These Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a delightful treat that brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican street food right to your table. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a lively backyard barbecue, these tacos are sure to impress. The combination of tangy orange-lime marinated chicken with fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro makes them a standout dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Flavor: The tangy orange-lime marinade enhances the grilled chicken, giving it a juicy and zesty taste.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious tacos ready in under an hour.
- Versatile: These tacos can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even at parties. Everyone loves street tacos!
- Healthy Option: Made with lean chicken thighs and fresh ingredients, they are a wholesome meal choice.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or spices to make these tacos your own!
Tools and Preparation
To prepare these tasty grilled chicken street tacos, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Grill
- Large ziplock bag
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Grill: A good grill gives the chicken those beautiful char marks and smoky flavor that makes this recipe special.
- Large ziplock bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken; it allows for even distribution of flavors without making a mess.
- Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the chicken and vegetables into perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients and keeps your kitchen organized.
Ingredients
These chicken street tacos are made with grilled chicken marinated in a tangy orange-lime marinade, then topped with onion, avocado, and cilantro. Yum!
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs chicken thighs (boneless skinless)
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup cilantro (chopped)
- 1/4 cup oil (olive or avocado)
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
For the Tacos
- 16 mini corn tortillas
- 2 avocados (cut into cubes)
- 1 small white onion (diced)
- 1/2 cup cilantro (chopped)
For Garnish
- 3 limes (sliced for garnish)
How to Make Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
- Cut any excess fat off the chicken thighs. Place them in a large ziplock bag.
- Pour in the orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, oil, chili powder, salt, and cumin.
- Seal the bag tightly and mix well by shaking it gently. Allow it to marinate in the fridge for 2-5 hours.
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.
- Grill each side until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 3: Prepare Toppings
- While the chicken is grilling, chop the avocados into cubes and dice the onion.
- Chop additional cilantro for topping.
Step 4: Assemble Your Tacos
- Once cooked, remove chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting it into small cubes.
- Take a mini corn tortilla and place some grilled chicken in the center.
- Top with avocado cubes, diced onion, and chopped cilantro.
- Serve alongside sliced limes for garnish.
Enjoy your homemade Grilled Chicken Street Tacos!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Serving grilled chicken street tacos is all about enhancing their fresh flavors and making them a fun experience for everyone. Here are some great ways to present and enjoy these delicious tacos.
Fresh Ingredients
- Avocado: Adding cubed avocado brings creaminess that balances the spices in the chicken.
- Onions: Diced white onions add a crunch and a sharp flavor that complements the tacos well.
Garnishes
- Lime Wedges: Serve lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus when squeezed over the tacos.
- Extra Cilantro: Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds vibrant color and freshness.
Taco Bar Style
- DIY Toppings Station: Set up a taco bar with grilled chicken, toppings, and sauces so guests can build their own tacos.
- Variety of Salsas: Offer different salsas like pico de gallo or mango salsa to cater to diverse tastes.
How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
To make your grilled chicken street tacos truly outstanding, follow these essential tips that will elevate your dish.
- Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2-5 hours. This enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Use High Heat: Grill on medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear while keeping the inside juicy.
- Cut Evenly: Slice the chicken into uniform pieces for consistent cooking and easy serving.
- Warm Tortillas: Always warm mini corn tortillas before serving; this enhances their flavor and makes them more pliable.
- Balance Flavors: Experiment with toppings like pickled jalapeños for added heat or crumbled queso fresco for creaminess.
Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Pairing side dishes with grilled chicken street tacos can create a complete meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful rice dish seasoned with tomatoes, garlic, and spices that complements the tacos nicely.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide protein and richness, making them a hearty addition.
- Corn Elote: Grilled corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a sweet and spicy treat.
- Chips and Salsa: Crisp tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a delightful appetizer or side dish.
- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip pairs perfectly with tacos, adding a rich texture and flavor contrast.
- Cabbage Slaw: A tangy slaw made from cabbage adds crunch and freshness that balances out the richness of the tacos.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making grilled chicken street tacos, even small errors can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Marinade Time: Failing to marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours can result in bland flavors. Aim for 2-5 hours to let the flavors develop fully.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results.
- Using Large Tortillas: Opting for regular-sized tortillas instead of mini corn tortillas can lead to overloaded tacos. Stick with mini tortillas for perfect individual servings.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Using stale or low-quality toppings diminishes flavor. Always use fresh cilantro, ripe avocados, and freshly sliced onions for the best taste.
- Ignoring Texture Balance: Focusing solely on flavor may lead you to overlook texture. Combine creamy avocados with crunchy onions and fresh herbs for a delightful bite.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Grilled chicken street tacos can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
- Freeze grilled chicken separately from other toppings.
- Use freezer bags or airtight containers; they will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, around 30 seconds at a time, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or oil, then add chicken and cover until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats for these grilled chicken street tacos?
Yes! You can substitute chicken with beef, pork, or even shrimp. Just adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the meat chosen.
How can I customize my grilled chicken street tacos?
Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as cheese, salsa, or jalapeños. You can also change the marinade ingredients for different flavors.
What is the best way to serve grilled chicken street tacos?
Serve them fresh with lime wedges on the side and let guests build their own tacos with toppings of their choice!
How do I know when my grilled chicken is done?
Use a meat thermometer; your grilled chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
Grilled chicken street tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to customize. Whether you want to spice things up with different toppings or vary the protein, this recipe offers endless possibilities. Try it out at your next gathering and enjoy flavorful bites everyone will love!
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos
Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Mexican street food into your home. With succulent chicken marinated in a tangy orange-lime mixture, these tacos are topped with creamy avocado, crisp onions, and fresh cilantro, creating a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for any gathering or a family meal, they are not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a casual dinner, these tacos will impress everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 16 tacos 1x
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup olive or avocado oil
- 3 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 16 mini corn tortillas
- 2 avocados (cubed)
- 1 small white onion (diced)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large ziplock bag, combine chicken thighs with orange juice, lime juice, cilantro, oil, chili powder, salt, and cumin. Seal the bag and shake well. Refrigerate for 2-5 hours.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Prepare Toppings: While grilling, cube avocado and dice onion.
- Assemble Tacos: Once the chicken has rested, chop it into small cubes. Fill mini corn tortillas with grilled chicken, avocado, onion, and cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 80mg