Tender Chicken Street Tacos (Printable Version)
Tender chicken in warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro, avocado, and zesty lime wedges for a vibrant taste.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Chicken
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
→ For the Tacos
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)
# Step-by-Step:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, toss well to coat, and let sit for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side, or 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 the 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 using.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges and salsa or hot sauce on the side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The marinade creates incredibly juicy chicken with a gorgeous charred exterior that tastes like it came from a street cart
- Everything comes together in just 35 minutes but tastes like you spent all day cooking
- These tacos are naturally gluten free and easily customizable for everyone at the table
02 -
- Do not skip resting the chicken after cooking or all those delicious juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in your tacos
- Warm tortillas make or break street tacos so take the time to char them properly over an open flame if possible
- The avocado should be added right before serving or it will start to brown from the lime in the chicken
03 -
- Marinate the chicken overnight for incredibly deep flavor that develops while you sleep
- Double the spice blend and keep it in a jar for instant street taco seasoning anytime