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Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 9 reviews

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this easy chicken street tacos recipe. Tender marinated chicken thighs are cooked to perfection, then served in warm corn tortillas with fresh onions, cilantro, and optional toppings like cotija cheese, avocado, and salsa verde. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

For Serving

  • 8–12 small corn tortillas (street taco style)
  • ½ cup white onion, finely chopped
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges
  • Cotija cheese (optional)
  • Avocado slices (optional)
  • Salsa verde (optional)
  • Pickled red onions (optional)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss well to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, and cook the thighs for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The outside should be golden with slight char marks.
  3. Rest and Slice: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice or dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces perfect for tacos.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken rests, heat the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds per side until warm, pliable, and lightly toasted.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warmed tortilla with a generous portion of the sliced chicken. Top with the finely chopped white onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional toppings such as cotija cheese, avocado slices, salsa verde, and pickled red onions for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight marination enhances the flavor even more.
  • If you prefer spicier tacos, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the marinade.
  • To keep tortillas warm and soft, wrap them in a clean towel after warming.
  • Use corn tortillas for authentic flavor and gluten-free option.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Adjust seasoning and salt according to taste preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tacos, street tacos, easy Mexican recipe, quick tacos, grilled chicken tacos, corn tortilla tacos, healthy tacos

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/easy-chicken-street-tacos-recipe/