Unlock the vibrant flavors of Thailand in your kitchen with these Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw. This bold and craveable dish brings together juicy shredded chicken in a zesty Thai-inspired marinade, crowned with a fresh and crunchy cilantro slaw. Get ready for an epic fusion of textures and flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Embrace the spirit of Thai street food with these Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos. The combination of tender, spicy-sweet chicken, cool and crunchy slaw, and warm tortillas creates a delightful harmony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. This recipe is a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, making it a crowd-pleasing favorite for any occasion. Serve it up as a cozy family meal, a vibrant dinner party spread, or a festive Taco Tuesday celebration – this dish is sure to bring people together with its irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
The key to this recipe’s bold and zesty flavor profile lies in the carefully curated ingredients. You’ll need chicken thighs or breasts, Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a variety of fresh herbs and veggies, including cilantro, cabbage, carrots, and green onions. Warm tortillas or lettuce wraps provide the perfect vessel to hold this delicious fusion of flavors.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp – Thai red curry paste
- 2 tbsp – Fish sauce
- 3 tbsp – Lime juice, plus more for serving
- 2 tbsp – Brown sugar
- 3 cloves – Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp – Grated fresh ginger
- 2 cups – Shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup – Shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup – Chopped fresh cilantro
- 3 – Green onions, thinly sliced
- 8-10 – Corn tortillas or lettuce wraps, warmed
Ingredient Substitutions
- Protein: You can use a combination of chicken breasts and thighs, or all thighs for extra juiciness.
- Curry Paste: If you can’t find Thai red curry paste, you can substitute with a different curry paste or even a combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika.
How to Make Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
Start by preparing the chicken marinade. In a bowl, whisk together the Thai red curry paste, fish sauce, lime juice, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 1: Prep Work
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the cilantro slaw. In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrots, green onions, and fresh cilantro. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the slaw dressing ingredients – more lime juice, fish sauce, and a touch of sugar. Pour the dressing over the slaw and toss to coat.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the edges are crispy. Remove the chicken from the heat and shred it using two forks.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
To assemble the tacos, warm the tortillas according to package instructions. Top each tortilla with a generous portion of the spicy shredded Thai chicken, followed by a generous amount of the fresh cilantro slaw. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges, chopped peanuts, or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Ground Protein: Try using ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken for a different texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Swap the tortillas for crisp lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
- Creamier Slaw: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream to the slaw for a creamier texture.
- Extra Toppings: Experiment with other toppings like diced mango, sliced radishes, or crushed roasted peanuts to add even more layers of flavor and crunch.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: steamed rice, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
Storage: The chicken and slaw can be prepared separately in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos.
Reheat: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and warm the tortillas according to package instructions.
Make-Ahead: The chicken and slaw components can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the tacos just before serving for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Information
These Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw are a delicious and nutritious meal option. Each serving (2 tacos) provides a balance of lean protein, fresh vegetables, and whole grains, making it a well-rounded and satisfying dish. The nutrient-dense ingredients, including chicken, cabbage, carrots, and herbs, provide a variety of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support overall health.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 32 g
- Carbs: 45 g
- Fat: 15 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of protein?
Absolutely! While chicken is the star in this recipe, you can easily substitute shredded pork, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
How can I make this dish less spicy?
If you’re sensitive to heat, you can reduce the amount of Thai red curry paste in the marinade or opt for a milder curry paste. You can also serve the tacos with additional toppings like diced avocado or a cooling yogurt-based sauce to balance the spice.
Can I make the components in advance?
Yes, the chicken and slaw can be prepared separately up to 3 days in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and simply reheat the chicken and assemble the tacos when ready to serve.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, as it uses corn tortillas or lettuce wraps. However, be sure to check the labels of any pre-made sauces or marinades to ensure they are also gluten-free.
What should I serve with these tacos?
These Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos are a complete and satisfying meal on their own. However, you can also serve them with a side of steamed rice, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a fresh green salad for a more substantial meal.
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- spicy thai chicken street tacos with fresh salsa
Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Slaw
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Thai
Description
These Spicy Thai Chicken Tacos combine tender, marinated chicken with a zesty cilantro slaw for a delicious twist on classic tacos. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun taco night!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tbsp fish sauce
– 1 tbsp lime juice
– 1 tbsp sriracha
– 8 small corn tortillas
– 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
– 1 cup carrot, shredded
– 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, soy sauce, fish sauce, lime juice, and sriracha. Add the chicken and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the cilantro slaw by combining cabbage, carrot, cilantro, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. 3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
4. 4. Warm the corn tortillas in a separate skillet for about 30 seconds on each side.
5. 5. Assemble the tacos by placing chicken in the tortillas and topping with cilantro slaw.
6. 6. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!
Notes
– You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less sriracha.
– This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just reheat the chicken before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: tacos, chicken, Thai, spicy, cilantro