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Best Chicken Street Tacos for a Quick Weeknight Dinner

Bring the vibrant taste of California-style chicken street tacos home with this easy, flavor-packed recipe featuring a zesty marinade and fresh toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: dinner, Main Course, Mexican, Quick Meals
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Marinade and Chicken
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat
  • 2 tbsp California olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
For Serving
  • 12 small corn tortillas white or yellow
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 limes cut into wedges

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and combined.
  2. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch chunks. Add them to the bowl and toss well to coat every piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if needed).
  2. Cook the chicken for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until it is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
Warm the Tortillas and Assemble
  1. Warm the corn tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or directly over a gas flame using tongs until they are soft and pliable. Alternatively, stack them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
  2. To assemble, place a generous portion of the cooked chicken on each warm tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of diced white onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Nutrition

Calories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 32gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

Notes

For the juiciest results, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are preferred over breasts as they stay tender. If you only have chicken breasts, reduce cook time slightly and watch carefully to avoid drying out. Leftover cooked chicken keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently in a skillet. For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder to the marinade. These tacos are also fantastic topped with sliced avocado or a drizzle of crema. To make ahead, marinate the chicken the night before and cook just before serving. Avoid over-marinating beyond 8 hours as the lime juice can start to break down the meat texture.

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