Chicken Street Tacos

Chicken Street Tacos make a delicious meal idea. The seasoned chicken thighs are charred then diced and filled in corn tortillas with a homemade Pico de Gallo salsa. We grilled the chicken but you can also bake it for a delicious taco recipe.

If you have made our Carne Asada Tacos, Mini Tacos, 3 Ingredient Chorizo Street Tacos, Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Recipe, Ground Beef Tacos Recipe or Easy Crock Pot Street Tacos recipe then you are going to love these Chicken Street Tacos. You may even like this Crockpot Mango Salsa Chicken.

Why Make Chicken Street Tacos

My entire family loves these Chicken Street Tacos because of the flavor. I can easily prepare the chicken to meal prep for the week and use in many different recipes.

These are the perfect meal to prepare for a crowd or one of our easy Monday night dinner ideas. Add your favorite side dish for a complete meal idea.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs – You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Olive Oil – Use oil of your choice such as vegetable oil or avocado oil
• Lime Juice – We recommend fresh lime juice
• Cloves Garlic – Learn how to mince garlic cloves. You can also use garlic powder. We even like to add in onion powder.
• Chili Powder – Adds mild heat and classic taco flavor. See the best chili powder substitute if you are out
• Ground Cumin – Adds warm, earthy flavor. If you are out, check out our best substitute for cumin
• Smoked Paprika – Adds color and light smoky flavor. See the best paprika substitute if you are out
• Oregano – Adds extra seasoning to the marinade.
• Salt and Pepper – Season the chicken.

For the Pico de Gallo

• Tomatoes – Use ripe Roma or vine tomatoes for the best texture.
• Red Onion – Adds crunch and a little bite.
• Jalapeno – Remove the seeds for less heat.
• Cilantro – Adds fresh flavor.
• Lime Juice – Brightens the pico de gallo.
• Salt – Season to taste.

For Assembly

• Corn Tortilla – Use small 4 to 6 inch tortillas for classic street tacos.
• Crema – Adds a cool, creamy finish. Sour cream thinned with a little lime juice also works.
• Avocado – Adds creamy texture and is optional.
• Lime Wedges – Serve on the side for extra fresh flavor.

How to Make Chicken Street Tacos

Step 1 – In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.

Step 2 – Add chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they’re well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to overnight.

Step 3 – While the chicken marinates, prepare the pico de gallo. In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 4 – Preheat the grill or pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F with an instant read thermometer.

Step 5 – Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes, then chop into small bite-sized pieces.

Step 6 – Warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side over medium heat.

Step 7 – To assemble the tacos, place a portion of chopped chicken on each tortilla. Top with a spoonful of pico de gallo and a drizzle of crema.

Step 8 – Serve immediately with sliced avocado and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!  

Expert Tips

• Prepare Chicken – For even cooking, try to choose chicken thighs of similar size or pound them to an even thickness before marinating.
• Slits in Chicken – For deeper flavor, make small cuts in the chicken thighs before marinating to allow the marinade to penetrate better.
• Chicken Grill Marks – For nice grill marks, avoid moving the chicken too much while grilling. Turn only once halfway through cooking.
• Cooking Chicken – Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your chicken. We recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Street Taco Toppings

Add your favorite toppings when serving these Chicken Street Tacos. We like to set up a taco bar so everyone can choose their own. Make it perfect when hosting a family gathering.

• Cotija Cheese
• White Onion
• Cilantro
• Lime Salsa
• Pickled Red Onions
• Pickled Radishes
• Sliced Jalapeno
• Queso Fundido
• Queso Fresco
• Shredded Lettuce
• Easy Guacamole Recipe with Salsa
• Shredded Cheese
• The Best Pico De Gallo Recipe

Can I Bake the Chicken Instead?

Yes. Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer on a baking sheet or baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Let it rest for a few minutes before chopping for the tacos.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Chicken Street Tacos with your favorite side dish recipes. These are some of our favorites.

• Mexican Rice
• Easy Homemade Spanish Rice Recipe
• Black Bean and Corn Salsa
• Easy Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe

Check out more side dishes on What to Serve with Tacos.