Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

One of the best taco recipes out there, Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Chicken thighs soaked in a bright marinade and grilled to perfection create a dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a casual dinner, these tacos are perfect for any occasion. Their standout qualities include savory grilled chicken, fresh toppings, and the ability to customize each taco to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Flavorful Marinade: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lime and aromatic spices.
  • Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you’ll have delicious tacos in no time.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Serve these tacos as an appetizer or main course at parties, family dinners, or casual get-togethers.
  • Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy the vibrant combination of fresh cilantro, avocado, and lime in every bite.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Guests will rave about these tacos; they’re always a hit!
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Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather your tools before starting. Having everything ready will ensure that you can focus on creating delicious grilled chicken street tacos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Grill
  • Gallon-sized resealable bag
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

  • Grill: Essential for giving the chicken its signature smoky flavor and charred texture.
  • Gallon-sized resealable bag: Perfect for marinating chicken; it ensures even coating while saving space in the fridge.
  • Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining marinade ingredients before adding them to the chicken.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 1/2 lbs trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, (peeled and smashed)
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Assembly

  • 12 mini corn taco shells, warmed (double up if desired)
  • 1 large avocado, (cored and sliced)
  • 1 small red or yellow onion, (chopped)
  • 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
  • Lime wedges (for serving optional)

How to Make Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

  1. Add chicken to a gallon-sized resealable bag.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

  1. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag.
  2. Seal the bag while releasing trapped air.
  3. Rub the marinade over the chicken to ensure it’s well-coated.
  4. Transfer to the refrigerator and let it marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.

Step 3: Preheat the Grill

Preheat your grill over medium-high heat until it reaches between 425 – 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

  1. Remove chicken from marinade.
  2. Grill until cooked through, turning once halfway through grilling—about 5 – 6 minutes per side (the thickest center should register at least 165 degrees).

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

  1. Dice grilled chicken into cubes.
  2. Sprinkle diced chicken over one or two tortillas per taco.
  3. Top each with an avocado slice, onions, and cilantro.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve your grilled chicken street tacos warm! Spritz each taco with lime juice and drizzle with hot sauce if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some great serving suggestions that will elevate your taco experience and impress your guests.

Fresh Toppings

  • Cilantro: Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor.
  • Chopped Onions: Use either red or yellow onions for a nice crunch.
  • Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like some heat, sliced jalapeños are perfect.

Squeeze of Lime

  • Lime Wedges: Always have lime wedges on the side. A spritz of lime juice brightens up the flavors of the tacos.

Avocado Crema

  • Creamy Avocado Sauce: Blend ripe avocados with sour cream and lime for a smooth and creamy topping.

Hot Sauce

  • Spicy Condiments: Keep a selection of hot sauces available, so everyone can customize their spice level.

Side Salads

  • Fresh Salad: Serve with a light green salad dressed in vinaigrette to balance the meal.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Perfecting Grilled Chicken Street Tacos is all about flavor and technique. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your tacos turn out delicious every time.

  • Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least 6 hours enhances flavor.
  • Use High Heat: Grill on medium-high heat for a nice char without overcooking the chicken.
  • Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F in the thickest part.
  • Rest the Chicken: Letting the grilled chicken rest allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
  • Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas before serving to make them more pliable and enjoyable.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Complement your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos with these delicious side dishes. They add variety and enhance your dining experience.

  1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with tomatoes, spices, and fresh herbs pairs well with tacos.
  2. Black Beans: Seasoned black beans provide protein and fiber, making them a great side option.
  3. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime dressing adds sweetness and crunch.
  4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole not only tastes great but also adds richness to your meal.
  5. Chips and Salsa: Crispy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa are always a crowd-pleaser.
  6. Grilled Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables grilled until tender adds color and nutrients to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly.

  • Using the wrong cut of chicken: Chicken thighs are ideal for grilling because they stay moist and flavorful. Using chicken breasts can lead to dry tacos.
  • Not marinating long enough: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. This allows the spices and lime juice to penetrate the meat.
  • Skipping the resting step: After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring juicy tacos.
  • Overcrowding the grill: Grilling too many pieces at once can lower the temperature and prevent proper charring. Grill in batches if necessary for that perfect char.
  • Neglecting toppings: Don’t skip fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro. They add freshness and enhance the overall flavor of your street tacos.
Grilled

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

  • Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container.
  • It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

  • Wrap individual tacos tightly in foil or plastic wrap.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

  • Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
  • Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos.

What is the best marinade for grilled chicken?

A good marinade should include acid (like lime juice), oil, garlic, and spices. This combination keeps the chicken flavorful and tender.

Can I use different meats for street tacos?

Absolutely! While grilled chicken is delicious, beef or pork also works well. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat you choose.

How can I customize my Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?

You can add ingredients like cheese, salsa, or pickled vegetables to make them your own. Get creative with flavors!

Are these tacos suitable for meal prep?

Yes! You can marinate and grill chicken ahead of time, then assemble fresh tacos when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize them with various toppings and sides, making them perfect for any occasion. Try this recipe today and feel free to experiment with your favorites!

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Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

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Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the taste of authentic Mexican street food to your home. These tacos feature tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, infused with zesty lime and aromatic spices. Topped with fresh cilantro, creamy avocado, and crunchy onions, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavors and textures. Perfect for gatherings or a casual weeknight dinner, these customizable tacos are sure to impress your family and friends. Plus, they are quick to prepare, making them an ideal choice for any occasion!

  • Author: Sophie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4 (8 tacos) 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Mini corn taco shells
  • Avocado, sliced
  • Chopped onions

Instructions

  1. In a gallon-sized resealable bag, combine lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken thighs to the bag and massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 6 hours).
  3. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (425 – 450°F).
  4. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 5 – 6 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F).
  5. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before dicing.
  6. Assemble tacos by placing diced chicken in warmed taco shells and topping with avocado slices and onions.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tacos (about 150g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

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