Description
Authentic Mexican Chicken Street Tacos with a flavorful marinade and fresh toppings for a vibrant summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 12–16 small corn tortillas (6-inch)
- 1/2 white onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- 1 cup Mexican crema or sour cream
- 1 cup crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese
- 2 avocados, sliced (optional)
- Salsa verde or your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Taco Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add chicken thigh pieces to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat Your Cooking Surface: Heat a large cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and cook in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest and Chop: Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board, let rest for 5 minutes, then chop into small pieces.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble Your Street Tacos: Place chopped chicken on each tortilla and top with diced onions, fresh cilantro, lime, crema, and cheese.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for juiciness. Marinating longer enhances flavor. Cook in small batches for optimal browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tacos
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg