
Chicken Street Tacos are a flavor-packed, handheld favorite that brings the best of Mexican street food right to your kitchen.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken tacos with classic toppings, simple prep, and big results.
Whether youโre cooking dinner for your family or setting up a taco bar for friends, this recipe is easy to follow and hard to beat.
Ingredients for Chicken Street Tacos
The beauty of street tacos lies in their minimal yet flavorful ingredients. Hereโs what youโll need:
- Chicken thighs โ Boneless, skinless thighs are juicy and flavorful, making them perfect for tacos.
- Corn tortillas โ Soft corn tortillas are traditional and hold the fillings well.
- Toppings โ Chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges are the essentials.
- Marinade โ A simple blend of lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano gives the chicken authentic flavor.
Optional add-ons include avocado, cotija cheese, salsa verde, and pickled red onions.
How to Make Chicken Street Tacos at Home
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and seasonings in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably longer for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5โ7 minutes per side.
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or small pieces.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 20โ30 seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Tacos: Layer chicken onto warm tortillas and top with chopped onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Best Toppings for Chicken Street Tacos
Classic toppings are key to capturing the street taco experience. These include:
- Chopped white onion and fresh cilantro โ The must-haves for authentic flavor.
- Lime wedges โ A finishing squeeze brings out all the flavors.
- Salsa verde or hot sauce โ Adds spice and brightness.
- Cotija cheese โ For a salty, creamy element.
- Avocado or guacamole โ For richness and texture.
- Pickled red onions โ Provide a tangy, vibrant contrast.
Feel free to mix and match toppings based on personal taste or dietary preferences.
What to Serve with Chicken Street Tacos
Pair your tacos with simple sides and drinks to complete the meal:
- Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
- Refried beans or black beans
- Elote (Mexican street corn)
- Fresh guacamole and tortilla chips
- Cucumber or tomato salad
- Drinks like margaritas, agua fresca, or Mexican beer
These sides complement the tacos without overpowering them.
Tips for Meal Prep and Leftovers
- Prep ahead by marinating chicken in advance or freezing it in the marinade for quick weeknight meals.
- Cooked chicken stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave to maintain juiciness.
- Use leftovers creatively in taco salads, burritos, quesadillas, or rice bowls.
These tacos are perfect for batch cooking and versatile enough for multiple meals.
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, though chicken thighs are more flavorful and juicy. If using breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness and not overcooking.
Whatโs the best way to keep tortillas warm for a crowd?
Wrap tortillas in foil and keep them in a warm oven or use a tortilla warmer lined with a towel.
How do I make this dish spicier or milder?
Adjust the heat by adding more or less chili powder or hot sauce. For extra spice, include jalapeรฑos or chipotle peppers in the marinade.
Easy Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice about 2 limes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ยฝ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ยฝ tsp black pepper
For serving:
- 8-12 corn tortillas small size, street taco-style
- ยฝ cup white onion finely chopped
- ยฝ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional toppings:
- cotija cheese, avocado slices, salsa verde, pickled red onions
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5โ7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ยฐF and the outside is golden and slightly charred.
Rest and Slice:
- Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice or dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.
Warm the Tortillas:
- While the chicken rests, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20โ30 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly toasted.
Assemble the Tacos:
- Fill each tortilla with the cooked chicken, then top with chopped onion and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and any optional toppings.
It is not an exaggeration to say I could open a restaurant based on this chicken! Hands down the best grilled chicken I’ve ever made! Everyone in my house loved it, including my very picky 7 and 3 year olds. I ate mine with onion, cilantro, lime, cotija cheese, and jalapeno lime ranch sauce, and I did dry roast the corn tortillas as suggested. SO GOOD.
Thank you so much for the amazing feedback, Katie! Iโm so glad it was a hit with the whole family (even your picky little ones)! I really appreciate you taking the time to share this๐
Wow! You have got to try this recipe! The chicken was perfection and I love love love the marinade! All of the added suggestions for toppings made it over-the-top delicious! Thank you for giving us this delicious recipe and I hope many others will try it and enjoy it!
Wow, thank you!! Iโm so glad you loved the recipe! Thanks a ton for the sweet feedbackโค๏ธ
Can I use chicken breast with this recipe instead of thighs?
Yes, that works!
Doubled recipe and used 1 1/2 limes per recipe! Delish!