Description
These Homemade Chicken Street Tacos are a flavorful and easy-to-make meal, featuring juicy grilled chicken marinated in a blend of zesty spices, served on warm corn tortillas with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
- Salsa or hot sauce for topping
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring even coverage. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken rests, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 1 minute per side until pliable and slightly charred, enhancing their flavor and texture.
- Assemble the Tacos: Dice the grilled chicken into small pieces. Place a portion of chicken on each tortilla, then top with diced onions and chopped cilantro. Add salsa or hot sauce according to your taste preferences.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top, adding a fresh citrus zing that brightens every bite.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken up to 4 hours ahead for deeper flavor infusion.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan or skillet can be used to cook the chicken.
- For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper or add jalapeños as a topping.
- Corn tortillas warm better on a dry skillet or directly on the grill to enhance flavor with slight charring.