One of the best taco recipes out there is Grilled Chicken Street Tacos! These tacos are made with juicy, marinated chicken thighs that are grilled to perfection. The balance of flavors in these tacos makes them ideal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. You’ll find that the combination of fresh ingredients and simple preparation makes this dish a standout choice that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade infuses each bite with zesty lime, garlic, and spices, ensuring a burst of flavor.
- Quick and Easy: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you can have delicious tacos ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a backyard barbecue, these tacos fit right in.
- Customizable: Top your tacos with your favorite garnishes like avocado or cilantro for a personal touch.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these to guests and watch them rave about this tasty dish!
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Gallon size resealable bag
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and adds that perfect charred flavor to the chicken.
- Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the marinade ingredients thoroughly before adding them to the chicken.
- Knife: A sharp knife makes it easy to dice the grilled chicken and chop vegetables for garnishing.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 lbs trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, (peeled and smashed)
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper
– 12 mini corn taco shells, warmed (double up if desired)
– 1 large avocado (cored and sliced)
– 1 small red or yellow onion (chopped)
– 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
– Lime wedges (for serving optional)
How to Make Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Add chicken to a gallon size resealable bag.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper.
- Pour the mixture over the chicken in the bag. Seal it while releasing any trapped air.
- Rub the marinade over the chicken. Transfer it to the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours.
Step 2: Preheat Your Grill
- Preheat your grill over medium-high heat until it reaches between 425 – 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
- Remove the chicken from the marinade.
- Grill until cooked through, turning once halfway through grilling—about 5 – 6 minutes per side. The thickest part should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and should be slightly charred.
Step 4: Rest and Dice
- Transfer the grilled chicken to a plate. Cover it with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- After resting, dice the grilled chicken into cubes.
Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos
- Sprinkle diced chicken over one or two tortillas per taco.
- Add an avocado slice on top along with chopped onions and cilantro.
Step 6: Serve Warm
- Serve your tacos warm by spritzing each one with lime juice and drizzling them with hot sauce if desired. Enjoy!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a versatile dish that can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these tacos can be customized to please any palate.
With Fresh Toppings
- Chopped Cilantro: Adds a fresh and vibrant flavor.
- Diced Onions: Provide crunch and a slight bite.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy texture enhances the overall taste.
With Salsas
- Pico de Gallo: A fresh salsa that combines tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a zesty kick.
- Mango Salsa: Sweet and tangy, it pairs well with the grilled chicken.
- Tomatillo Salsa: Gives a unique tart flavor that complements the marinade.
With Sauces
- Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy extra heat.
- Crema: A drizzle of Mexican sour cream adds richness.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens each bite.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
To ensure your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a hit, follow these expert tips for maximum flavor and satisfaction.
- Marinate Longer: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 2-3 hours if possible.
- Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat helps achieve those delicious char marks while keeping the chicken juicy.
- Rest the Chicken: Letting the grilled chicken rest before cutting allows juices to redistribute, making it more succulent.
- Warm Tortillas: Always warm your taco shells before adding fillings to enhance their flavor and softness.
- Customize Fillings: Feel free to add other toppings like cheese or lettuce for added texture and taste.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy your tacos right after assembling them for the best experience.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Pairing sides with your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide protein and richness alongside the tacos.
- Corn Salad: A refreshing mix of corn, peppers, and lime offers a sweet crunch.
- Guacamole: This classic dip enhances flavors with its creamy texture and rich taste.
- Chips and Salsa: Perfect for snacking while waiting for your main dish; choose your favorite salsa!
- Grilled Vegetables: Zucchini, bell peppers, and onions add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad packed with protein that pairs well with Mexican cuisine.
- Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn topped with cheese, chili powder, and lime brings an authentic touch to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the chicken properly can lead to bland tacos. Make sure to let the chicken soak in the marinade for at least one hour—preferably longer—for maximum flavor.
Using the wrong chicken parts: Opting for chicken breasts instead of thighs can result in dry meat. Chicken thighs are juicier and hold up better on the grill, enhancing your taco experience.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long will make it tough and dry. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part registers 165°F for perfectly juicy chicken.
Neglecting fresh toppings: Skipping fresh ingredients like avocado and cilantro can leave your tacos lacking freshness. Always add fresh toppings for a burst of flavor and color.
Not warming tortilla shells: Serving cold tortillas can ruin your taco’s appeal. Warm the mini corn taco shells in advance to keep them soft and pliable for stuffing.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
- Keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Place any leftover toppings separately to maintain freshness.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
- Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Ensure you label containers with dates for easy tracking.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add tacos and heat for about 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What toppings go well with Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?
Avocado, chopped onions, cilantro, and lime wedges make excellent toppings that enhance flavor.
Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can substitute grilled shrimp or pork if you prefer a different protein in your street tacos.
How do I make these tacos gluten-free?
Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, as they are typically gluten-free.
What is the best way to serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?
Serve them warm with lime wedges on the side, along with your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick!
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. With their tantalizing flavors and simple preparation, they are perfect for gatherings or casual dinners at home. Feel free to customize them with your favorite toppings or side dishes, making each experience unique! Try this recipe today, and you’ll likely find it becoming a staple in your kitchen!
SEO Information
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a delicious and easy way to enjoy vibrant flavors in every bite. These tacos feature juicy, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, delivering an irresistible combination of zesty lime, garlic, and spices. Perfect for any occasion—from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings—these tacos are customizable with fresh toppings like avocado, cilantro, and onions. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple cooking steps, you can have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in no time. Bring everyone together around the grill and savor the delightful experience of homemade street tacos that are sure to impress!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people (12 tacos) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 12 mini corn taco shells
- Toppings: avocado, chopped onions, cilantro
Instructions
- Marinate chicken by combining lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Place chicken in a resealable bag with marinade; refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Preheat grill to medium-high (425°F – 450°F).
- Grill chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature).
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before dicing.
- Assemble tacos by placing diced chicken in warmed taco shells; top with avocado, onions, and cilantro.
- Serve warm with optional lime wedges and hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Marinating for longer (up to 6 hours) enhances flavor. Warm tortillas before filling to keep them pliable. Customize toppings based on personal preference or seasonal ingredients.
