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Chicken street tacos topped with cilantro, onions, and lime on white plate

Easy Chicken Street Tacos

Authentic Mexican street tacos featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs, fresh cilantro, onions, and lime served in warm corn tortillas.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Street Food
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 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
  • 0.5 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas street taco size, about 2-3 per person
  • 0.5 cup white onion finely chopped
  • 0.5 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • lime wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet or grill pan
  • Cutting board
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
  2. Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook for 5-7 minutes on the first side without moving until golden brown spots form. Flip and cook another 5-7 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should feel firm when pressed and show no pink in the center.
  3. Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. This keeps the juices in the meat. Then dice or slice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
  4. While chicken rests, warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20-30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted with a few char spots.
  5. Fill each tortilla with diced chicken, top with chopped white onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Chicken thighs are recommended over breasts for more flavor and juiciness. For spicier tacos, add diced jalapeños to the marinade or increase chili powder. Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Store tortillas, chicken, and toppings separately for best texture. Use leftovers in burrito bowls, quesadillas, or salads.