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Chicken Street Tacos

Chicken Street Tacos

Chicken Street Tacos are a quick and delicious meal featuring juicy, tender chicken seasoned with warm spices, served in soft corn tortillas and topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. This recipe brings the vibrant street food culture to your kitchen with minimal ingredients, customizable options, and ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for casual gatherings or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

Tortillas

  • 810 corn tortillas

Seasonings & Oils

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Toppings & Garnishes

  • ½ cup diced onion
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Trim any excess fat from the chicken breasts or thighs, then pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over both sides of the chicken to fully coat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the seasoned chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through with a golden crust. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Warm the Tortillas: Place corn tortillas directly on a dry skillet or griddle over medium heat. Warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side until soft, warm, and slightly charred to enhance flavor and pliability.
  4. Assemble the Tacos: Lay warm tortillas flat and pile on the sliced chicken. Top generously with diced onions and chopped fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors before serving.

Notes

  • Use warm tortillas to make them more pliable and tastier.
  • Marinate chicken with spices for 20-30 minutes if time allows to intensify flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Use freshly diced onions and chopped cilantro just before serving for crispness and freshness.
  • Do not skip fresh lime juice—it adds the perfect balanced zing to the tacos.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken street tacos, Mexican tacos, quick tacos, easy chicken tacos, gluten free tacos, street food, chicken recipe, party appetizer