Name: Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon chili powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon cumin; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup sour cream; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 teaspoon honey; ½ teaspoon chili powder; 8 small flour or corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix; ½ cup pico de gallo or diced tomatoes; ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges, for serving

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If you’re craving bold Tex-Mex flavors but want something quick and satisfying, these Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe are about to become your new favorite. Juicy, spiced shrimp come together in no time and get nestled inside warm tortillas with crisp cabbage, fresh pico de gallo, and a luxurious creamy sauce that ties every bite together. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at taco night, these tacos deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with raw, peeled shrimp sits in the lower right, showing light gray and pale pink colors and a soft texture. Nearby, two shiny green limes and half a purple-red onion with visible layers are placed side by side on the white marbled surface. In the top left, a small stack of yellow corn tortillas rests on a white plate, their slightly bumpy texture and small brown spots visible. Fresh green cilantro with leafy texture is spread above the tortillas. To the right, a halved white onion and two garlic cloves lie close to a whole dark green avocado with a bumpy skin. Three small metal bowls hold different ingredients: one with creamy white sour cream, another with crumbly white cheese, and the last with mixed spices in red, black, and beige tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the spices that make the shrimp pop, to the creamy sauce that adds a cooling touch, and the fresh veggies that bring crunch and brightness — every element is simple but essential.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use large shrimp for juicy, tender bites that soak up the spices perfectly.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the shrimp cook evenly and adds a subtle richness.
1 teaspoon chili powder: The star spice that delivers the classic Tex-Mex kick.
½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky depth and gorgeous color.
½ teaspoon cumin: Brings a warm, earthy background flavor to the shrimp.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory hints that make every bite irresistible.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors coming together.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a hint of heat and balances the seasoning.
½ cup sour cream: Creates the creamy base for the tangy sauce.
2 tablespoons mayonnaise: Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon lime juice: Brightens the sauce with citrusy zing.
1 teaspoon honey: Balances the tang and spice with a touch of sweetness.
½ teaspoon chili powder (for sauce): Ensures the sauce ties in perfectly with the shrimp seasoning.
8 small flour or corn tortillas: Flour tortillas keep it classic Chili’s style, while corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option.
2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Adds refreshing crunch to every bite.
½ cup pico de gallo or diced tomatoes: Bursts of freshness and color that complement the cooked shrimp.
¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped: A fragrant garnish that lifts the entire dish.
Lime wedges: For squeezing over the top and adding an extra pop of citrus.

How to Make Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This spice mix infuses them with bold flavor that is key to mimicking that Chili’s-style punch.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat your skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the shrimp in the pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, just until they turn pink and curl up. Shrimp cook quickly, so be careful not to overcook to keep them tender and juicy.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

While the shrimp cook, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, lime juice, honey, and chili powder in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce brings a cooling yet zesty element that contrasts beautifully with the spicy shrimp.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Whether you prefer your tortillas warm from the skillet or heated quickly in the microwave, this step softens them and makes them pliable for easy folding with the fillings.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Layer each tortilla with a handful of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix, add several shrimp, spoon on some pico de gallo, and drizzle generously with the creamy sauce. Finish by sprinkling chopped cilantro on top and get ready to dig in.

How to Serve Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Garnishing these shrimp tacos is where you can really personalize your plate. Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbal brightness, while lime wedges add essential acidity that wakes up the flavors. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce on top.

Side Dishes

Complementing your Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe with the right sides makes for a complete meal. A simple Mexican street corn salad, black beans, or fluffy Mexican rice are classic options. For a light contrast, try a crisp cucumber salad or even a side of guacamole and chips.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve the tacos buffet-style on a colorful platter with bowls of extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, and avocado slices. Mini taco boats or lettuce wraps can also be fun alternatives for serving, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers from your Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe, store the shrimp, slaw, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days to keep the flavors fresh.

Freezing

While cooked shrimp can be frozen, it’s best to freeze leftovers before assembling to retain texture. Keep the shrimp frozen in a sealed bag for up to one month and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat shrimp, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat for a couple of minutes—avoid the microwave if possible to prevent rubbery texture. Warm tortillas separately, then assemble your tacos fresh to keep that signature crispness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they sear properly and don’t steam in the pan.

What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?

Flour tortillas give that classic Chili’s-style taste and softness, but corn tortillas are a fantastic gluten-free alternative that work wonderfully as well.

Can I make the creamy sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the creamy sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the fridge. It actually tastes better after the flavors meld together!

How spicy are these shrimp tacos?

They’re moderately spicy thanks to the chili powder and paprika, but you can adjust the heat by adding cayenne or hot sauce to the shrimp or sauce to suit your preference.

Is it possible to make these tacos vegetarian?

While shrimp is the star here, replacing it with grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or jackfruit can create a tasty vegetarian twist on this recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about the perfect balance of smoky spices, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings in this Easy Chili’s-Style Shrimp Tacos Recipe that makes it feel like a celebration on your plate. It’s quick, flavorful, and so easy to pull together that it’s a winner for any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making these again and again!