Chicken Street Tacos

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There’s something truly special about street-style tacos—their bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and simple yet satisfying nature make them a go-to favorite. Chicken street tacos bring together tender, seasoned chicken with vibrant toppings like fresh cilantro, juicy tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy sauce, all wrapped in a warm, soft tortilla. Every bite bursts with a delightful mix of smokiness, zest, and a little heat, making them an irresistible choice for any taco lover.

Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, gatherings, or a casual meal, these tacos are as easy to make as they are delicious. Whether you love them loaded with toppings or prefer a more traditional, minimalist approach, these chicken street tacos will satisfy your craving for authentic street food flavors—all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

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Ingredients for Chicken Street Tacos

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lime
• 6 small corn or flour tortillas
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup finely chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup diced onions (optional)
• ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija or shredded cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup sour cream or Mexican crema
• Hot sauce or chipotle mayo for drizzling

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by dicing the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces for even cooking. In a bowl, mix the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Add the diced chicken to the bowl and toss until fully coated in the seasoning. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to enhance the flavor. If you have extra time, marinate for up to an hour.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes.

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Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

While the chicken rests, heat the tortillas. You can warm them directly over a gas flame for a slight char, in a dry skillet over medium heat, or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds. Keeping them warm ensures a soft and pliable texture.

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Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Lay the warm tortillas on a plate and evenly distribute the cooked chicken among them. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and shredded lettuce if using. Sprinkle with cheese, drizzle with sour cream or chipotle mayo, and add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

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Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the tacos immediately while warm. Pair them with lime wedges, extra hot sauce, or a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal. Enjoy the delicious flavors of these homemade chicken street tacos!

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftover chicken, store it separately from the tortillas and toppings to maintain freshness. Place the cooked chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals until heated through.

Tortillas should be stored in their original packaging or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel inside a sealed bag to prevent them from drying out. Fresh toppings like tomatoes and cilantro should be kept in separate containers in the fridge and used within 1-2 days for the best flavor.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (2 tacos, without extra toppings like cheese or sour cream):

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 450mg

Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, making them a great alternative to chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take a bit longer.

2. What’s the best way to warm tortillas?

The best way is to heat them directly over a gas flame for a slightly charred texture. You can also warm them in a dry skillet or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it quickly in a skillet before assembling the tacos. Tortillas and toppings are best prepared fresh.

4. What sauces go well with chicken street tacos?

Chipotle mayo, salsa verde, hot sauce, or a simple squeeze of lime juice all complement the flavors well. You can also add guacamole or avocado slices for extra creaminess.

5. Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on the stove?

Absolutely! Grilling the chicken adds a delicious smoky flavor. Cook it over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness.

6. Are these tacos gluten-free?

If you use corn tortillas, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check any seasonings and sauces to ensure they don’t contain gluten.

7. What sides go well with chicken street tacos?

Mexican rice, refried beans, elote (Mexican street corn), or a fresh avocado salad make great side dishes.

8. How can I make the tacos spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, extra chili powder, or a drizzle of hot sauce to increase the spice level. You can also mix cayenne pepper into the chicken seasoning for an extra kick.

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