Go Back
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon ground cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to spice preference) - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced - 1 ripe avocado, sliced - ¼ cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped - 1 lime, cut into wedges - Salsa of your choice, for serving To make tasty chicken street tacos, I use chicken thighs. They stay juicy and flavorful. I mix spices like chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder for a bold taste. Smoked paprika gives a nice depth, while cayenne adds a kick. I love using small corn tortillas since they are soft and easy to fold. For toppings, I choose red cabbage for crunch and avocado for creaminess. Fresh cilantro adds brightness, and a squeeze of lime juice gives it a zesty finish. Salsa is a must-have, so pick your favorite to serve on the side. - Olive oil - Salt and pepper Olive oil is my go-to for cooking the chicken. It helps the spices stick and adds flavor. I always use salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the taste of each ingredient. - Alternative toppings and salsas Feel free to get creative with toppings! You can add diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or even pickled onions. Different salsas can change the flavor, too. Try mango salsa for sweetness or a spicy tomatillo salsa for heat. These choices make each taco unique! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather your spices. You need chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a small bowl, mix one teaspoon of chili powder, one teaspoon of cumin, one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of onion powder, half a teaspoon of smoked paprika, and a quarter teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. This spice mix adds a tasty kick to your chicken. Next, take your chicken thighs. Drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil over them. Use your hands to rub the spice mix all over the chicken. Make sure every inch is covered. This helps ensure great flavor in every bite. Preheat your grill or skillet on medium-high heat. When it’s hot enough, add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to be cooked through and reach 165°F. It should look charred and delicious. While the chicken rests, it’s time to warm the corn tortillas. Place them on the grill or skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. They should be warm and flexible. Now, let’s build our tacos! Take a warm tortilla and add a few slices of the chicken. Next, top it with sliced red cabbage and avocado. Sprinkle some fresh cilantro on top. For a zesty finish, squeeze a lime wedge over it all. Serve with your favorite salsa on the side. Enjoy your tasty chicken street tacos! To cook perfect chicken for your tacos, you have two great options: grilling or skillet cooking. Here’s how to get it just right: - Preheat your grill or skillet: Heat it to medium-high until it sizzles when you add water. This helps get a nice sear on the chicken. - Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs: They keep the meat juicy and tender. They cook faster than other cuts too. - Cook evenly: Sear the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Check that the inside is no longer pink and reaches 165°F. Want to amp up the flavor? Here are easy ways to enhance your chicken: - Use a marinade: You can soak your chicken in lime juice, garlic, or a bit of yogurt. This adds extra taste and keeps it moist. - Experiment with spices: Try adding more smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder for a smoky kick. - Fresh herbs: Adding fresh cilantro or parsley to your spice mix gives a bright flavor. Serving your tacos well makes a big difference. Here are some tips: - Use bright colors: Serve on a colorful platter. Add lime wedges and salsa for a fun look. - Layer carefully: Place chicken, then cabbage, and avocado on the tortilla. This keeps everything neat. - Garnish generously: Sprinkle extra cilantro over the top and squeeze lime juice for a fresh finish. These tips will help you create tasty and attractive chicken street tacos everyone will love! Pro Tips Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even more flavorful chicken, consider marinating the thighs in the spice mix and olive oil for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator. Choose the Right Tortillas: Use high-quality corn tortillas for the best flavor and texture. If you’re gluten-free, ensure the tortillas are certified gluten-free. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice mix based on your personal heat preference. Start with less if you're unsure! Presentation Matters: Enhance the visual appeal by arranging the tacos on a vibrant platter and garnishing with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh look. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other meats. Beef, pork, or shrimp all work great. For a vegetarian option, try grilled mushrooms or tempeh. Each protein brings its own flavor. Adjust the spices to match. Beef pairs well with smoky spices, while pork loves sweet notes. Feel free to play with the spices. Add cumin for warmth or coriander for freshness. Try using chipotle powder for a smoky kick. You can also add lime zest for added zing. Don’t forget the toppings! Pickled onions or fresh mango salsa can elevate your tacos. Street tacos vary by region. In Mexico City, you might find tacos with a tangy salsa verde. In Baja, fish tacos shine with a light batter and fresh slaw. Each area brings its own twist. Explore different styles to find your favorite. Each bite tells a story of its origin. Store leftover chicken and tacos in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge. Use them within three days for the best taste. When reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet. Heat it until it is hot all through. For the tacos, warm the tortillas in a pan. This keeps them soft. You can also wrap them in foil and heat in the oven. To freeze cooked chicken, let it cool first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out all the air before sealing. For assembled tacos, wrap each taco in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat the chicken and warm the tortillas before serving. - Chicken thighs: Use within 1-2 days if fresh. They last up to 6 months when frozen. - Corn tortillas: Keep in the fridge for about a week. They last longer if frozen. - Red cabbage: Stays fresh in the fridge for about a week. - Avocado: Best used within a day of cutting. - Cilantro: Lasts about a week in the fridge. Keep it in water to stay fresh longer. - Lime: Fresh limes can last up to two weeks at room temperature. Knowing how to store your chicken street tacos helps cut waste. You can enjoy them later without losing flavor! Yes, you can use chicken breasts. However, the texture and flavor change. Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender when cooked. They have a richer taste, while breasts can dry out. If you prefer chicken breasts, cook them carefully. They need less time to avoid drying out. Street tacos often have simple, fresh toppings. Common choices include: - Chopped onions - Fresh cilantro - Sliced radishes - Lime wedges - Salsa (like pico de gallo or salsa verde) These toppings add crunch and freshness to each bite. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! To add heat to your tacos, try these tips: - Use more cayenne pepper in the spice mix. - Add sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers as toppings. - Choose a hot salsa to drizzle on top. - Mix in some diced chipotle peppers for a smoky heat. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the kick! In this article, we explored how to make delicious chicken street tacos. You learned about the main ingredients, like chicken thighs and essential spices. We provided simple step-by-step cooking instructions. You also found tips for enhancing flavor and presenting your tacos attractively. Finally, we discussed variations and storage tips for leftovers. Enjoy creating these tacos, and don't hesitate to experiment with different flavors and ingredients. Tacos can be a fun way to enjoy your cooking while sharing great food with others. Happy cooking!

Fiesta Chicken Street Tacos

Delicious street tacos filled with seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and zesty lime.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
  • 1 lime cut into wedges
  • to serve salsa of your choice

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Spice Mix: In a small mixing bowl, combine chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well until all the spices are blended into a uniform mix.
  • Season the Chicken: Drizzle olive oil over the chicken thighs. Generously rub the spice mixture onto each thigh, ensuring they are evenly coated for maximum flavor.
  • Heat the Grill or Skillet: Preheat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough that a drop of water sizzles upon contact.
  • Cook the Chicken: Once the cooking surface is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs. Cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are no longer pink in the middle and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. They should have a nice charred appearance.
  • Rest and Slice: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet or grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes on a cutting board. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips for easy taco assembly.
  • Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas. Place them on the grill or in a skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or until they become warm and flexible.
  • Assemble the Tacos: Take each warm tortilla and layer a few slices of the seasoned chicken. Top it off with a generous handful of sliced red cabbage and avocado.
  • Garnish and Add Freshness: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro over the fillings and squeeze a wedge of lime juice on top for a bright, zesty finish.
  • Serve with Salsa: Present the tacos with a bowl of your favorite salsa on the side, perfect for drizzling or dipping.

Notes

Serve the tacos on a colorful platter with lime wedges and salsa alongside. Add an extra sprinkle of cilantro for a vibrant touch!
Keyword chicken, Mexican cuisine, street food, tacos