QUICK CHICKEN STREET TACOS

I’ll never forget the first time I tried making street tacos. It was a complete disaster! The chicken was dry, the tortillas fell apart, and the whole experience felt overwhelming. But I was determined to master this classic, and after countless attempts, I finally cracked the code. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Chicken Street Tacos-Quick & Easy Recipe you’ll ever make – so good, you’ll swear you bought them from your favorite taco truck!

The BEST Chicken Street Tacos-Quick & Easy Recipe: Your New Weeknight Go-To

If you’re craving authentic flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, you’ve come to the right place! These Chicken Street Tacos are unbelievably quick, easy, and bursting with flavor. Forget take-out, this is your new go-to for a satisfying and delicious meal. I promise, even the pickiest eaters will devour these!

Why You’ll LOVE This Recipe

• Ready in Minutes: Seriously, from start to finish, you can have these on the table in under 30 minutes.
• Incredibly Flavorful: We’re talking juicy, tender chicken with a smoky, slightly spicy kick.
• Customizable: Load them up with your favorite toppings – the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for a Crowd: These are always a hit at parties and gatherings.
• Budget-Friendly: Using simple, readily available ingredients, this recipe won’t break the bank.

What You’ll Need: The Ingredient Breakdown

Let’s gather our ingredients! Don’t worry, most of these are pantry staples. The key to amazing street tacos is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Trust me, it makes all the difference!

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but chicken breasts will also work. Just be careful not to overcook them!
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For searing the chicken.
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning: Use your favorite store-bought blend, or make your own (recipe below!).
• 1/2 cup Chicken Broth: To keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
• 1 Lime, juiced: For a bright, tangy finish.

For the Tacos:

• 1 package (6-inch) Corn Tortillas: Authentic street tacos use corn tortillas. Warm them up for the best flavor!
• Optional Toppings: Get creative! Here are some of my favorites:
• Chopped White Onion
• Fresh Cilantro
• Lime Wedges
• Salsa (your favorite kind!)
• Queso Fresco (crumbled)
• Pickled Red Onions
• Avocado or Guacamole
• Sour Cream or Mexican Crema
• Shredded Cabbage
• Hot Sauce

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Optional, but highly recommended!)

Making your own taco seasoning is so easy and allows you to control the level of spice. Plus, it tastes SO much better than the store-bought stuff!

• 2 tbsp Chili Powder
• 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper (or more, to taste!)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Simply combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container. You can use this seasoning for so many other dishes, like WHITE CHICKEN CHILI!

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get down to business! Follow these simple steps and you’ll be enjoying delicious Chicken Street Tacos in no time. Don’t be intimidated – this is a super straightforward recipe, even for beginner cooks.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook faster and more evenly.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary. You want a nice sear to lock in the flavor.
3. Add Seasoning and Broth: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer and Shred: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. The liquid should reduce slightly, creating a flavorful sauce.
5. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the skillet. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce.
6. Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the shredded chicken and stir well. This adds a bright, tangy flavor that really elevates the tacos.
7. Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is simmering, warm the corn tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat (about 30 seconds per side), in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20 seconds), or in the oven (wrapped in foil at 350°F for about 10 minutes). The key is to warm them until they’re pliable and slightly softened.
8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with the shredded chicken. Top with your favorite toppings, such as chopped onion, cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of lime juice.
9. Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy the best Chicken Street Tacos you’ve ever had!

Success Tips: Golden Rules for Perfect Tacos

Want to guarantee taco perfection? Here are a few of my top tips for making these Chicken Street Tacos absolutely irresistible!

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The simmering in broth helps keep it moist, but still keep an eye on it.
• Warm Those Tortillas! Cold, stiff tortillas are a taco tragedy! Warming them makes them pliable and adds a layer of flavor. A quick char on a hot pan is my favorite.
• Fresh is Best: Use fresh ingredients whenever possible. Fresh cilantro, lime, and onions will take your tacos to the next level.
• Spice it Up (or Down): Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper in the taco seasoning to suit your spice preference. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken while it’s simmering for an extra kick. Don’t be afraid to personalize this!
• Don’t Skimp on the Toppings: The toppings are what make street tacos so fun and flavorful. Load them up with your favorites! From creamy avocado to fiery hot sauce, let your taste buds guide you. You can even serve a variety of toppings in bowls and let everyone create their own masterpieces. Just like you can do with Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl

Variations and Adaptations: Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Chicken Street Tacos: Add a diced jalapeño pepper to the skillet while the chicken is simmering for a spicy kick. Or, use a spicier taco seasoning blend.
• Sweet and Savory Chicken Street Tacos: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or honey to the chicken while it’s simmering for a touch of sweetness.
• Vegetarian Street Tacos: Replace the chicken with black beans, pinto beans, or seasoned tofu.
• Gluten-Free Street Tacos: Make sure to use corn tortillas and gluten-free taco seasoning.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Street Tacos: Combine all the chicken ingredients (except the lime juice) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and stir in the lime juice before serving. This is a great option for busy weeknights! For another great crockpot meal, you might also like CHICKEN ENCHILADA PERFECTION.
• Grilled Chicken Street Tacos: Grill the chicken thighs until cooked through, then chop them into bite-sized pieces and toss with taco seasoning and lime juice. This adds a smoky flavor that’s perfect for summer.
• Use different protein: This can also be done with beef, shrimp, pork, or fish.

Serving Suggestions: Complete Your Taco Fiesta!

These Chicken Street Tacos are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when served with a few complementary sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:

• Mexican Rice: A classic side dish that’s perfect for soaking up the flavorful taco juices.
• Refried Beans: Creamy and comforting, refried beans are a must-have side for any taco feast.
• Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayonnaise, cheese, and chili powder – a truly irresistible treat!
• Guacamole and Chips: A crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s always a hit.
• Fresh Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the tacos.
• Consider this similar recipe too CREAMY CHICKEN RICE PERFECTION.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips: Plan Ahead for Taco Night

Want to get a head start on taco night? Here are some tips for making these Chicken Street Tacos ahead of time:

• Chicken: The cooked and shredded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat before serving.
• Taco Seasoning: The homemade taco seasoning can be made well in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
• Toppings: Most toppings can be prepped ahead of time, such as chopping onions, cilantro, and making salsa. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator.
• Tortillas: Corn tortillas are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Recipe

Here’s a handy recipe card you can print out and keep in your recipe binder!

Chicken Street Tacos-Quick & Easy Recipe

Yields: 6-8 tacos
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

*   1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
*   1 tbsp olive oil
*   1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade, see recipe above)
*   1/2 cup chicken broth
*   1 lime, juiced
*   1 package (6-inch) corn tortillas
*   Optional toppings: chopped white onion, fresh cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, queso fresco, pickled red onions, avocado or guacamole, sour cream or Mexican crema, shredded cabbage, hot sauce

Instructions:

1.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side.
2.  Sprinkle taco seasoning over chicken and stir to coat. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
3.  Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
4.  Shred chicken with two forks directly in the skillet. Stir to combine with sauce.
5.  Squeeze lime juice over shredded chicken and stir well.
6.  Warm corn tortillas.
7.  Fill each tortilla with shredded chicken and top with your favorite toppings.
8.  Serve immediately and enjoy!

Homemade Taco Seasoning:

*   2 tbsp chili powder
*   1 tbsp ground cumin
*   1 tsp smoked paprika
*   1 tsp garlic powder
*   1 tsp onion powder
*   1/2 tsp dried oregano
*   1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or more, to taste!)
*   1/2 tsp salt
*   1/4 tsp black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Conclusion: Taco Night Just Got Easier!

There you have it – the ultimate Chicken Street Tacos-Quick & Easy Recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen! With juicy, flavorful chicken, warm tortillas, and endless topping possibilities, these tacos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So gather your ingredients, invite your friends and family, and get ready to enjoy a taco fiesta that’s both delicious and stress-free! I am certain that Spicy Ginger Chicken Delight would be another recipe you might want to try!

Quick Chicken Street Tacos

These quick and easy chicken street tacos are ready in under 30 minutes and bursting with flavor. Juicy, tender chicken is paired with warm corn tortillas and your favorite toppings for a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 lime, juiced
• Chopped white onion, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, to taste
• Lime wedges, to taste
• Salsa, to taste
• Queso fresco, to taste
• Pickled red onions, to taste
• Avocado or guacamole, to taste
• Sour cream or Mexican crema, to taste
• Shredded cabbage, to taste
• Hot sauce, to taste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Large Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Lime juicer
• Two forks
• Spatula
• Small bowl (for taco seasoning)
• Airtight container (for taco seasoning storage)
• Dry skillet, microwave, or oven (for warming tortillas)

Method

 

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until lightly browned.
3. Add Seasoning and Broth: Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Simmer and Shred: Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5. Shred the Chicken: Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the skillet. Stir to combine the shredded chicken with the sauce.
6. Add Lime Juice: Squeeze the juice of one lime over the shredded chicken and stir well.
7. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven until pliable.
8. Assemble the Tacos: Fill each warm tortilla with the shredded chicken. Top with your favorite toppings.
9. Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be tender and juicy. Warm the tortillas properly for a pliable texture. Customize the toppings to your liking, offering a variety of options for a fun and interactive meal. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving. Homemade taco seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.