Smoky Chicken Tacos with Apple-Cabbage Slaw

Smoky chile chicken, seared poblano, and crisp apple-cabbage slaw make these Oaxacan-inspired tacos a quick late-September dinner.

  • Total time: 38 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $16
  • Calories per serving: 610 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs
    1 pound $5.99
  • Fine sea salt
    1 1/2 teaspoons total
  • Ground ancho chile
    1 teaspoon
  • Ground cumin
    1 teaspoon
  • Organic green cabbage
    8 ounces $1.99
  • Organic Fuji apple
    1 small apple $2.77
  • Lime
    1 lime $0.69
  • Organic poblano pepper
    1 pepper $4.43
  • Neutral cooking oil
    1 tablespoon total
  • Small corn tortillas
    6 tortillas

Instructions

  1. Pat dry 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs. Rub with 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, 1 teaspoon ground ancho chile, and 1 teaspoon ground cumin. Set aside for 10 minutes while preparing the vegetables.

  2. Make the slaw by tossing together:

    • 8 ounces organic green cabbage, finely shredded
    • 1 small organic Fuji apple, cut into thin matchsticks
    • 1 lime, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

    Set aside while the chicken cooks.

  3. Slice 1 organic poblano pepper into strips. Heat 1 teaspoon neutral cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the strips for 5–6 minutes, until softened and browned in spots. Transfer to a plate.

  4. Add 2 teaspoons neutral cooking oil to the skillet. Cook the seasoned chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, until the thickest part reaches 175°F. Transfer to a board, rest for 3 minutes, then slice.

  5. While the chicken rests, warm 6 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, working in batches.

  6. Divide the sliced chicken and poblano among the warm tortillas. Top with the apple-cabbage slaw and serve.

Drink pairing: A lightly chilled Pinot Noir complements the smoky chicken and tart apple slaw.