There’s something special about street tacos—simple, fresh, and packed with bold flavors that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re strolling through a bustling city market or recreating the magic at home, grilled chicken street tacos bring the essence of authentic Mexican street food to your table. These tacos are perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even summer cookouts.

Juicy, marinated grilled chicken, wrapped in warm corn tortillas, topped with fresh onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime—this is the kind of meal that brings people together. Plus, they’re quick to make and incredibly customizable, so you can load them up with your favorite toppings. If you’re looking for a simple yet flavorful taco recipe that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, this is the one for you!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and fast cooking time make these tacos perfect for any night of the week.
• Packed with Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with bold, zesty flavors, making every bite delicious.
• Healthy & Fresh: Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, these tacos are a great choice for a nutritious meal.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a summer BBQ, or a casual dinner, these street tacos fit right in.
• Easily Customizable: Add your favorite toppings, adjust the spice level, and make them your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

• 10-12 small corn tortillas
• ½ cup chopped white onion
• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges

How to Make Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The key to juicy, flavorful grilled chicken is a good marinade. In a large bowl or a resealable plastic bag, combine the olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, and all the seasonings. Mix well to create a bold, citrusy marinade. Add the chicken thighs, ensuring they’re well coated. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, but for the best flavor, marinate for 2-4 hours.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

The magic of street tacos is in that slightly charred, smoky flavor—so don’t be afraid to let the chicken get a bit of a sear! Once done, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken is resting, warm your corn tortillas. You can do this directly on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until they have slight char marks, or you can heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat. Warming the tortillas enhances their texture and prevents them from breaking when filled.

Step 4: Chop the Chicken & Assemble the Tacos

Once the chicken has rested, chop it into small bite-sized pieces. Now, it’s time to build your tacos! Place a generous amount of grilled chicken onto each warm tortilla. Top with freshly chopped white onion and cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of flavor.

Helpful Tips

• Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: While chicken breasts work too, thighs are more tender and juicy, making them perfect for grilling.
• Don’t Skip the Resting Time: Letting the chicken rest after grilling helps retain its juices.
• Double Up Your Tortillas: If your corn tortillas tend to tear, use two tortillas per taco for extra durability.
• Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken overnight for even deeper flavor.
• Make It Spicy: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to kick up the heat.
• Serve with Side Dishes: Pair these tacos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh mango salsa for a complete meal.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Marinate Time: 30 minutes – 4 hours
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 10-12 tacos
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Notes

• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat for the best texture.

Nutritional Information

(Per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 1g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make These Tacos in Advance?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The grilled chicken can also be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve.

What’s the Best Way to Warm Corn Tortillas?

The best way is to heat them on a dry skillet or directly over an open flame on a gas stove for a few seconds per side. This gives them a nice, slightly charred texture.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well, but they tend to be leaner and may not be as juicy as thighs. If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to an even thickness for more even cooking.

What Are the Best Toppings for Street Tacos?

Traditional street tacos are simple—onion, cilantro, and lime. However, you can add extras like avocado slices, radishes, queso fresco, or a drizzle of your favorite salsa.

Can I Cook the Chicken Without a Grill?

Yes! You can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: The grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Store it in a freezer-safe bag and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick meal.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, you might also enjoy:

• Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy, Spicy, and Irresistible
• Cilantro Lime Chicken
• Easy & Flavorful Chicken Street Tacos
• Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are the perfect way to bring the flavors of authentic street food into your home. They’re easy to make, bursting with fresh ingredients, and customizable to your taste. Whether you’re serving them for a casual family dinner or a summer cookout, these tacos are sure to be a hit. So fire up the grill, gather your toppings, and enjoy every bite of these delicious, smoky, and flavorful tacos!

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