Name: Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487094H49M45S
Total time: PT-487094H49M45S
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 8 small corn or flour tortillas (soft tacos); 1/2 cup finely chopped white onion; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; Lime wedges (for serving); Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor); Radishes or avocado (optional, for extra toppings)

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Chicken Street Tacos are a delicious and flavorful Mexican dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or a fun taco night. With juicy, seasoned chicken grilled or sautéed to perfection, topped with fresh toppings like cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos bring all the authentic street food flavors straight to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a taco bar or enjoying a casual meal at home, these chicken street tacos are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Street Tacos are simple to make yet bursting with flavor. The chicken is marinated in a savory mixture of spices, lime juice, and garlic, which infuses it with a ton of flavor. Topped with fresh, crisp onions, cilantro, and a touch of lime, these tacos are the perfect balance of savory, zesty, and refreshing. Whether you’re grilling the chicken or cooking it in a skillet, the result is tender, juicy chicken that’s perfect for stuffing into soft tortillas. These tacos are a fun and customizable meal the whole family will love!

Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken:

1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

For the tacos:

8 small corn or flour tortillas (soft tacos)
1/2 cup finely chopped white onion
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges (for serving)
Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
Radishes or avocado (optional, for extra toppings)

Directions

Prepare the chicken marinade: In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, lime juice, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined.
Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and toss to coat evenly. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Cook the chicken:
- Grill method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Skillet method: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from the heat and let it rest before slicing.
Prepare the tacos: While the chicken is cooking, warm the tortillas on the stove or in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re soft and pliable.
Assemble the tacos: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Divide the chicken evenly between the tortillas.
Add the toppings: Top each taco with freshly chopped onions, cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and any optional toppings like salsa, avocado, or radishes.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the tacos immediately while the chicken is warm, and enjoy with your favorite side dishes or drinks!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes about 8 tacos.
Prep time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cooking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 30-40 minutes

Variations

Grilled Veggie Tacos: Add grilled veggies like bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the tacos for extra flavor and texture.
Spicy Chicken: Add more chili powder or a chopped jalapeño to the marinade for an extra spicy kick.
Crispy Chicken: For a crispy variation, bread the chicken before cooking and fry it in a pan.
Pineapple Salsa: Top your tacos with a fresh pineapple salsa for a sweet, tropical twist.
Cilantro-Lime Rice: Serve the tacos with a side of cilantro-lime rice for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on a skillet until warmed through. If you have leftover tortillas, warm them on the stove or in the microwave before assembling the tacos.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes! Chicken breasts can be used as a substitute for chicken thighs. Keep in mind that breasts can be a little drier, so be sure not to overcook them.

2. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in a skillet or microwave before assembling the tacos.

3. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn if you prefer. Both options work well, but corn tortillas tend to add more authenticity to the street taco experience.

4. How do I make these tacos gluten-free?

To make gluten-free chicken tacos, simply use gluten-free corn tortillas or any gluten-free tortilla option. The rest of the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

5. Can I add cheese to these tacos?

Yes! If you’re not following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you can add shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack or cotija, to the tacos for extra richness.

6. Can I cook the chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a slow cooker. Add the chicken and marinade to the slow cooker, and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the chicken is tender and easily shredded. Shred the chicken with a fork before assembling the tacos.

7. Can I use other types of meat for these tacos?

Yes! You can use other meats like pork, beef, or even shrimp for the tacos. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different meats.

8. How can I make these tacos spicier?

For spicier tacos, add more chili powder or cayenne pepper to the marinade. You can also add fresh jalapeño slices as a topping.

9. Can I freeze the cooked chicken for later?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm in a skillet or microwave.

10. How can I make the chicken more flavorful?

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to allow the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply. You can also add additional spices like smoked paprika or chili flakes for more depth.

Conclusion

Chicken Street Tacos are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that everyone will love. With juicy, well-seasoned chicken, soft tortillas, and fresh toppings, these tacos are a great way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico right at home. Whether you’re having a casual dinner or hosting a taco night, these tacos are sure to be a crowd favorite. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy!