Chicken Street Tacos
Chicken Street Tacos are a tasty, simple dish that brings street food flavors straight to your kitchen. In this recipe, finely minced chicken is seasoned with a homemade street taco seasoning and tucked into warm corn tortillas, then topped with a simple onion salsa. You can also enjoy them with grilled cilantro-lime marinated chicken thighs, finished with creamy avocado slices.
These tacos are quick to prepare—just marinate, cook, and serve. Whether you’re grilling, using the oven, or cooking on the stovetop, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in less than 15 minutes. The juicy, smoky pollo asado adds an authentic touch, and the tacos are great for meal prep since they reheat and freeze well.
This recipe offers versatility with options like the classic marinade or a twist with Chicken Al Pastor. With freezer-friendly marinated chicken, you can have these tacos on even the busiest nights.
About Street Tacos
Street taco recipes highlight the rich, straightforward flavor of real Mexican food. With just a few ingredients, like tender marinated meat and soft corn tortillas, each bite is packed with flavor. The fresh cilantro, crisp onions, and a squeeze of lime add the perfect finishing touch.
What sets street tacos apart is the homemade salsa, which brings a unique kick to every taco. Whether you go for a smoky Chipotle or a fresh pico de gallo, these sauces make the tacos truly special.
Try These With Cheese!
Cheese can make your street taco recipe outstanding. Try adding creamy queso fresco or smoky Oaxaca cheese to your tacos. The cheese melts into the warm tortillas and pairs well with fresh ingredients like onions, cilantro, and lime.
Experiment with different cheeses based on your taco filling. Sharp cheddar works well with barbacoa or carnitas, while cotija is great with shrimp tacos and mango salsa.
What Are Chicken Street Tacos?
This recipe is a classic favorite from food stalls across Mexico. They feature juicy, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and tucked into soft corn tortillas. Topped with fresh cilantro, crunchy onion, and a squeeze of lime, they offer a simple but tasty mix of smoky, crispy, and tangy flavors.
Key Tips – Chicken Street Tacos
Prepare The Chicken In Bulk And Freeze It For Easy Meals Later!
The street taco recipe chicken uses chicken as the main ingredient. Preparing chicken in bulk for street tacos is a great time-saver. Smoking the chicken adds a rich, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with fresh toppings and tortillas. By cooking a large batch over the weekend, you’ll have delicious street tacos ready in minutes during busy weeknights.
You can also freeze raw chicken with your favorite spices. As it thaws, the flavors blend nicely, making meal prep even easier. Check out recipes like Marinated Chicken for Tacos or Chicken Al Pastor for tasty ideas.
Don’t Skip The Toppings, But It Doesn’t Need Much Else.
For chicken street tacos, toppings are a great option. Start with fresh cilantro and finely chopped onions for a bright, crunchy taste. A squeeze of lime adds zing, cutting through the richness and boosting the flavor.
You can also add avocado salsa or jalapeño hot sauce to match your taste. If you want to switch from white onions, try red onions for a hint of sweetness. Avoid yellow onions, as their strong flavor might overpower the dish. Simple toppings can make your tacos truly delicious!
Use Street Taco Size Tortillas If You Can Find Them.
Choosing the right tortilla is very crucial in your chicken street tacos recipe. Go for street taco-sized tortillas, which are smaller than regular ones. These corn tortillas, often labeled “street taco” or “taqueria style,” are perfect for holding your grilled chicken and toppings without overpowering the flavors.
Their small size is great for experimenting with different fillings. Layer juicy chicken with fresh cilantro, zesty onions, and a squeeze of lime. You can enjoy several tacos without feeling too full, just like in street food culture. If you can’t find these tortillas at your local store, try a Mexican market for that authentic taste.
Corn Tortillas Should Be Doubled Up!
For the best chicken street tacos, choose corn tortillas. They add great flavor and work well with the marinated chicken. Use two tortillas per taco to keep them from tearing and to hold more flavor.
When warming tortillas, keep them stacked to stay soft. Wrap them in a clean towel or heat them in a covered skillet on low. This keeps them warm and moist.
Heating Up The Tortillas Makes A Huge Difference, Especially For The Corn Ones. Don’t Skip This Step!
Heating up the tortillas is a key factor in making street tacos. A quick dip in stock or water adds moisture and flavor. Then, cook them in a hot pan for a slight char and crunch, keeping them soft enough to fold. This step brings out the flavors and makes your tacos even better.
Dietary Restrictions – Chicken Street Tacos
This Dish Is Naturally Dairy-Free.
Chicken Street Tacos are a great choice for everyone, as they’re naturally dairy-free. This means you can enjoy vibrant flavors from fresh ingredients like lime, cilantro, and jalapeños without any dairy.
You can easily customize your tacos. Instead of sour cream, try avocado or guacamole for a creamy touch. Add radishes or corn for extra crunch and color.
Make It Gluten-Free:
Making your chicken street tacos gluten-free is easy with corn tortillas. They’re naturally gluten-free and add great flavor and texture to your tacos. Corn tortillas are also the traditional choice for street tacos, making your dish authentic and delicious.
They pair perfectly with seasoned chicken and fresh toppings, providing a sturdy base for all your fillings.
A Note On Serving Sizes
Serving sizes for chicken street tacos are flexible and can vary depending on your appetite. This recipe makes about 8-10 tacos with 12 ounces of cooked chicken, but you can adjust based on your preference.
Street tacos recipes are perfect for customizing. You can fill each taco with different salsas, guacamole, or veggies to create your ideal mix.
Ingredients
- 12 oz cooked marinated chicken for tacos click for recipe, 12 oz cooked comes from about 1 lb raw chicken
- 16 extra small corn tortillas (I use “taqueria style”) or 8 extra small flour tortillas (double up corn tortillas but not flour)
- ½ cup white onion diced (~¼ large onion)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro
- 1 lime sliced into wedges, for serving
- ⅓ cup chicken stock or water for heating up tortillas, use for corn only
Instructions
- Using 12 oz of cooked chicken from the Marinated Chicken for Tacos recipe makes cooking easier and adds great flavor. If you’re meal prepping, freeze these portions for a quick and easy meal later. When you’re ready to eat, just defrost and heat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat. While it warms up, you can chop toppings or make salsa, so everything is ready at the same time.
- To keep chicken moist while reheating for your street tacos, add a splash of chicken stock or water. Marinated chicken works well with many toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, and lime wedges.
- To prep corn tortillas for your street tacos, dip them briefly in water or chicken stock to soften and add flavor. Shake off excess moisture, stack them in a preheated pan, and cook for 30 seconds per side. This method makes the tortillas warm and pliable, perfect for holding your seasoned chicken.
- For flour tortillas, just warm them on both sides to maintain their sturdiness and chewiness. Avoid double layering or soaking to prevent sogginess. As you heat each stack, tent them with foil to keep them warm.
- Divide the cooked chicken evenly between the double-stacked tortillas. Each tortilla provides a soft, sturdy base for the juicy chicken. Top with crisp onions and fresh cilantro to add flavor and brightness, capturing the essence of traditional street tacos.
- Don’t forget the lime! It brightens all the flavors and ties the chicken street tacos together. The tender chicken, zesty lime, crunchy onion, and fresh cilantro create a burst of flavor. Add your favorite salsa or hot sauce for an extra kick—avocado salsa for creaminess or jalapeño hot sauce for heat. Serve immediately for a simple yet satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Chicken street tacos combine tender, seasoned chicken with vibrant toppings for an authentic Mexican flavor. They’re perfect for any occasion and can be easily customized to fit various dietary needs. With endless options for salsas, garnishes, and sides, these tacos offer a satisfying and versatile meal. Gather your ingredients and enjoy making these delicious tacos today!
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Mexican Street Tacos And Regular Tacos?
Mexican street tacos are simpler and smaller, using soft corn tortillas with a small amount of meat like carne asada or al pastor, topped with onions, cilantro, and lime. They focus on the meat’s flavor with minimal toppings.
Regular tacos, however, often use flour tortillas and can be loaded with various fillings and toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese, resulting in a heartier meal. While both are delicious, street tacos emphasize authenticity and tradition through their minimalist style.
What Makes A Taco A Street Taco?
Street tacos are known for their simplicity and authenticity, commonly found at food stalls in Mexico. They feature small, soft corn tortillas and focus on straightforward fillings like grilled meats, sautéed vegetables, or seafood.
Are Street Style Tacos Healthy?
Street tacos can be a healthy choice, especially when made with corn tortillas, which are gluten-free and lower in calories. They often include fresh vegetables and lean proteins like grilled chicken or fish, contributing to a balanced meal.
