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Chicken Street Tacos

Imagine taking a bite of Chicken Street Tacos 🌮, where the chicken is not just any chicken but a marinated delight, soaking up flavors from a blend of spices that sing to your palate. The secret? A dash of smoked paprika and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, elevating it from good to unforgettable. Wrapped in a warm, soft corn tortilla, each taco 🌽 is a promise of satisfaction, with the crunch of red onion and the zest of lime adding layers of texture and flavor. This recipe doesn't just feed the body; it captures the essence of street food joy, turning a simple meal into a celebration. Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary? That's the magic of these Chicken Street Tacos.
A woman in an apron is preparing a meal in a sunny kitchen filled with fresh vegetables and herbs.
Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:37:52 GMT
Chicken Street Tacos with fresh toppings
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Chicken Street Tacos with fresh toppings | myhomemaderecipe.com

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious, look no further than these Chicken Street Tacos. Bursting with vibrant flavors and a delightful mix of textures, these tacos are a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you're planning a casual weeknight dinner or hosting a fun taco night with friends, this recipe will ensure you serve up a meal that everyone will love. Let's dive into the magic of these tacos, starting with a detailed look at the ingredients.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs: Choose high-quality chicken for the best flavor and texture. Thighs are juicier, while breasts offer a leaner option.
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil: Divided between the marinade and cooking the chicken, adding richness and helping to achieve a perfect sear.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground chili: Adds a subtle heat that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering it.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin: Provides a warm, earthy undertone that is quintessential to taco seasoning.
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a sweet, smoky depth to the marinade, balancing the spices beautifully.
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: For a bit more kick, cayenne pepper brings the heat. Adjust according to your spice preference.
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice: The acidity of lime juice tenderizes the chicken and adds a fresh, zesty flavor.

For Serving

  • Soft or hard taco shells: Choose your favorite type of taco shell. Soft tortillas are traditional, while hard shells add a satisfying crunch.
  • Fresh cilantro leaves: Adds a burst of freshness and a slight citrusy note that complements the spices.
  • Chopped brown or red onion: Provides a crisp texture and a sharp flavor contrast to the savory chicken.
  • Lime wedges: For an extra squeeze of freshness right before eating.
  • Sour cream: Adds creaminess and helps mellow out the heat from the spices.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a large mixing bowl. Add ground chili, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Mix thoroughly to coat. Marinate for 3-6 hours, or at least 1 hour if short on time. Pound the chicken to even thickness if desired.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil and let it shimmer, ensuring a nice sear on the chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place marinated chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 6 minutes on one side without moving. Flip and cook an additional 6-8 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 4: Rest and Dice
Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes. Dice into small cubes for easy taco assembly.
Step 5: Assemble the Tacos
Fill soft or hard taco shells with diced chicken. Top with cilantro, chopped onion, lime juice, and sour cream. Serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • Serving Tips: Lay out toppings for customization. Serve with lime wedges, hot sauces, and sides like Mexican rice or fresh corn salad.
  • Storage: Store diced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling tacos.

Helpful Notes and Variations

  • Seasoning Variations: Add smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or chipotle powder for smokiness and heat.
  • Chef's Tip: Grill the chicken for added smokiness. Marinate and cook over medium-high heat until charred and cooked through.
  • Vegetable Additions: Include diced bell peppers, shredded lettuce, or radishes for extra crunch and color.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Substitute sour cream with avocado slices or guacamole.

Chicken Tacos

Embark on a flavor journey with our Chicken Street Tacos, featuring tender chicken and vibrant salsa wrapped in soft tortillas. It's a feast for the senses.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
14 Minutes
Total Time
29 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Dinners

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (8 tacos)

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs.
02 3 tablespoons olive oil.
03 ½ teaspoon ground chili.
04 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
05 ½ teaspoon paprika.
06 ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
07 1 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice.
08 Soft or hard taco shells.
09 Fresh cilantro leaves.
10 Chopped brown or red onion.
11 Lime wedges.
12 Sour cream.

Instructions

Step 01

In a bowl, combine the chicken, ground chili, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings. Marinate the chicken for 3-6 hours for optimal flavor, or at least 1 hour if you're short on time. For better absorption of the marinade, you can pound the chicken before marinating.

Step 02

Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 6 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 6-8 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the internal temperature should reach 165°F.

Step 03

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before dicing it into small cubes.

Step 04

To assemble the tacos, fill your taco shells with the diced chicken. Top with fresh cilantro, chopped onion, a squeeze of lime juice, and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Street Tacos!.

Notes

  1. These Chicken Street Tacos are a perfect blend of spicy and tangy flavors, making them an ideal choice for a quick and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer soft or hard taco shells, the combination of marinated chicken, fresh cilantro, and creamy sour cream will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Total Fat: 12 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 20 g
  • Protein: 18 g