Chicken Street Tacos

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - Spices for marinade: - 1 tablespoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - Toppings: - 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/2 cup diced red onion - 1 lime, cut into wedges - 1 avocado, sliced - Optional: diced jalapeños for spice To make these tacos, start with the chicken thighs. I like thighs because they are juicy. They stay moist even when cooked. You can also use chicken breasts, but thighs work best for flavor. Next, gather your spices. The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika brings warmth. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. This mix makes the chicken taste amazing. For toppings, fresh cilantro adds brightness. Diced red onion gives a nice crunch. Lime juice adds zest, while avocado provides creaminess. If you like heat, add jalapeños for extra spice. These ingredients come together to create a tasty taco experience. You can adjust toppings to suit your taste. This recipe is quick and easy, perfect for any day! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, prepare the marinade. In a bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. This blend gives the chicken great flavor. Next, coat the chicken thighs with the marinade. Make sure each piece is well-covered. I like to let them soak for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate them overnight in the fridge. Now, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. This step is key for a good sear. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Place it on the grill or skillet. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Make sure it is no longer pink inside. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes. Then, slice it into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken rests, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a separate pan for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and easy to fold. Now, assemble your tacos! Start with a portion of sliced chicken on each tortilla. Top it with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, and avocado slices. If you like heat, add diced jalapeños. Finally, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos before serving. This adds a zesty flavor that brightens everything up. Enjoy your delicious chicken street tacos! To bring out the best flavor in your chicken street tacos, marinating is key. Here are some best practices: - Use Enough Time: Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For richer taste, marinate overnight. - Even Coating: Make sure each piece of chicken is well-coated in the marinade. This helps every bite burst with flavor. For cooking techniques, you can choose between grilling and using a skillet: - Grilling: This method gives you a nice char and smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes. - Skillet: If you prefer indoor cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken the same way. Both methods work great! Now let’s talk about how to serve these tasty tacos. Pair them with fresh sides and drinks for a complete meal: - Sides: Try serving with rice, beans, or a fresh salad. These sides add color and taste. - Drinks: A cold drink, like agua fresca or a light beer, complements the tacos well. For a fun taco night presentation, consider these ideas: - Taco Bar: Set up a taco bar. Let guests build their own tacos with toppings like cilantro, red onion, and avocado. - Colorful Display: Arrange your ingredients in bowls. This makes it look festive and inviting. These tips will help you create delicious chicken street tacos that impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the process of cooking and serving! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful taco filling. Temperature Check: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Warm Your Tortillas: Warming corn tortillas on a skillet helps to make them more pliable and enhances their flavor. This step is key to preventing them from cracking when you assemble the tacos. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to get creative with toppings! Add diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, or a drizzle of sour cream for an extra layer of flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can change how you cook your chicken for street tacos. Grilled chicken has a smoky taste and a nice char. It cooks quickly and adds flavor. Shredded chicken is soft and can soak up all the tasty sauce. You can cook it in a slow cooker or boil it for a simple option. You can also try different meats. Beef works well, especially if you use flank steak. Shrimp tacos are another fun choice. They cook fast and have a fresh taste. Just season them like the chicken and grill them for a few minutes. Toppings can make your tacos special. While cilantro and red onion are classic, you can get creative. Try adding chopped tomatoes, corn, or even pickled vegetables for a zing. For a spicy kick, use a hot salsa. Mango salsa adds sweetness and heat, which is great with chicken. You can also drizzle unique sauces like chipotle mayo or avocado crema. These toppings will take your street tacos to another level. To keep your chicken street tacos fresh, start by storing leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavors intact. Place the tacos in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They can stay good for up to three days. Reheating tacos requires care. I suggest using a skillet over medium heat. Heat each taco for about two minutes on each side. This warms them up nicely without making them soggy. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave. Just make sure to cover it to keep moisture in. When it comes to marinated chicken, store it in a sealed bag or container in the fridge. Use marinated chicken within two days for the best flavor. If you think you won't cook it soon, freeze it. Just remember to label the bag with the date. Freezing cooked chicken is a great way to save time. Once the chicken cools, place it in a freezer-safe bag. Try to remove as much air as possible before sealing. This will prevent freezer burn. Cooked chicken can last for up to three months in the freezer. For tortillas, wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. Store them in a freezer-safe bag. This keeps them fresh for about six months. When you're ready to use them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Toppings should be stored separately. Fresh cilantro, red onion, and avocado do not freeze well. Store them in the fridge and use them within a few days for the best taste and texture. For street tacos, I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Chicken breasts can dry out, especially if overcooked. Thighs have more flavor, making them great for tacos. If you want a leaner option, you can use breasts, but thighs are the best choice. Yes, you can make chicken street tacos ahead of time. Cook the chicken and store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can also marinate the chicken the night before to save time. Just reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave before serving. Warm the tortillas right before you serve for the best taste. To spice up your chicken street tacos, add diced jalapeños to the toppings. You can also mix in more chili powder or cayenne pepper in the marinade. Hot sauce is another great option. Adjust the spice level to your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors! In this post, we explored how to make delicious chicken street tacos from scratch. We covered essential ingredients, marinating tips, and cooking methods. I shared ways to customize your tacos and serve them perfectly. Remember, you can use different meats and toppings for variety. Enjoy making these tacos for your next meal. They are easy and fun!$

Delicious and flavorful chicken tacos with fresh toppings.

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Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Total Time 1

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Calories 300 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
to taste salt and pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
0.5 cup diced red onion
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 avocado, sliced
optional diced jalapeños for spice

Instructions

In a bowl, mix together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well-coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill or skillet.
Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and is no longer pink in the center.
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
In a separate pan, warm the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the sliced chicken on each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, avocado slices, and jalapeños if using.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos for added flavor just before serving.

Notes

Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.

Keyword chicken, easy, street food, tacos