Description
These Easy Chicken Street Tacos are packed with irresistible flavor, featuring marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and topped with fresh onion and cilantro. Ideal for a quick dinner or a weeknight treat, this recipe blends simplicity with deliciousness in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 8 corn tortillas (small size, street taco-style)
- 0.5 cup white onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot, with a drop of water sizzling immediately.
- Remove chicken from the marinade, placing it in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden and slightly charred without moving.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant-read thermometer and remove from heat once achieved.
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board, letting it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- While the chicken rests, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
- Slice or dice the rested chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Fill each warm tortilla with chicken, then top with chopped white onion and fresh cilantro.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing, adding optional toppings like cotija cheese, avocado, or salsa verde if desired.
Notes
Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor, but 30 minutes will still yield delicious results.
Serve with a variety of toppings to cater to everyone’s taste, including salsa or diced avocado.
For a spicy kick, try adding sliced jalapeños or hot sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg