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Authentic & Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe You Need!

Experience the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexican street tacos with this easy chicken recipe. Tender, juicy chicken is paired with fresh toppings for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

  • boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • freshly squeezed lime juice
  • freshly squeezed orange juice
  • olive oil
  • chili powder
  • ground cumin
  • dried oregano
  • fresh garlic
  • salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
  • apple cider vinegar or non-alcoholic beer alternative
  • small, soft corn tortillas
  • finely diced white onion
  • fresh cilantro
  • salsa verde or salsa roja
  • lime wedges
  • thinly sliced radishes (optional)
  • crumbled cotija cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: If using chicken thighs, trim any excess fat. Cut both chicken thighs or breasts into approximately 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the freshly squeezed lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, minced garlic, a good pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add your non-alcoholic beer alternative or apple cider vinegar if using. Toss everything together until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably 2-4 hours for maximum flavor. You can even marinate it overnight!
  3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to cook in batches. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and beautifully browned with some caramelized, crispy edges. Alternatively, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken onto skewers (if desired) or place directly on the grill grates. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side, turning as needed, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
  4. Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken rests, warm your corn tortillas. Heat a dry cast-iron skillet or comal over medium-high heat. Place tortillas one at a time, flipping after about 20-30 seconds, until they are soft, pliable, and have a few lightly browned spots. Stack them in a tortilla warmer or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm. Alternatively, wrap a stack of 5-6 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until warm and flexible.
  5. Assemble Your Tacos: Take a warm tortilla, add a generous spoonful of the cooked chicken filling, and then top with your desired fresh toppings – typically a sprinkle of finely diced white onion and fresh cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
  6. Serve Immediately: Street tacos are best enjoyed fresh off the 'assembly line.' Set out all the components and let everyone build their own!

Nutrition

Keywords: Letting the chicken marinate for 2-4 hours, or even overnight, will infuse it with more flavor. Consider using double tortillas for added stability and a more authentic experience.