Our 16 Taco Recipes Built Around Chicken, Shrimp, Beans And Fresh Produce
If tacos are your love language, you are in the right place. These 16 recipes focus on juicy chicken, speedy shrimp, hearty beans, and the brightest produce you can find.
You will get bold flavors without fussy steps, plus textures that snap, crunch, and melt just right. Pick a favorite tonight, then work your way through the whole list all season long.
1. Lime-Garlic Chicken Tacos With Cabbage Slaw
You will love how lime and garlic wake up simple chicken. Marinate with fresh lime juice, minced garlic, a little honey, and chili powder, then grill or pan sear until lightly charred.
Slice thin and tuck into warm tortillas so the juices mingle with everything.
Make a crunchy cabbage slaw with shredded cabbage, scallions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. A creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt, mayo, and hot sauce pulls it together without feeling heavy.
Add avocado slices, extra cilantro, and a sprinkle of flaky salt for a taco-truck finish.
2. Chipotle Chicken Tacos With Corn Salsa
Smoky chipotle brings a deep, warm kick that tastes bigger than the effort. Toss chicken with chipotle in adobo, lime, cumin, and a touch of brown sugar, then sear until caramelized.
The edges get a little crisp, which makes every bite feel exciting.
Stir together corn salsa with charred corn, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime. The sweetness balances the smoke perfectly.
Scoop everything into tortillas, add crumbled cotija, and finish with a quick drizzle of crema. You get bold, loud flavor that still feels weeknight easy.
3. Chicken Tinga Tacos With Pickled Red Onions
Chicken tinga is all about a rich tomato-chipotle sauce that clings to shredded chicken. Simmer onions, garlic, tomatoes, and chipotle until velvety, then fold in the chicken so it absorbs every drop.
The flavor deepens as it rests, so leftovers taste even better.
Quick-pickle red onions with vinegar, sugar, and salt until punchy and pink. Their brightness slices through the saucy richness.
Pile into tortillas, add a spoon of crema, and shower with cilantro. A squeeze of lime right before you bite makes everything pop and sing.
4. Crispy Chicken Tacos With Jalapeno Ranch
Think game-day comfort tucked into a tortilla. Bread chicken strips, bake or fry until super crunchy, and slice into snappy pieces.
The contrast against soft tortillas feels indulgent without going overboard.
Blend jalapeno ranch with mayo, sour cream, buttermilk, garlic, dill, and fresh jalapenos. It is cool, herby, and just spicy enough to make you reach for another taco.
Add shredded lettuce for fresh crunch and diced tomatoes for juice. Finish with lime and a little cheddar if you like things extra cozy.
5. Mojo Chicken Tacos With Citrus and Herbs
Mojo marinades taste like sunshine. Use orange and lime juice, garlic, oregano, and olive oil to soak chicken until it turns bright and fragrant.
Grill hot so you get little charred bits that smell incredible.
Slice and nestle into tortillas with avocado, sliced radishes, and chopped cilantro. A quick spoon of the reserved mojo as a dressing adds tangy sparkle.
These tacos feel clean, zesty, and perfect for warm evenings. You will catch yourself planning the next batch before the first disappears.
6. Honey-Lime Chicken Tacos With Mango Salsa
When sweet meets tangy, tacos get addictive. Glaze chicken with honey, lime zest, lime juice, and a small splash of soy for depth, then sear until sticky at the edges.
The caramelized bits cling to tortillas in the best way.
Make mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime. It brings color, freshness, and a cooling counterpoint to the glaze.
Add crunchy cabbage or lettuce for texture, then a drizzle of crema. Every bite lands balanced, sunny, and unexpectedly elegant for such an easy dinner.
7. Blackened Shrimp Tacos With Creamy Slaw
Shrimp make tacos feel like a weeknight victory. Toss with blackened seasoning, paprika, garlic, and cayenne, then sear fast so they stay juicy with smoky edges.
The aroma alone calls everyone to the kitchen.
Stir together a creamy slaw with shredded cabbage, lime, cilantro, and a touch of mayo or yogurt. It cools the heat while adding crunch.
Serve immediately so shrimp stay snappy. A few dashes of hot sauce and a squeeze of lime finish the plate without complicating anything.
8. Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos With Pico de Gallo
Garlic butter makes shrimp taste luxurious with almost no effort. Sizzle minced garlic in butter, toss in shrimp, and cook just until pink and glossy.
The sauce soaks into tortillas and feels like comfort food in taco form.
Top with bright pico de gallo made from tomatoes, onion, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime. The freshness balances the richness bite for bite.
Add a sprinkle of cotija or feta if you want salty contrast. Simple, fast, and perfect when you crave something special without spending all night cooking.
9. Chili-Lime Shrimp Tacos With Avocado
These tacos hit that spicy-tangy-creamy trifecta. Toss shrimp with chili powder, lime zest, and salt, then sear in a hot pan for quick char.
The lime perfumes the whole kitchen while you warm tortillas.
Layer with crunchy cabbage, ripe avocado slices, and a dab of crema. A shower of cilantro and a squeeze of extra lime make the flavors pop.
You will be shocked how fast they disappear, so plan generous portions. Weeknight quick, party worthy, and endlessly repeatable.
10. Coconut-Crusted Shrimp Tacos With Pineapple Salsa
Crunchy coconut shrimp deliver tropical vibes without leaning dessert-sweet. Coat shrimp in shredded coconut and panko, then fry or air fry until golden and crisp.
The texture against soft tortillas is ridiculously satisfying.
Mix pineapple salsa with diced pineapple, red pepper, jalapeno, cilantro, and lime. Its acidity cuts the richness and keeps bites lively.
Add purple cabbage for color and crunch, plus a light drizzle of spicy mayo if you like heat. These taste sunny, beachy, and still balanced.
11. Crispy Bean and Cheese Tacos With Lettuce and Salsa
Here is the simple, nostalgic taco you grew up loving. Spread seasoned refried beans on tortillas, add plenty of cheese, and pan-crisp until the outside is golden and the inside melty.
That contrast makes them irresistible.
Top with shredded lettuce for cool crunch and spoonfuls of salsa for brightness. You can add pickled jalapenos if you want a little kick.
These are budget-friendly, fast, and endlessly comforting. Serve with rice or just a plate of lime wedges and call it dinner.
12. Black Bean Tacos With Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted sweet potatoes bring caramelized edges and a cozy flavor that plays perfectly with black beans. Toss with chili powder, cumin, and olive oil, then roast until tender and browned.
The kitchen smells amazing while you prep toppings.
Layer tortillas with beans, crispy potatoes, and a limey yogurt sauce. Add pickled onions or radishes for zing.
These tacos feel hearty without heaviness, making them great for meal prep or meatless nights. You get sweet, savory, and bright in every bite.
13. Pinto Bean Tacos With Charred Peppers and Onions
Think fajita energy with pantry-friendly beans. Char peppers and onions in a hot skillet until blistered and sweet.
Stir in seasoned pinto beans so they soak up smoky bits and feel main-event worthy.
Fill tortillas and add a squeeze of lime, crumbled queso, and cilantro. A quick drizzle of hot sauce ties everything together.
It is affordable, easy, and tastes way bigger than the sum of its parts. Perfect for feeding friends without stressing.
14. Chickpea Taco Tacos With Crunchy Cabbage
Chickpeas crisp beautifully with a little oil and taco seasoning. Roast or pan-fry until golden and crackly at the edges.
The crunch stands up to creamy sauce and fresh cabbage like a champ.
Toss cabbage with lime, salt, and a touch of mayo or yogurt. Spoon chickpeas into tortillas, drizzle with lime crema, and shower with cilantro.
It is protein-packed, budget-friendly, and seriously fresh. You will want these on repeat for quick lunches.
15. Tomato-Cucumber Bean Tacos With Feta and Herbs
These feel like a taco-salad mashup in the best way. Toss white beans with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, lemon, and olive oil.
Add dill and parsley so everything tastes garden-fresh.
Spoon into tortillas and crumble feta over the top for salty punch. A pinch of oregano and a final squeeze of lemon keep it lively.
Cool, crunchy, and surprisingly satisfying, especially on hot days. You will not miss the meat for a second.
16. Farmers Market Chicken Tacos With Quick Pickled Veg
Use whatever looks best at the market. Grill simply seasoned chicken and slice thin.
Quick-pickle a mix of radishes, cucumbers, carrots, and jalapenos with vinegar, sugar, and salt so they stay crisp and tangy.
Layer tortillas with chicken, a handful of pickled veg, and fresh herbs like cilantro or mint. A swipe of yogurt or mayo adds softness without muting the snap.
These tacos taste bright, flexible, and endlessly customizable. Perfect for cleaning out the crisper while eating something exciting.
