Grilled Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Grilled chicken street tacos are a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy a classic taco, with perfectly seasoned and charred chicken, topped with fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. These tacos are ideal for a quick lunch, family dinners, or even a gathering with friends. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this street food staple in the comfort of your home.
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by preparing the chicken marinade. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best flavor.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once the chicken is marinated, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or small bite-sized pieces.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop. You can either grill them for about 20 seconds on each side or heat them in a dry skillet until they are soft and pliable. Wrap the warmed tortillas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them warm.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Place a few pieces of grilled chicken onto each tortilla. Top with chopped onions, cilantro, and any other toppings you prefer, such as diced avocado, salsa, or crumbled queso fresco.
5. Serve:
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, and enjoy with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick.
Tips for the Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lime juice, cilantro, and onions will elevate the flavor of your tacos. Don’t skip these essentials as they are key to authentic street taco flavors.
- Grill Your Tortillas: Warming your tortillas on the grill adds a subtle smoky flavor and enhances the texture. You can also char them slightly for an extra layer of taste.
- Customize Your Tacos: Feel free to customize your tacos with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, radishes, or pickled onions for added crunch and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: For those who love heat, add pickled jalapeños or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.
- Meal Prep: Marinate your chicken in advance to make meal prep a breeze. You can even grill the chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve the tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, if you prefer flour tortillas, you can definitely use them in this recipe. However, corn tortillas are more traditional for street tacos, providing a slightly different texture and flavor.
2. Can I cook the chicken on the stovetop if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely. You can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Can I make these tacos with other proteins?
Yes! While this recipe focuses on grilled chicken, you can use beef, pork, or shrimp as well. Adjust the marinade and cooking times accordingly.
4. Can I make these tacos dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit any cheese toppings if you’re looking to make these tacos dairy-free. You can still enjoy all the fresh and vibrant flavors without the cheese.
5. How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken on the stovetop or microwave before assembling more tacos.
Conclusion
Grilled chicken street tacos are a simple, tasty, and versatile dish that can be prepared in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, these tacos are sure to impress with their flavorful, juicy chicken and fresh toppings. Try out this recipe the next time you’re craving a street-style taco experience at home!
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Grilled chicken street tacos are a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy a classic taco, with perfectly seasoned and charred chicken, topped with fresh ingredients, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. These tacos are ideal for a quick lunch, family dinners, or even a gathering with friends. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this street food staple in the comfort of your home.
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Tacos:
- 12 small corn tortillas (or flour tortillas)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crumbled Cotija or queso fresco cheese (optional)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- Hot sauce, salsa, or crema for topping
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
2. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high heat.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the chicken is nicely charred.
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips or small pieces.
3. Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken rests, warm the tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side or until they are soft and slightly charred.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
Fill each tortilla with grilled chicken, then top with diced red onion, cilantro, crumbled cheese (if using), and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Add hot sauce, salsa, or crema to taste.
5. Serve:
Serve the tacos with extra lime wedges on the side and enjoy!
Notes
- Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Try to marinate for at least 30 minutes, but 2-4 hours is ideal.
- Chicken Options: You can use chicken thighs for more juiciness, or opt for chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Topping Variations: Feel free to add other toppings like avocado, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, or pickled jalapeños to customize your tacos.
- Make Ahead: You can make the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just warm it up before assembling your tacos.
- Tortilla Tip: Keep tortillas warm by wrapping them in a clean kitchen towel or storing them in a tortilla warmer.