Description
These easy homemade chicken street tacos bring authentic Mexican flavor to your kitchen with juicy marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and warm corn tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, they’re quick, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes (about 1/4 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or 3/4 teaspoon table salt)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 12 small corn tortillas (5-inch size)
- 1 small white onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Optional: 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese or queso fresco
- Optional: diced avocado, fresh salsa, or radish slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken thighs and toss until well coated. Marinate for 20-30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge). If short on time, marinate at least 10 minutes.
- Dice onion, chop cilantro, and cut lime into wedges. Set aside.
- Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Keep warm in foil or a tortilla warmer.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil if needed.
- Cook chicken thighs in a single layer for 5-7 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Let rest for 2-3 minutes, then slice into strips or cubes.
- Layer sliced chicken onto warm tortillas. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
- Add optional toppings like cotija cheese, avocado, salsa, or radishes.
- Serve immediately while hot and fresh.
Notes
For best flavor, use chicken thighs and marinate at least 20 minutes. Don’t marinate overnight, as lime juice can make the chicken mushy. Always warm tortillas before serving to prevent cracking. Customize with your favorite toppings or swap in rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. Leftover chicken is great for burrito bowls or salads.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 6
- Saturated Fat: 1.5
- Carbohydrates: 16
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 16
Keywords: chicken street tacos, authentic Mexican tacos, easy chicken tacos, weeknight dinner, gluten-free tacos, taco night, healthy chicken tacos, street food, marinated chicken, corn tortillas