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