Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Hey there! Today, I want to share with you my favorite recipe for easy chicken street tacos. These tacos are bursting with flavor and are a hit with my family every time I make them. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving a delicious and satisfying meal, these tacos are sure to impress. So, let’s dive in and get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I make these chicken street tacos when I want a quick and tasty dinner that everyone will enjoy. The marinade for the chicken is packed with spices that create a mouthwatering aroma and a burst of flavor in every bite. The chicken is tender and juicy, and when paired with the fresh toppings and warm tortillas, it’s a match made in taco heaven! Plus, these tacos are incredibly versatile, so you can customize them to suit your taste preferences. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredients
For the marinade, you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the tacos, you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Feel free to experiment with different toppings and add-ons to make these tacos your own. You can also substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas if you prefer. The possibilities are endless!
Directions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the dish and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for maximum flavor.
3. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. Warm the flour tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side. This will make them pliable and enhance their flavor.
5. Assemble the tacos by placing a few slices of grilled chicken on each tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco for an extra burst of citrusy goodness.
6. Serve the chicken street tacos immediately and enjoy!
Notes
I’ve found that marinating the chicken overnight really allows the flavors to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful taco. However, if you’re short on time, a minimum of 30 minutes will still give you delicious results.
If you don’t have a grill or grill pan, you can also cook the chicken on a stovetop using a regular skillet. Just make sure the skillet is heated over medium-high heat before adding the chicken.
These tacos are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftover chicken and toppings separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the chicken before assembling the tacos again. Though honestly, in my house, they never last more than a day!
Variations
I love experimenting with different flavors and toppings for my chicken street tacos. Here are a few variations you can try:
1. Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes over the grilled chicken for an extra kick of heat.
2. Mango Salsa: Top your tacos with a refreshing mango salsa made from diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, lime juice, and cilantro.
3. Avocado Cream: Mash a ripe avocado with a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt to create a creamy and tangy avocado sauce to drizzle over your tacos.
Pro Tips
1. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! Feel free to add shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, or even a squeeze of hot sauce to amp up the flavor.
2. If you prefer a smokier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade.
3. For a shortcut, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of grilling your own. Simply shred the chicken and warm it up before assembling the tacos.
FAQ
Q: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: While these tacos are best enjoyed immediately after assembling, you can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken ahead of time. This way, you’ll just need to grill the chicken and warm the tortillas when you’re ready to serve.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work just as well in this recipe. They have a slightly richer flavor and tend to stay juicier when cooked.
Q: Can I freeze the leftover chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover grilled chicken for future use. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
So there you have it – my easy chicken street tacos recipe. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does. Remember, cooking is all about having fun and exploring new flavors, so don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. Enjoy!
Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Delicious and flavorful chicken street tacos that are easy to make and perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Marinated chicken paired with fresh toppings, wrapped in warm tortillas.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Directions
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In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
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Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
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Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through. Let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
-
Warm the flour tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
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Assemble the tacos by placing grilled chicken slices on each tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped onion, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream if desired. Squeeze lime wedges over each taco.
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Serve the chicken street tacos immediately and enjoy!