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Easy Chicken Street Tacos: A Quick and Delicious Recipe for Taco Night

These Chicken Street Tacos feature marinated, shredded chicken thighs wrapped in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Ideal for a quick dinner or a fun gathering, they are bursting with flavor and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced onions
  • 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced (optional)
  • Hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine chicken thighs with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until cooked through and golden brown, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from skillet and let rest.
  3. Once rested, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
  4. While the chicken cooks, prepare toppings by dicing onions, chopping cilantro, and if using, dicing tomatoes and slicing avocado. Place toppings in separate bowls.
  5. Cut lime into wedges for serving.
  6. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and warm corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable. Alternatively, wrap in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
  7. Take a warm tortilla and fill it with a generous amount of shredded chicken.
  8. Top with diced onions, chopped cilantro, and any additional toppings like tomatoes or avocado. Drizzle with hot sauce if desired.
  9. Squeeze a lime wedge over each taco just before serving.
  10. Arrange tacos on a platter with extra lime wedges and hot sauce on the side. Enjoy fresh!

Notes

  • Choosing the Right Chicken: Chicken thighs are recommended for juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • Experiment with Spices: Adjust spices to your taste; add cayenne or chipotle for heat, or fresh herbs for extra flavor.