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Ingredients
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Chicken & Marinade
Tortillas & Assembly
Toppings & Garnishes (optional)
Method
Chicken & Marinade
Prepare the chicken
Rinse and pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally to make 2 thinner cutlets or pound to an even 1/2-inch thickness so they cook quickly and evenly.
Make marinade
In a shallow bowl or resealable bag combine olive oil, lime juice, ground cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or shake to emulsify.
Add the chicken to the marinade and turn to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes and up to 2 hours. If short on time, allow at least 10 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a thin film of oil or wipe oil on the pan. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached and the exterior is golden-browned. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes.
Slice or shred the rested chicken into 1/3-inch strips or bite-sized pieces for filling tortillas.
Tortillas & Assembly
Warm the tortillas
Warm a dry skillet over medium heat. Lightly brush each tortilla with a little cooking oil if you want a pliable, lightly crisp texture. Heat each tortilla 20–30 seconds per side until warm and slightly charred spots appear. Keep warm wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or in a low oven (200°F/95°C).
Assemble
Place a warm tortilla on a plate. Add about 2–3 ounces (roughly 1/3 cup) of sliced chicken in the center. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream or sliced avocado, a spoonful of salsa, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Squeeze lime over the top if desired. Fold or roll and serve immediately.
Toppings & Garnishes (optional)
Offer additional lime wedges, extra salsa, and hot sauce at the table. Any leftover toppings can be served family-style so each person customizes their tortilla.