Description
These easy chicken street tacos feature tender thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices. The chicken is grilled until perfectly charred, then diced and served in warm corn tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime, these tacos deliver authentic Mexican flavor.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 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
- 8–12 small corn tortillas (street taco-style)
- ½ cup white onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Optional toppings: Cotija cheese, Avocado slices, Salsa verde, Pickled red onions
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F) and the outside is golden and slightly charred.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice or dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- While the chicken rests, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20–30 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly toasted.
- Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken, then top with chopped onion and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and any optional toppings.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate chicken for at least 2 hours if time permits.
- Can be made gluten-free by ensuring tortillas contain only corn.
- Cooked chicken stays delicious for up to 3 days refrigerated.
- Swap chicken thighs for breast meat if preferred, reducing cooking time.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with portobello mushrooms or firm tofu.
- Add a diced jalapeño to the marinade for extra spice.
- Cook chicken outdoors for added smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Family Dinner Ideas
- Method: Grilling and Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2-3 tacos)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
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