Chicken Street Tacos Recipe You’ll Ever Need (Authentic & Easy!) Recipe

Introduction

These Chicken Street Tacos are your go-to recipe for an authentic and flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken wrapped in warm corn tortillas with fresh toppings makes every bite irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat thoroughly. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Step 3: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6–7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then chop it into bite-sized pieces.
5. Step 5: Warm the corn tortillas on the skillet or directly over a flame until soft and pliable.
6. Step 6: Assemble the tacos by placing chopped chicken on each tortilla, then top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, grill the chicken over charcoal or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade.
• Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Add diced avocado or a drizzle of crema for creaminess and balance.
• Use flour tortillas if corn is unavailable, but authentic street tacos are best on corn.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tortillas wrapped to maintain softness. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and heat tortillas separately to avoid sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight enhances the flavor even more. Just cover and refrigerate the chicken while it marinates.

What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

Warming tortillas on a hot skillet or directly over a gas flame until they’re soft and slightly charred works best for authentic texture and flavor.

Chicken Street Tacos Recipe You’ll Ever Need (Authentic & Easy!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 54 reviews

This authentic and easy Chicken Street Tacos recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs seasoned with a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika, grilled to perfection and served on warm corn tortillas with fresh diced onions, cilantro, and lime wedges for a burst of bright flavor. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these tacos capture the vibrant taste of traditional Mexican street food.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 tacos (serves 4) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Tacos and Garnishes

• 8 small corn tortillas
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a well-blended marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the hot surface and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and develops a nice charred exterior.
4. Rest and Chop: Remove the chicken from heat and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces suitable for tacos.
5. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas on the skillet or directly over a flame until they become pliable and lightly toasted, ready for assembling the tacos.
6. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with a generous amount of chopped chicken, followed by diced onion and chopped cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Notes

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or serve with sliced jalapeños.
• You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs tend to stay juicier.
• Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To keep tortillas warm, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel until ready to serve.
• Grilling the chicken adds authentic smoky flavors, but a stovetop skillet works equally well.

Keywords: Chicken street tacos, Mexican tacos, grilled chicken tacos, easy taco recipe, authentic Mexican street food, lime chicken tacos