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+ servings

Ultimate Chicken Street Tacos Recipe for California Nights

Bring the vibrant flavors of a California taco truck home with these juicy, marinated chicken street tacos, ready in under an hour.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Main Course, Quick Meals
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp California olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For Serving
  • 12 small corn tortillas white or yellow
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 limes cut into wedges

Method
 

Marinate the Chicken
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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.
  2. 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
  1. 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
  1. 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

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

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.

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