Chicken Street Tacos (Print Page)
Flavorful chicken tacos with zesty garnishes in corn tortillas.
# What You Need:
→ Chicken Marinade
01 - 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 tsp chili powder
08 - 1/2 tsp dried oregano
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
10 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Taco Assembly
11 - 8 small corn tortillas
12 - 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
13 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1 medium avocado, sliced
15 - 1 lime cut into wedges
16 - 1/2 cup crumbled cotija cheese (optional)
17 - Salsa or hot sauce (optional)
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, toss thoroughly to coat, and let sit for at least 15 minutes or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 5 to 6 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely browned.
04 - Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let rest for 3 minutes, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
05 - Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
06 - Fill each tortilla with chopped chicken, top with diced onion, cilantro, avocado slices, and cotija cheese if desired.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges and salsa or hot sauce on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The marinade transforms ordinary chicken thighs into something that tastes like it came from a professional cart
- These come together in under 40 minutes but taste like they simmered all day
02 -
- Crowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of searing it so work in batches if necessary
- Warm tortillas are not optional cold corn tortillas crack and fall apart
03 -
- Pickled red onions add a bright acidic punch that cuts through the rich chicken
- A cold Mexican lager alongside makes these feel like a proper street taco experience