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Chicken Street Tacos

Chicken Street Tacos

Chicken Street Tacos are vibrant, bite-sized tacos that combine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with fresh toppings and tender tortillas, delivering an authentic street food experience that’s quick, customizable, and healthy.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp cooking oil

Tortillas

  • 810 small fresh corn or flour tortillas

Toppings

  • 1/2 cup diced white onion
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves (chopped)
  • Additional lime wedges (for serving)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños or hot sauce
  • Optional: sour cream or Mexican crema
  • Optional: crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade. Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes, preferably up to 1 hour, to absorb all the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add cooking oil. Place the marinated chicken in the skillet and sear each side for 4-5 minutes until fully cooked with a golden crust. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Warm the Tortillas: Gently warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable, preventing cracking when folded.
  4. Assemble Your Chicken Street Tacos: Place a generous spoonful of chopped chicken on each tortilla. Top with diced white onions, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Add salsa or hot sauce as desired. Optionally, add sliced jalapeños, sour cream, or cheese to customize your tacos.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for at least one hour or overnight for extra tenderness and flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to get a perfect sear.
  • Use fresh, warmed corn tortillas for authentic texture and flavor.
  • Balance toppings with fresh onion and cilantro to complement the savory chicken.
  • Keep the recipe simple to highlight the quality of the chicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken street tacos, Mexican tacos, easy chicken tacos, authentic street food, quick dinner, taco recipe