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Chicken Street Tacos

Mouthwatering Chicken Street Tacos for Your Next Taco Night

Delightful Chicken Street Tacos are perfect for busy nights, featuring marinated chicken thighs and customizable toppings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Marinade
  • 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for marinating.
  • ¼ cup Lime Juice Fresh lime juice enhances flavor; bottled juice lacks brightness.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Keeps chicken moist during cooking; any neutral oil works as a substitute.
  • 3 cloves Garlic (minced) Fresh garlic adds robust flavor; garlic powder is a quicker alternative.
  • 1 tsp Cumin Infuses warm, earthy notes; can switch to coriander for variation.
  • 1 tsp Chili Powder Adds a kick of spice; adjust to desired heat level.
  • 1 tsp Smoked Paprika Provides a delightful smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used for less smokiness.
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano Adds delicious herbal notes; fresh oregano is a great substitute if on hand.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust to your preference.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning; feel free to adjust to your preference.
For the Tacos
  • 8-10 Soft Corn Tortillas Ideal base for your tacos; flour tortillas can be swapped for preference.
  • ½ cup Chopped White Onion Delivers crunch and sharpness; red onion offers a milder taste.
  • ½ cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro Adds freshness and color; you can omit it if desired.
  • 4 Lime Wedges Essential to enhance flavor when squeezed over tacos.
Optional Add-Ons
  • 1 cup Sliced Avocado or Guacamole For a creamy, rich addition.
  • ½ cup Crumbled Cotija Cheese Adds a wonderful tangy flavor; feel free to adjust the amount.
  • cup Pickled Red Onions A zesty topping to brighten flavors.
  • ½ cup Salsa Verde Offers a fresh and spicy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.

Equipment

  • Grill or Skillet
  • Mixing Bowl
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together fresh lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it reaches a temperature of around 400°F. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or skillet. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until the chicken is nicely charred and has an internal temperature of 165°F.
  3. Rest and Slice: After cooking, remove the chicken from heat and let rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into thin strips.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: In a dry skillet over medium heat, place the soft corn tortillas one at a time. Warm for about 20–30 seconds on each side until slightly charred.
  5. Assemble Tacos: Layer the sliced chicken on each warmed corn tortilla. Top with chopped white onion and fresh cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime wedges over the top.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Marinate overnight for deeper flavor and check chicken's internal temperature with a meat thermometer for perfect juiciness.

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