Ingredients
Method
Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, then add them to the bowl. Toss well to coat every piece. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, working in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
- Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Warm the Tortillas
- Warm the corn tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat, directly over a gas flame, or in a microwave wrapped in a damp towel until soft and pliable.
Assemble the Tacos
- Place a portion of the cooked chicken on each warm tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of diced onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Nutrition
Notes
Substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but expect slightly drier meat; reduce cook time by 1-2 minutes. For extra heat, add a minced chipotle pepper in adobo to the marinade. Leftover chicken keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To make ahead, marinate the chicken up to 8 hours before cooking. Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be just cooked through and juicy. Serve with salsa verde, guacamole, or a squeeze of Meyer lemon for a California twist.
