Flavorful Asian Chicken Tacos: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Delight with Zesty Mango Slaw

Prepare for a culinary adventure right in your kitchen with these sensational **Asian Chicken Tacos**. Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures, this recipe combines tender chicken, a refreshing mango slaw, creamy avocado, and an irresistibly easy four-ingredient Sriracha-lime sauce. The best part? It all comes together in just 30 minutes, making it the ultimate solution for a quick and delicious weeknight meal that will have your taste buds dancing!

Enhance your meal by pairing these delightful tacos with an equally effortless side dish, like a crisp Asian Cucumber Salad. The cool, refreshing crunch of the cucumber salad complements the rich and spicy notes of the tacos perfectly, creating a balanced and satisfying dining experience.

Asian Chicken Tacos: A Symphony of Flavors Made Simple

While the sophisticated appearance of these tacos might suggest a lengthy preparation, their creation is surprisingly straightforward – making them an ideal choice for even the busiest evenings. This recipe is built around three core components, each contributing to an explosion of flavor: the succulent chicken, the vibrant mango slaw, and the tantalizing Sriracha-lime sauce. Our focus is on maximizing flavor with minimal effort, ensuring a satisfying meal without the fuss.

To keep the preparation time to an absolute minimum, we highly recommend using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. This clever shortcut transforms these tacos into a cinch to assemble, allowing you to bypass the cooking of the chicken entirely. The vibrant mango slaw is equally quick, requiring only a few minutes to chop and toss together. We’ll share some fantastic time-saving tips below to make your slaw prep even faster.

Finally, let’s talk about the true star of these Asian Chicken Tacos: the incredible Sriracha-lime sauce. This creamy, zesty, and slightly spicy concoction is made with just four essential ingredients – the bright zest and juice of two fresh limes, the fiery kick of Sriracha sauce, the smooth richness of mayonnaise, and a hint of sugar to perfectly balance all the flavors. You won’t believe the depth and complexity this simple sauce adds to every bite! Once your components are ready, simply warm your tortillas, load them generously with the chicken and slaw, drizzle with this magical sauce, and prepare yourself for an unforgettable burst of flavor.

The Star Sidekick: Our Refreshing Mango Slaw

This easy mango slaw isn’t just a topping; it’s an essential element that elevates these Asian Chicken Tacos from good to extraordinary. It introduces a delightful medley of flavors, a crucial textural contrast, and a creamy richness that perfectly complements the savory chicken and spicy sauce. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to create a balanced and exciting bite.

• Mango: For the best possible flavor and texture, we enthusiastically recommend ripe honey mangoes (also known as Ataulfo or yellow mangoes). These varieties are renowned for their superior sweetness, incredibly creamy flesh, and lack of the fibrous strings often found in other mango types. Choosing the right mango is key to a truly exceptional slaw. For more details on selecting and preparing this delicious fruit, refer to our quick tip box below!
• Green Cabbage: The foundation of any great slaw lies in its cabbage. The thinner you shred the green cabbage, the more tender and enjoyable your slaw will be. We suggest cutting long strips of cabbage in half for easier eating. For optimum crispness and to remove excess moisture, we highly recommend using a salad spinner to wash and thoroughly dry your shredded cabbage. If you’re new to preparing fresh cabbage, don’t worry – we provide clear visual step-by-step photos on how to perfectly cut a cabbage in our comprehensive coleslaw recipe.
• Red Onion: Adding a vibrant punch and a subtle peppery note, thinly sliced red onion brings a fantastic zing to the slaw. If the strong flavor of red onion isn’t your preference, you can easily omit it or substitute with milder green onions (scallions) for a gentler taste. A professional tip to mellow the “bite” of red onion is to soak the slices in cold water with a small pinch of salt for about 10 minutes. Remember to drain them very well before incorporating them into your slaw.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro is indispensable for that authentic Asian-inspired flavor profile. Coarsely chop the cilantro, and like the cabbage, we suggest using a salad spinner for a thorough rinse and dry. Don’t be overly concerned about meticulously trimming all the stems; they are tender enough to eat and actually contribute additional fresh flavor to the slaw!
• Carrots: For ultimate convenience and to maintain the “easy” ethos of this recipe, purchasing pre-shredded matchstick carrots is a fantastic time-saver. However, if you have extra time or simply enjoy the process, making your own matchstick carrots is straightforward. Here’s a helpful video guide on how to achieve perfectly julienned carrots.
• Avocado: While technically not part of the slaw itself, ripe avocado slices are a non-negotiable addition for us when building these Asian chicken tacos. They introduce an unparalleled creaminess and richness that perfectly complements the crunchy slaw, savory chicken, and zesty sauce, tying all the elements together beautifully.

Smart Short-Cut Ideas for Your Slaw

Looking to shave even more time off your prep? At your local grocery store, consider picking up a bag of pre-mixed coleslaw that typically contains shredded green cabbage, red cabbage, and carrots. This convenient option can directly replace the green cabbage and carrots listed in our recipe. Many stores also offer pre-washed and chopped cilantro, another excellent time-saving choice that ensures fresh flavor without the extra effort.

Let Us Talk Chicken: The Heart of Your Tacos

The beauty of these tacos lies in their adaptability, especially when it comes to preparing the chicken. While the goal is always maximum flavor, convenience is also a top priority for a speedy weeknight meal. There are several excellent methods to ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and ready to become the star of your Asian-inspired creation.

The Ultimate Time-Saver: Rotisserie Chicken

For unparalleled ease and speed, using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is our secret weapon. This allows you to skip the cooking step entirely, dramatically reducing your prep time. Many grocery stores even offer rotisserie chicken that’s already pulled from the bones, making it even quicker to get straight to assembly. Simply shred the chicken, warm it slightly if desired, and you’re good to go!

Grilling or Searing Your Own Chicken for Enhanced Flavor

If you prefer to cook your own chicken or want to infuse an extra layer of flavor, pan-searing or grilling are fantastic options. Both methods deliver juicy, tender chicken that integrates beautifully with the vibrant slaw and zesty sauce. Here’s how to achieve perfectly cooked chicken:

• Pan-Seared Chicken:
  • Begin by patting dry 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (totaling about 1 pound) with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a better sear. Cut the chicken into small, uniform 1-inch-sized pieces, ensuring even cooking.
  • Generously season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and your favorite chicken seasoning blend. A good seasoning mix can include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of ginger for an Asian twist.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or a high-smoke point oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked through. This typically takes 6-10 minutes. The chicken juices should run clear, or a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part should register 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
  • Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm and allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness.
  • There’s no need to wipe out the skillet! The flavorful bits left behind by the chicken (known as “fond”) will add incredible depth to your Sriracha-lime sauce if you choose to prepare it in the same pan.
• Grilled Chicken:
  • Pat dry 1-2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound total) with paper towels. If the chicken breasts are very thick, slice them in half widthwise to create thinner cutlets, which cook more evenly and quickly.
  • Drizzle both sides of the chicken with about 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil per side. Season each side generously with salt, black pepper, and your preferred chicken seasoning blend.
  • Prepare your grill by heating it to medium-high. Once hot, clean the grates with a wire brush and then grease them. A simple way to do this is by holding an oil-drenched paper towel with tongs and rubbing it over the hot grates.
  • Grill the chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, adjusting the time based on thickness, until the chicken registers an internal temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). The carryover heat will bring it up to the safe internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) while it rests.
  • Allow the grilled chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain, then chop it into small, bite-sized pieces perfect for tacos.

Protein Alternatives for Your Asian Tacos

Don’t limit yourself to chicken! These tacos are wonderfully versatile. Consider using some delicately seasoned fish (like cod or mahi-mahi) or perfectly cooked shrimp in place of the chicken. Both seafood options would harmonize beautifully with the vibrant mango slaw and the zesty Sriracha-lime sauce, offering a fresh and equally delicious twist on this recipe.

Tortillas for Asian Chicken Tacos: The Perfect Wrap

Choosing the right tortilla is paramount to the overall taco experience. For these Asian-inspired tacos, we find that soft flour tortillas offer the ideal balance of pliability and neutral flavor that allows the chicken, slaw, and sauce to truly shine. We particularly favor Mission Street Taco® Flour Tortillas, which were used in the photos and video for this recipe (please note, this is not a sponsored endorsement, just a genuine preference). However, white corn tortillas also work exceptionally well, providing a slightly heartier texture and subtle corn flavor that many enjoy.

Regardless of your tortilla choice, we strongly advocate for charring them slightly before assembly. This simple step makes an enormous difference, imparting a delightful smoky flavor, adding textural complexity, and enhancing the overall warmth and aroma of the taco. It transforms a basic tortilla into an integral part of the flavor profile.

How to Achieve Perfectly Charred Tortillas

Here’s our quick and easy method for charring tortillas: Lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with olive oil cooking spray. Using tongs, carefully place the tortillas directly over a gas burner flame on your stovetop for just a few seconds per side. Keep a close eye on them, flipping with tongs until they are lightly charred in spots and have softened beautifully. Immediately after charring, gently fold each tortilla in half. This crucial step helps them maintain their shape and makes them much easier to fold into neat tacos later on. Set them aside while you prepare the fillings. If you don’t have a gas stovetop, you can still warm your tortillas effectively by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and heating them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and pliable.

More Taco Recipes to Inspire Your Next Meal

If you’ve fallen in love with the versatility and deliciousness of tacos, you’re in luck! We have a wide array of other fantastic taco recipes that are sure to become new family favorites. From savory BBQ creations to lighter, healthier options, there’s a taco for every craving:

• Crockpot BBQ Ranch Chicken Tacos: Slow-cooked to perfection and topped with the best creamy cilantro sauce.
• Chicken Tinga Tacos: Rich and smoky, served with quick pickled onions for a tangy contrast.
• Loaded Taco Fries: A fun and hearty twist, featuring all your favorite taco toppings served over crispy sweet potato fries.
• Healthy Tacos: Packed with nutritious ingredients and bright flavors, featuring a vibrant cilantro pesto.
• Taco Lettuce Wraps: A lighter, low-carb alternative, using taco-seasoned ground beef wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves.

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5 from 6 votes

Asian Chicken Tacos

By Chelsea Lords

These Asian Chicken Tacos are topped with a fresh mango slaw, creamy avocado, and a zesty 4-ingredient Sriracha-lime sauce. They’re ready in just 30 minutes for a flavor-packed, easy meal!

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Video

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Large skillet or grill (for cooking chicken, if not using rotisserie)
• Tongs
• Salad spinner (optional, for slaw)

Ingredients

Sriracha-Lime Sauce

• 2 limes (zest of 1 lime for 1/2 tsp zest, juice of 2 limes for 4 tbsp juice)
• 1/2 cup mayo (Hellman’s/Best Foods® recommended)
• 3 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Mango Avocado Slaw

• 2 to 4 honey mangoes (yielding about 1 cup sliced)
• 2 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
• 1 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion (or green onions for milder flavor)
• 2 large carrots (yielding about 1 cup thinly sliced matchsticks)

Tacos

• Cooking spray or olive oil
• 10 to 12 flour tortillas or corn tortillas, street-taco-sized
• 3/4 pound shredded rotisserie chicken (see note 1 for alternatives)
• 1 large avocado, sliced (optional, but highly recommended)

Instructions

1. Zest 1 lime to get 1/2 teaspoon zest and juice 2 limes to get 4 tablespoons juice. In a medium bowl, combine mayo, lime zest, lime juice, Sriracha, and sugar. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until smooth, then taste and adjust lime or Sriracha to achieve your desired balance of tang and heat.
2. Prepare the slaw: Peel and thinly slice mangos. Thinly slice green cabbage to yield 2 cups. Coarsely chop cilantro to measure 1 cup. Thinly slice 1/2 red onion. If not using pre-cut, cut carrots into matchsticks. Combine all slaw ingredients in a large bowl and toss with tongs until well mixed.
3. Prepare the tortillas: Lightly spray both sides of the tortillas with cooking spray or a light brushing of olive oil. Using tongs, char the tortillas directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side until lightly browned and soft. Alternatively, warm them in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel. Immediately fold each warm tortilla in half to create a taco shape, which will make assembly easier.
4. Prepare the chicken: Shred or coarsely chop the rotisserie chicken (refer to note 1 for alternative chicken preparation methods). Warm the chicken through if necessary, either in the microwave or a skillet over low heat.
5. Assemble your tacos: Fill each prepared tortilla with a generous portion of warm chicken, a spoonful of the refreshing mango slaw, and a drizzle of the zesty Sriracha-lime sauce. Add fresh cilantro, a squeeze of extra lime juice, and creamy sliced avocado as desired for an extra touch of freshness and richness.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chicken Alternatives: While rotisserie chicken offers maximum convenience, feel free to substitute with approximately 3/4 pound of your preferred protein. Pan-seared or grilled chicken breast, shrimp, fish (such as cod or mahi-mahi), or even thinly sliced steak would all be incredibly tasty and complement the slaw and sauce beautifully. Choose what you like best!

Storage: For best results and to maintain freshness, store the individual components of the tacos (chicken, slaw, and sauce) separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, warm the chicken and tortillas, then assemble your tacos just before serving to prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy and to ensure the slaw remains crisp and vibrant.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 716 kcal | Carbohydrates: 68 g | Protein: 34 g | Fat: 36 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 15 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7 g | Trans Fat: 0.1 g | Cholesterol: 94 mg | Sodium: 1206 mg | Potassium: 979 mg | Fiber: 11 g | Sugar: 21 g | Vitamin A: 14670 IU | Vitamin C: 98 mg | Calcium: 243 mg | Iron: 5 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

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