer bag into the Instant Pot, plus ½ cup water.
Set the Instant Pot to High Pressure for 12 minutes, then allow a natural release for 10 minutes before doing a quick release for any remaining pressure.
Remove chicken from slow cooker and slice.Optional: Mix chicken with reserved sauce (This will bring the spice! Omit this step if you are looking for less heat)
Serve chicken in tortillas with your favorite taco toppings. Optional: Serve over rice, chips, or as a burrito.
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Storing your Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos leftovers properly will help maintain the freshness and flavor profile. It is best to separate the components, the chicken, tortillas and toppings, in order to maintain texture and flavor. Then, place the chicken in the fridge in an airtight container for three to five days. Tortillas can also be stored in the fridge in a resealable bag for up to a week.
Your Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos Recipe Questions Answered
Comment below if you have any questions we didn’t answer.
Why You’ll Love This/These Healthy Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos
Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking and freezing, these tacos save time and effort when you need it most. Versatile Toppings: Customize each taco with your favorite toppings, from fresh salsa to creamy avocado, to suit everyone’s taste. Bursting with Flavor: The smoky chipotle and zesty lime make for a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist. Kid-Friendly: The flavors are bold but approachable, making these tacos a hit with the whole family, even picky eaters. Leftovers are Delicious: They taste just as good the next day, so you can enjoy them for lunch or dinner again.
Equipment Needed To Make the Best Tortillas for Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos
1 gallon freezer bag 1 High speed blender Slow Cooker
What to Serve/Pair with Your Delicious Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos
Substitutions: Chicken Thighs instead of Chicken Breasts: Chicken thighs are slightly fatter and stay moist and tender after freezing and reheating, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts. Smoked Paprika instead of Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce: For a milder, smoky flavor without the heat, use smoked paprika. It still gives that rich, smoky taste but is more kid-friendly. Orange Juice instead of Lime Juice: Orange juice adds a sweet citrus flavor that compliments the smoky chipotle, and can be a great alternative if you prefer a slightly sweeter marinade
Additions: Frozen Corn Kernels: Add some sweetness and texture to your tacos by mixing in frozen corn kernels into the marinade or using them as a topping. Frozen Bell Pepper Strips: Sliced bell peppers add color, crunch, and a slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the chipotle lime chicken. Cilantro-Lime Rice Prepare and freeze cilantro-lime rice to serve alongside or inside the tacos for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Best Way To Store Easy Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos Leftover?
Storing your Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos leftovers properly will help maintain the freshness and flavor profile. It is best to separate the components, the chicken, tortillas and toppings, in order to maintain texture and flavor. Then, place the chicken in the fridge in an airtight container for three to five days. Tortillas can also be stored in the fridge in a resealable bag for up to a week.
How Long Will Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos Freezer Meal Recipe Last In the Fridge?
When you have properly separated and stored your leftovers, the chipotle lime chicken tacos filling should remain fresh for three to five days in the fridge!
Can I Freeze Convenient Chipotle Chicken Lime Tacos?
Yes! This recipe was created as a freezer meal! You can also store leftovers in the freezer, but, the more times you freeze and thaw and reheat, the more likely your texture will be changed and flavor loss will occur.
To store your leftovers for longer storage in the freezer, consider placing the chicken in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. The tortillas can also be frozen. Stack them with parchment paper in between each tortilla, this will prevent sticking, then wrap them in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place in a resealable bag.
How To Reheat Chipotle Chicken Lime Tacos?
When you are ready to reheat your Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos, reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave in short bursts. If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight.
To reheat the tortillas. Use a skillet, and place them on the skillet to reheat individually, or microwave them in a wrapped damp paper towel to keep them soft. Once reheated, assemble the tacos with your desired toppings and enjoy a meal that tastes just as good as when you made it fresh.
Are Chipotle Tacos Crispy?
Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos can be either crispy or soft, depending on the type of tortilla you choose to use. Traditionally, tacos are made with soft corn or flour tortillas, which are pliable and easy to fold around the filling of the taco. However, some people prefer to use a hard shell, for that crispy texture.
The chipotle lime chicken filling isn’t crispy, in itself, it is marinated in a blend of smoky chipotle peppers, and a zesty lime juice with other spices, resulting in a tender and flavorful meat. If you prefer a crunchy element to your taco, consider adding shredded lettuce, or crispy cabbage, or fried onions.
Do you put Lime on Tacos?
Yes! Putting lime on tacos is a very common practice and is especially fitting for a chipotle lime chicken taco. A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a burst of cirrus flavors that enhance the smoky chipotle chicken, balancing the heat and richness of the dish.
Lime juice also helps to cut through the savory elements, giving your tacos a refreshing finish. When serving your dish, lime wedges are typically offered on the side so that everyone can add as much or as little lime as they like.
What ingredients can be substituted to make Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos healthier?
Making a Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos healthier is easy with some simple ingredient substitutions. First, consider using chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Although chicken thighs are slightly higher in fat content, they give a more flavorful bite, which may lead to smaller portion sizes.
For a leaner option, consider skinless chicken breasts and reduce the oil in the marinade. For tortillas, consider whole wheat or corn tortillas, which are higher in fiber and more nutrient dense. You may also consider using lettuce wraps, for a low-carb option. Replace the sour cream with greek yogurt, and add more veggies to your dish, like bell peppers or spinach.
What is the origin story behind a Chipotle Lime Chicken Taco?
Chipotle lime chicken tacos are a modern twist on the traditional Mexican tacos. This taco recipe combines smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors in a way that highlights the versatility of Mexican cuisine. The use of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce brings smoky heat, while lime juice adds the fresh citrusy tang that compliments spicy dishes.
While tacos themselves have ancient roots, dating back to indigenous Mexican cultures, this flavor pairing likely emerged from the fusion of Mexican cooking with global culinary trends that favor bold, layered flavors. Today, Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos are popular not just for their flavor, but also for their adaptability to region and ingredient availability.
What tortillas make for the best taco?
When it comes to making the best Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos, the choice of tortillas ultimately comes down to preference. Corn tortillas are the traditional choice in Mexican cuisine, are gluten-free, and have an authentic, slightly nutty flavor that compliments the chipotle and limes.
For a softer taco, flour tortillas are another popular choice. Flour tortillas tend to be more durable, making them ideal for holding heartier fillings. If you are looking for a healthier option, consider whole wheat tortillas, which add a slightly earthy flavor and are high in fiber.
Are tacos good after a workout?
Yes, tacos, especially Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos, can be an excellent post-workout meal. These tacos offer a balanced combination of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. All of these are essential for recovery and muscle repair after exercise.
The chicken in the recipe provides a lean source of protein, helping to rebuild muscles and maintain energy levels. Adding avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa add essential vitamins and minerals, as well as health fats.
Why are tacos associated with Mexican cuisine?
Tacos are deeply rooted in Mexican culture and cuisine, dating back to ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. The word “taco” itself is believed to originate from the Nahuatl word “tlahco,” meaning “half” or “in the middle” referring to the way the food is placed in the center of the tortilla.
The tradition of using tortillas to wrap food has been a staple in Mexican cuisine with various regions of Mexico developing their own unique taco styles. Overtime, tacos have become a symbol of Mexican street food, known for their adaptability, affordability, and flavor. The cultural significance of tacos continue to evolve globally, but their Mexican roots remain a core part of their identity.
What are different variations of Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos?
Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos can be customized in countless ways to suit different tastes and alternative dietary needs. For a spicer version, add extra chipotle peppers or include a sprinkle of Cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder taco, use smoked paprika instead of the chipotle peppers.
This will give a less intense heat while maintaining that smoky flavor. Vegetarians can enjoy a similar flavor profile by using grilled portobello mushrooms or tofu. For a heartier meal, add black beans or roasted sweet potatoes as a filling. The possibilities to adapt your Chipotle Lime Chicken Tacos are endless.
If you like this recipe here are some other Taco recipes you’re sure to love:
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
