If you’ve been searching for the perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, look no further than The Best Chicken Street Tacos. Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken, fresh toppings, and a drizzle of creamy cilantro lime crema all tucked into warm tortillas—these tacos are just bursting with vibrant flavors and that classic street food magic!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Ready: From marinade to table in just 30 minutes—these tacos fit even the busiest of schedules.
- Grilled Flavor: Marinated chicken thighs are juicy, tender, and have that irresistible charred edge you crave.
- Fresh & Customizable: Layered with crisp lettuce, zippy onions, and creamy cilantro lime crema, each bite can be tweaked with your favorite toppings.
- Street Taco Vibe at Home: You get real-deal taqueria flavors—no truck needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s something so satisfying about gathering simple, honest ingredients and watching them transform into The Best Chicken Street Tacos. Each element works together to build layers of flavor, freshness, and color that are totally crave-worthy!
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1½ lbs): These stay super juicy and soak up all the marinade for maximum flavor.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the marinade cling to the chicken and adds a touch of richness.
- Lime juice (2 tbsp): Adds zesty brightness and helps tenderize the meat.
- Chicken taco seasoning (3 tbsp): A ready-made or homemade blend brings bold, savory spice to every bite.
- Chopped romaine lettuce (1 cup): Brings a cool, crisp texture that balances the warm filling.
- Red onion, sliced (½): Adds sweet crunch and beautiful pops of purple.
- Jalapeño, sliced (1): For a kiss of heat—use more or less to your spice preference.
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (¼ cup): Lifts the tacos with unmistakable fresh, herby flavor.
- Cilantro lime crema: (Homemade or store-bought) Brings creamy tang and ties everything together.
- Small corn or flour tortillas (8): Choose your favorite for a classic, chewy taco base.
- Lime wedges: For squeezing over just before serving—the finishing touch!
Variations
One of the best things about The Best Chicken Street Tacos is how easy it is to make them your own. Whether you’re working with different proteins or like to mix up your toppings, there’s plenty of room to play and suit your family’s cravings or dietary needs!
- Swap the protein: Try shrimp, steak, or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist—just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
- Dairy-free crema: Use your favorite plant-based yogurt as the base for a dairy-free version of the crema.
- Mild or spicy: Tweak the amount of jalapeño or use a milder pepper (like poblano) for less heat—or double up if you’re feeling bold.
- Low-carb option: Skip the tortillas and serve all your favorite taco fillings over a fresh salad base.
How to Make The Best Chicken Street Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together your olive oil, zesty lime juice, and that savory chicken taco seasoning. Toss in the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is coated front to back. Let everything marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature—this is where that big flavor starts—or pop the bowl in the fridge for up to a day ahead if you’re prepping early.
Step 2: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill to medium-high. Remove the chicken, letting any extra marinade drip off. Place the thighs on the grill and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, until you see those irresistible grill marks and an internal temp of 165°F. Rest the chicken a few minutes—this step locks in all those amazing juices!—then slice into strips for taco-ready bites.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken rests, quickly grill each tortilla for 20-30 seconds per side (or warm in the microwave). This extra step makes the tortillas pliable, slightly toasty, and ready to cradle your filling.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Lay sliced chicken in a warm tortilla, then pile on chopped romaine, a scattering of red onion, jalapeño rounds, and a sprig or two of cilantro. Drizzle with cilantro lime crema, squeeze a wedge of lime over the top, and enjoy The Best Chicken Street Tacos you’ve ever made!
Pro Tips for Making The Best Chicken Street Tacos
- Maximum Marinade Magic: Letting the chicken marinate overnight (if you have time!) delivers an even deeper, bolder flavor profile.
- Slice Against the Grain: When slicing grilled chicken, always cut against the grain to keep each strip tender and bite-friendly.
- Tortilla Toast Factor: Giving tortillas a quick char on the grill draws out their flavor and creates the authentic texture you find at great taco stands.
- Balance is Everything: Don’t skip the fresh toppings and crema—they cut through the spice and bring cool, creamy contrast to the savory chicken.
How to Serve The Best Chicken Street Tacos
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! Along with cilantro lime crema and squeezes of fresh lime, have extra chopped cilantro, pickled onions, and maybe even a sprinkle of crumbly cotija cheese ready for everyone to make The Best Chicken Street Tacos just how they like them.
Side Dishes
Pair your chicken street tacos with classic Mexican rice, smoky charro beans, or crunchy tortilla chips and salsa for a super-satisfying spread. If you want something lighter, a citrusy jicama salad or fresh corn on the cob is a fantastic option too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve tacos “family-style,” piling all the fillings and toppings in bowls and letting everyone build their own. For parties, set up a vibrant taco bar with colorful napkins and baskets, or try serving mini tacos as an appetizer for a fun, festive vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken, toppings, and crema separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The marinated, cooked chicken will keep its flavor for up to 3 days—just wait to assemble tacos until you’re ready to eat for the best taste and texture.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, freeze extra cooked chicken in a tightly sealed bag for up to 2 months. Just defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating, and prepare fresh toppings when you’re ready to enjoy The Best Chicken Street Tacos again.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium-low heat, just until warmed through. Tortillas can be quickly warmed on a dry skillet or with a damp towel in the microwave. Assemble as usual, and dinner is served!
FAQs
-
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breast works great but keep a close eye on the cooking time—breast cooks faster and can dry out, so pull it off the grill as soon as it reaches 165°F.
-
What’s the best way to make chicken taco seasoning at home?
A simple homemade blend uses chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Feel free to add a dash of cayenne for more heat or a hint of sugar for a little sweetness!
-
How long can the chicken stay in the marinade?
You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 24 hours. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender it’ll get—just keep it refrigerated if you’re going for the long marinate.
-
Are The Best Chicken Street Tacos gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use corn tortillas and double-check your taco seasoning (store-bought versions sometimes include wheat), this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring vibrant street taco flavor right to your home kitchen, you truly can’t go wrong with The Best Chicken Street Tacos. Grab your grill, gather your favorite toppings, and get ready for a taco night everyone will rave about. I hope you love them as much as I do—happy cooking!
Print
The Best Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Street Tacos are bursting with flavor and perfect for a quick and delicious meal. Tender marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and topped with fresh ingredients and a zesty cilantro lime crema. Easy to make and even easier to enjoy!
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 3 tbsp Chicken Taco Seasoning
Toppings:
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 red onion sliced
- 1 jalapeño sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Cilantro Lime Crema
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate for 30 minutes up to 24 hours.
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, discard excess, and grill for 4-6 minutes per side.
- Let chicken rest, then slice into strips.
- Warm tortillas on grill or microwave.
- Assemble tacos with chicken strips, lettuce, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and crema.
- Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- You can customize toppings with your favorite ingredients like avocado, salsa, or cheese.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less jalapeño.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
