Print

The Ultimate Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe for Busy Weeknights

The Ultimate Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe for Busy Weeknights
Print Recipe

Bring the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food to your kitchen with these Easy Chicken Street Tacos. Juicy, marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection, nestled in warm corn tortillas, and finished with fresh onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for taco nights, casual dinners, or impressing friends without the fuss!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 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

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

  • 8–12 small corn tortillas

  • ½ cup white onion, finely chopped

  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  • Lime wedges

Optional Toppings:

  • Cotija cheese

  • Avocado slices

  • Salsa verde

  • Pickled red onions

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

  2. Cook the Chicken:
    Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and slightly charred, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  3. Rest and Slice:
    Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice or dice into small, bite-sized pieces.

  4. Warm the Tortillas:
    Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20–30 seconds per side, until pliable and slightly toasted.

  5. Assemble the Tacos:
    Fill each tortilla with chicken, then top with chopped onion and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and optional toppings like cotija cheese, avocado, salsa verde, or pickled onions.

Notes

  • Marinate longer: For extra flavor, marinate chicken up to 8 hours.

  • Grill flavor: Use a grill pan or outdoor grill for authentic charred taste.

  • Toppings fun: Let everyone customize their tacos with different toppings.

  • Storage: Store cooked chicken and tortillas separately for up to 2 days; reheat before assembling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://biteseason.com/the-ultimate-easy-chicken-street-tacos-recipe-for-busy-weeknights/