Easy Chicken Street Tacos
Street tacos are small, handheld tacos packed with juicy meat, fresh toppings, and served on warm corn tortillas. This chicken version is marinated in a zesty citrus-garlic blend, then cooked and chopped for that perfect street-style bite.
Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 20 minutes (optional, but better)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 30–40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (best for juicy tacos; breasts also work)
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lime
Juice of ½ orange
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tacos:
12 small corn tortillas
1 small white onion, finely diced
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
Lime wedges
Optional extras: avocado slices, salsa, pickled jalapenos, or queso fresco
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and spices.
Coat chicken thighs, cover, and marinate at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours).
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high.
Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temp).
Rest 5 minutes, then chop into small bite-size pieces (street-taco style).
3. Warm the Tortillas
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds per side until soft and slightly charred.
Keep warm wrapped in a clean towel.
4. Assemble the Tacos
Layer chicken onto tortillas.
Top with onion, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Add avocado or salsa if desired.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Mexican rice and beans on the side.
Pair with a fresh mango salsa or spicy jalapeno crema.
Great with a cold sparkling water or agua fresca.
Tips & Notes
Chicken thighs give the most flavor and juiciness.
Double up tortillas (like taco trucks do) if they’re thin.
Make it meal-prep friendly: cook a large batch of chicken, then reheat and assemble tacos all week.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 460
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 36g
Fat: 18g
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 3g