Street chicken tacos bring that bold, authentic flavor of your favorite taco truck right to your kitchen. Juicy, well-seasoned chicken wrapped in warm tortillas with all the classic toppings—it’s simple, fresh, and downright delicious. Perfect for busy nights or laid-back gatherings when you want something easy but full of flavor.
Ingredients List
– 12 small corn tortillas
– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup salsa verde
– 6 radishes, thinly sliced
– Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
– Lime wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken thighs. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss until they are well coated with the marinade. Let them sit for at least 20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until they are fully cooked and have a nice char. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into strips.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
In a separate pan, warm up the corn tortillas over medium heat. Toast each side for about a minute or until they become slightly crispy but still pliable.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Place a few slices of chicken onto each tortilla. Top with sliced radishes and drizzle with salsa verde. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve with lime wedges on the side.
4-5 Ways to Improve It
1. Add a dollop of sour cream or Mexican crema for extra creaminess.
2. Sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese on top for added flavor.
3. Incorporate pickled onions for a tangy contrast.
4. Use homemade salsa verde for a fresher taste.
5. Marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the flavors.
Side Dishes to Serve With This Meal
These street chicken tacos pair beautifully with sides like Mexican rice or refried beans. A simple corn salad or grilled street corn (elote) can complement the tacos’ flavors perfectly. For something refreshing, serve alongside a zesty cucumber salad.
Substitutions
1. Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat.
2. Use flour tortillas instead of corn if desired.
3. Substitute salsa verde with red salsa if you want a spicier kick.
4. Replace radishes with thinly sliced cucumber or jicama for a different crunch.
Recipe Variations
1. Turn these tacos into burritos by adding rice and beans before wrapping them up.
2. Make it vegetarian by substituting the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or jackfruit.
3. Add avocado slices or guacamole for an extra layer of richness.
4. For a spicy twist, add jalapeño slices or hot sauce to taste.
