Master the Art of Homemade Chicken Street Tacos: Your Ultimate Recipe Guide
Prepare to transform your dinner table with these incredibly delicious and authentically seasoned grilled chicken tacos! Combining perfectly marinated, juicy chicken with classic taco toppings like vibrant cilantro relish, fresh pico de gallo, and crumbly cotija cheese, this recipe guarantees an amazing culinary experience. You’ll feel like you’re savoring genuine street tacos right in the comfort of your own home.
For the ultimate Mexican feast, pair these mouthwatering chicken street tacos with my acclaimed Mexican Street Corn, and you’ll undoubtedly have your best Taco Tuesday yet – or any day you crave extraordinary flavor!
The Irresistible Allure of Authentic Chicken Tacos
My enduring love affair with Mexican food, especially street tacos, began nearly two decades ago during a memorable family trip to Tijuana, Mexico. I vividly recall the vibrant atmosphere, the tantalizing aromas, and the unparalleled taste of my very first authentic Mexican street taco. That experience left such a profound impression that I’ve been captivated by them ever since. While living in Las Vegas, finding genuine Mexican cuisine was a breeze. However, after moving to the Midwest, sourcing truly authentic flavors became a slightly more challenging, though by no means impossible, quest.
RELATED: This recipe is perfectly complemented by a frosty Pina Colada. Its tropical sweetness offers a refreshing contrast to the savory tacos!
It’s no secret among my friends and family that Mexican food holds the top spot as my absolute favorite cuisine. I am always thrilled to choose a Mexican meal over any other. This passion runs in the family; as my children were growing up, tacos were consistently their most requested dinner. There’s just something inherently satisfying about building your own perfect bite, customizing it with all your favorite fresh ingredients.
Inspired by the fantastic grilled chicken street tacos I discovered on Lauren’s blog, I’ve refined this recipe to deliver maximum flavor and juiciness. I particularly favor using chicken thighs for this dish because their higher fat content ensures they remain incredibly moist and flavorful, unlike chicken breasts which can sometimes dry out during grilling. However, if you prefer, this versatile recipe can certainly be adapted for use with boneless, skinless chicken breasts – just keep a closer eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Complement Your Feast: What to Serve with Your Chicken Tacos
When you grab street tacos from a vendor, they typically come without sides, designed for on-the-go enjoyment. But since you’re making these incredible chicken tacos at home, you have the luxury of creating a complete meal. Here are some fantastic side dish ideas that will perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of your tacos, turning a simple dinner into a true fiesta:
- Classic Spanish Rice: A hearty and flavorful staple that provides a wonderful base and absorbs all the delicious juices.
- Cauliflower Cilantro Rice: A lighter, low-carb alternative that still delivers fresh, zesty flavors, or opt for traditional Cilantro Lime Rice.
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote): A smoky, creamy, and spicy side that is practically mandatory for an authentic street food experience. The sweet corn contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Chipotle Chicken Soup: For a heartier meal, especially on a cooler evening, a bowl of this smoky and comforting soup is an excellent choice.
- Sopa de Fideos: A light yet satisfying Mexican noodle soup that offers a soothing counterpoint to the bold flavors of the tacos.
And to truly complete your Mexican-inspired meal, don’t forget to shake up a refreshing, perfectly balanced Margarita!
Elevate Your Tacos: The Best Toppings for Chicken Tacos
The beauty of tacos lies in their versatility, especially when it comes to toppings. While my personal favorite is a bright, zesty cilantro relish, everyone has their own ideal combination. When my children were young, simple cheddar cheese with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes were their go-to choices. Now that they’re grown, they appreciate the complex flavors of my homemade fresh tomato salsa.
Here are some fantastic topping ideas to inspire your culinary creativity and customize your perfect chicken taco:
- Fresh Tomato Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Adds a burst of freshness, acidity, and a delightful crunch. Homemade is always best!
- Cilantro Relish: A simple yet powerful combination of finely diced onion, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. It’s incredibly aromatic and provides a bright, pungent kick.
- Restaurant-Style Salsa: For a smoother texture and a touch of roasted flavor, a good restaurant-style salsa can’t be beaten.
- Authentic Mexican Cheeses:
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese: A salty, firm, and crumbly cow’s milk cheese, perfect for a finishing touch.
- Chihuahua or Oaxaca Cheese: Excellent melting cheeses that add a mild, creamy texture.
- Queso Fresco: A fresh, soft, unaged cheese with a mild, slightly salty flavor that crumbles beautifully.
- American-Style Cheeses: If you prefer a familiar flavor, sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese offer a creamy, spicy melt.
- Mango Salsa: A sweet and savory salsa that offers a tropical contrast and a refreshing zing, especially good with grilled chicken.
- Pineapple Salsa: Similar to mango salsa, pineapple adds a delightful sweetness and tang, cutting through the richness of the meat.
- Black Beans or Refried Beans: Add protein, fiber, and a comforting, earthy element.
- Shredded Lettuce: Provides a refreshing crunch and cools down any spice.
- Chopped Onions: For a sharp, piquant bite. Red onions work well too!
- Sour Cream or Mexican Crema: A dollop adds creamy richness and helps balance spicy flavors.
- Hot Sauce: For those who love an extra kick, a dash of your favorite hot sauce is a must.
Gather Your Essentials: What You Need to Make These Irresistible Tacos
Creating these amazing chicken street tacos starts with selecting the right ingredients and having the proper tools. Unlike some recipes that call for shredded chicken, I firmly believe that chopped, grilled chicken offers superior flavor and texture, truly mimicking that authentic street taco experience. Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need:
- I always recommend using **boneless, skinless chicken thighs**. They are inherently more flavorful and forgiving than chicken breasts, retaining their moisture beautifully during grilling, which is crucial for juicy tacos. If using breasts, just be careful not to overcook.
- For the authentic street taco experience, look for **mini white corn tortillas** in the ethnic aisle of your grocery store. They might even be labeled “street tacos.” While white corn is traditional, yellow corn or flour tortillas are also excellent alternatives if you prefer.
- Serving your tacos with **fresh lime wedges** is a game-changer. A squeeze of fresh lime juice just before eating brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty tang that cuts through the richness. It’s entirely optional but highly recommended!
- To craft the exquisite marinade, you will need **orange juice**. Freshly squeezed is always superior for a vibrant taste, but a good quality bottled orange juice will work perfectly fine.
- This marinade also calls for **apple cider vinegar**. I prefer the kind that includes “the mother” for its robust flavor and health benefits, but any apple cider vinegar will do.
- **Lime juice** is essential for the marinade. Please, use fresh lime juice and avoid bottled varieties. Bottled lime juice lacks the fresh, bright flavor and often contains sulfites, which can cause headaches for some individuals.
- Fresh **garlic cloves** impart the best flavor to the marinade. Minced garlic from a jar is a convenient substitute, but steer clear of dried minced garlic for this recipe, as it won’t provide the same depth of flavor.
- For chili powder, you can use **ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder**, depending on what you have on hand or your preference. Ancho offers a mild, fruity, and slightly earthy flavor, while chipotle adds a smoky heat. If neither is available, regular chili powder can be substituted, but expect a slightly different flavor profile.
- **Dried oregano leaves** are a staple in Mexican cooking and should be a part of everyone’s herb collection. I even grow and dry my own for an extra fresh touch!
- **Regular paprika** is specified for this recipe, contributing color and a subtle sweetness. However, if you want to add another layer of flavor, **smoked paprika** would be a truly wonderful addition.
- A small amount of **ground cinnamon** is required for the marinade. This is a common ingredient in traditional Mexican marinades; it adds a subtle warmth and depth without making the marinade taste sweet, which is a common misconception.
- And, of course, no seasoning is complete without **salt and freshly ground black pepper** to taste.
Helpful Kitchen Tools for Your Taco Journey:
- An Outdoor Grill or a heavy-duty Grill Pan is essential for achieving that perfect char and smoky flavor on your chicken.
- A sturdy Skillet is ideal for warming your tortillas, ensuring they are pliable and delicious.
- A reliable Cutting Board is necessary for prepping ingredients and chopping your grilled chicken.
- A sharp Chef’s Knife will make quick work of mincing garlic, dicing toppings, and chopping the chicken.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make These Delicious Chicken Tacos
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly grilled, flavorful chicken tacos that will impress everyone at your table:
- Marinate the Chicken: First, you’ll need to prepare the marinade. In a large resealable plastic bag (or a shallow dish), combine all the marinade ingredients thoroughly. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bag, seal it shut while squeezing out any excess air, and gently massage the marinade into the chicken. This ensures every piece is coated. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor penetration and tenderization, marinate for up to 12 hours (overnight). This step is crucial for deeply flavored and tender chicken!
- Preheat and Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully oil the grill grates. A great tip for this is to wad up a paper towel, add some canola oil to it, and use tongs to rub the oiled paper towel over the hot grates. It’s important to use canola oil or another high smoke point oil; avoid olive oil, as its lower smoke point can cause it to burn and impart an undesirable flavor.
- Prepare Chicken for Grilling: Remove the marinated chicken thighs from the bag. Gently dab off any excess liquid with a paper towel. This step is important to ensure a good sear and prevent the chicken from steaming on the grill.
- Grill the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs directly on your hot grill. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, flipping only once to achieve beautiful grill marks and even cooking. The chicken is done when the thickest part of the thigh registers an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) with an instant-read thermometer.
- Rest and Chop: Once cooked, transfer the chicken thighs to a clean cutting board. Tent them loosely with aluminum foil and allow them to rest for 5 minutes. This resting period is vital, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful chicken. After resting, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, perfect for filling your tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is resting, warm your mini corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat. This should be done in batches. Once warmed and pliable (about 30 seconds per side), place them on a plate and cover them with foil to keep them warm and soft until serving. Warm tortillas are crucial for authentic street tacos!
- Assemble and Serve: To build your street tacos, layer two warmed mini corn tortillas together – this provides extra stability for holding all those delicious fillings! Top with a generous amount of chopped grilled chicken, then add your favorite selection of fresh toppings. Serve immediately with extra fresh lime wedges for squeezing over each taco. Enjoy your homemade street taco masterpiece!
Explore More Taco Adventures: Beyond Chicken!
As I’ve mentioned, my enthusiasm for tacos knows no bounds! Over the years, I’ve shared a wide array of taco recipes, each offering a unique and delicious experience. If you’ve loved these chicken tacos, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic options to expand your taco repertoire:
- First things first: ditch those store-bought packets and whip up my incredible Homemade Taco Seasoning. It tastes infinitely better and gives any taco recipe an authentic boost!
- For seafood lovers, these vibrant Shrimp Tacos are light, zesty, and incredibly satisfying – just the ticket for a fresh twist.
- You’ll also adore my amazing Salmon Tacos, which are surprisingly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd with a touch of elegance.
- Ideal for a hassle-free Taco Tuesday, these Oven Tacos are a consistent family favorite, making dinner prep a breeze.
- One of my all-time personal favorites are classic Fish Tacos! They offer a delightful crunch and fresh flavor that’s hard to resist.
- And for all you steak aficionados, be sure to try my robust Carne Asada Tacos. They are packed with rich, savory flavor.
- Feeling a bit adventurous? Take your taco game to the next level by making your own homemade Low-Fat Flour Tortillas or even fun Flavored Tortillas!
- And of course, for another simple yet satisfying option, my Steak Soft Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser.
Chicken Tacos
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Ingredients
- 1.5 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 20 mini white corn tortillas
- Fresh limes cut into wedges (2 wedges per person)
For the Marinade:
- 4 Tablespoon orange juice
- 2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 ½ Tablespoon lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 ½ Tablespoon ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
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Combine all marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag.
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Add chicken thighs and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
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Preheat grill over medium-hight heat. Oil the grill with canola oil (wad up some paper towel, add some oil, and rub grates using tongs to hold the paper towel).
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Remove chicken from the marinade and gently dab off excess liquid with paper towel.
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Place chicken on hot grill.
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Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping once (thickest part of the chicken thigh should register about 165 degrees).
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Transfer to a cutting board and tent with foil. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
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Warm tortillas in a skillet. Layer two warmed mini corn tortillas together.
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Top with chopped chicken and your choice of toppings. Serve with fresh lime wedges.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.