Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Street Tacos are a delicious, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the vibrant tastes of Mexico straight to your plate. These tacos are made with tender, marinated chicken that is grilled to perfection, then served in soft corn tortillas and topped with fresh, zesty ingredients. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, Chicken Street Tacos offer a fun, customizable meal that everyone will love.

The beauty of Chicken Street Tacos lies in their simplicity. The chicken is marinated with a mix of bold flavors—citrusy, savory, and a little spicy—creating a deliciously juicy filling. Combined with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos deliver an irresistible balance of flavors. Served with your choice of salsa, guacamole, or even a drizzle of crema, these tacos are perfect for a quick meal or as part of a larger taco spread.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Street Tacos

• Bold and Flavorful: The marinated chicken is infused with a rich, zesty flavor that is both tangy and savory. Paired with the crunch of fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos are bursting with flavor in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: Chicken Street Tacos are incredibly easy to prepare, with minimal ingredients and preparation time. The chicken only needs to marinate for 30 minutes, and the tacos come together in less than 30 minutes of cooking.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your tastes. Add more heat with a spicy salsa or keep it simple with just cilantro and lime. These tacos are incredibly versatile.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a taco night, enjoying a casual dinner, or preparing a party platter, Chicken Street Tacos are a hit with guests. They’re also great for meal prep, making them ideal for lunchboxes or busy evenings.
• Healthy and Light: With lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and a minimal amount of oil, Chicken Street Tacos are a healthier alternative to many other taco options. You can enjoy a satisfying, flavorful meal without the guilt.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Marination Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (2 tacos per serving)
• Calories per Serving: Around 300-350 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Fat: 10-15g
• Carbohydrates: 20-25g
• Protein: 25-30g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Chicken Street Tacos:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas, if preferred)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/2 red onion, finely diced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges (for serving)
• Salsa or hot sauce (optional, for topping)

For Optional Toppings:

• Guacamole or sliced avocado
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Cotija cheese, crumbled
• Radishes, thinly sliced
• Jalapeños, sliced (for extra heat)
• Pico de gallo or salsa verde

Special Equipment

Preparing Chicken Street Tacos doesn’t require any special equipment, but there are a few tools that can make the process smoother and more efficient:

1. Grill or Grill Pan: A grill or grill pan is perfect for cooking the marinated chicken, as it provides that charred, smoky flavor that is characteristic of street tacos. If you don’t have access to a grill, a skillet will work just fine.
2. Tongs: Tongs are ideal for flipping and handling the chicken on the grill or in the pan without piercing the meat and losing valuable juices.
3. Mixing Bowls: A couple of mixing bowls are needed—one for marinating the chicken and another for prepping the toppings.
4. Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife is essential for dicing the onion and slicing the cilantro, lime, and any other toppings.
5. Grater: If you plan to add Cotija cheese to your tacos, a fine grater will help you get the perfect texture for the cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade

Start by preparing the marinade for the chicken. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.

Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into smaller strips, if desired, or leave them whole for grilling. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it’s evenly coated with the spices and oil mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade to a resealable plastic bag. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.

2. Prepare the Toppings

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the toppings. Finely dice the red onion and chop the cilantro. Cut the lime into wedges for serving. If you’re using other toppings, such as sliced avocado, jalapeños, or Cotija cheese, prep those as well and set them aside.

3. Cook the Chicken

Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown with grill marks.

If you’re using a skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat and cook the chicken for the same amount of time, turning it occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly.

Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for easy taco filling.

4. Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken rests, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this on the grill or in a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat the tortillas for about 30 seconds to 1 minute on each side, just until they’re warm and pliable.

If you’re using flour tortillas, follow the same process, but they may warm up slightly faster.

5. Assemble the Tacos

Now it’s time to assemble the tacos! Place 2-3 pieces of chicken in the center of each warm tortilla. Top with a generous sprinkle of chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. If you’re using any of the optional toppings, add them to the tacos as well.

If you like a bit of spice, add some salsa or hot sauce, or top with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.

6. Serve and Enjoy

Once your tacos are assembled, they’re ready to serve! Arrange them on a platter and serve immediately. Be sure to provide extra lime wedges, salsa, and other toppings so everyone can customize their tacos to their liking.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Street Tacos

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Make sure the chicken is cooked through but not overdone. Overcooked chicken can become dry, so use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Use Fresh Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the chicken and the tacos. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it doesn’t have the same vibrant taste.
• Customize Your Toppings: The beauty of Chicken Street Tacos is that you can make them your own. Experiment with different toppings like shredded lettuce, guacamole, or a variety of salsas to make the tacos unique to your tastes.
• Marinate the Chicken Longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for at least an hour, or even up to overnight. The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will become.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Warm tortillas help keep the tacos soft and pliable. Don’t skip this step—it makes a big difference in the overall experience.

Variations of Chicken Street Tacos

• Grilled Chicken Street Tacos: Instead of cooking the chicken in a skillet, grill it over medium-high heat for that authentic smoky flavor. This version adds an extra layer of depth to the flavor profile.
• Spicy Chicken Street Tacos: For an extra kick, add more cayenne pepper to the marinade or top the tacos with a spicy salsa or sliced jalapeños.
• Chicken and Pineapple Tacos: Add grilled pineapple slices to your chicken tacos for a sweet and savory combination that’s popular in many street taco variations.
• Baked Chicken Street Tacos: If you prefer to bake the chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the marinated chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Chicken Street Tacos with Cilantro Lime Rice: Serve your tacos with a side of cilantro lime rice for a complete meal that pairs perfectly with the flavors of the tacos.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chicken Street Tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop, though the tortillas are best when freshly warmed. If you have leftover toppings, store them separately and refrigerate them for later use.

This dish is not ideal for freezing, as the tortillas and toppings don’t freeze well. However, the chicken can be frozen for up to

2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Chicken Street Tacos

Pair Chicken Street Tacos with these complementary sides to round out your meal:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered with creamy mayo, cotija cheese, chili powder, and lime juice is the perfect side dish.
• Refried Beans: Smooth, creamy refried beans are a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the tacos.
• Mexican Rice: Fluffy, flavorful rice with a hint of lime and cilantro complements the tacos and adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
• Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips is a great appetizer to enjoy alongside your tacos.
• Margaritas: For an extra touch of fun, serve these tacos with a refreshing margarita, whether it’s classic lime or flavored with fruit like strawberry or mango.

Print

Conclusion

Chicken Street Tacos are a fun, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With tender, marinated chicken, warm tortillas, and a variety of fresh toppings, these tacos bring a burst of vibrant flavors to your table. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or simply enjoying a weeknight dinner, Chicken Street Tacos will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy this delicious, customizable dish and savor the taste of authentic Mexican street food right at home!