Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

One of the best taco recipes out there is Grilled Chicken Street Tacos! These tacos feature juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of lime, garlic, and spices, grilled to perfection. Perfect for casual gatherings, weeknight dinners, or a fun taco night, these street tacos will impress your guests and family alike. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes them a standout dish that you’ll want to make time and time again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors that are hard to resist.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and just a few simple steps, you can have delicious tacos in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your tacos with various toppings like avocado, cilantro, and onions for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a festive gathering, these street tacos fit right in.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies, these tacos make for a nutritious meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make the perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment on hand will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Gallon size resealable bag
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures even cooking and gives the chicken those delicious char marks.
• Mixing Bowl: Allows you to easily combine all marinade ingredients before adding them to the chicken.
• Knife: Essential for cutting the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces and prepping your toppings.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1 1/2 lbs trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, (peeled and smashed)
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For Serving

• 12 mini corn taco shells, warmed (double up if desired)
• 1 large avocado (cored and sliced)
• 1 small red or yellow onion (chopped)
• 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges (for serving optional)

How to Make Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. Add the chicken to a gallon size resealable bag.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, chili powder, cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper.
3. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag. Seal it while releasing any trapped air. Rub the marinade over the chicken evenly.
4. Transfer to the refrigerator and let marinate for at least 1 hour but no more than 6 hours.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

Preheat a grill over medium-high heat until it reaches between 425 – 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. Grill until fully cooked through, turning once halfway through grilling (about 5 – 6 minutes per side). The thickest part should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit with slight charring on the thighs.

Step 4: Rest the Chicken

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate. Cover with foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Dice grilled chicken into cubes. Sprinkle chicken over one or two tortillas per taco. Add an avocado slice along with diced onions and cilantro.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm by spritzing each taco with lime juice and drizzling with hot sauce for an extra kick!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not just a meal; they are an experience. These delicious tacos can be enjoyed in various ways, and each serving suggestion adds a unique twist to your taco night.

Traditional Style

• Fresh toppings: Use diced onions, cilantro, and avocado for a classic touch.
• Lime wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an extra zesty flavor.

Gourmet Twist

• Spicy aioli: Drizzle a spicy aioli over your tacos for a creamy kick.
• Pickled jalapeños: Add pickled jalapeños for an extra layer of heat.

Family Style

• Taco bar: Set up a taco bar with all the toppings so everyone can customize their own.
• Mini tortillas: Offer mini corn tortillas so guests can create multiple small tacos.

Salad Accompaniment

• Cabbage slaw: Serve with a crunchy cabbage slaw on the side for added texture.
• Corn salad: A refreshing corn salad pairs well as a side dish.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

To ensure your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are always perfect, consider these tips. Each step helps enhance flavor and texture.

• Marinate longer: Letting the chicken marinate for up to 6 hours boosts flavor.
• Use high heat: Preheat the grill to medium-high for that perfect char.
• Let it rest: Allow the grilled chicken to rest before cutting; this keeps it juicy.
• Choose fresh ingredients: Fresh produce enhances the overall taste of your tacos.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Complement your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos with delightful side dishes that enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with tomato and spices makes a perfect pairing.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans add protein and richness to your plate.
3. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa offer a tasty appetizer.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn on the cob topped with cheese and spices is irresistible.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a rich flavor that complements the tacos well.
6. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing black bean salad offers protein and vibrant flavors.
7. Pico de Gallo: Fresh pico de gallo adds brightness and freshness to your meal.
8. Grilled Vegetables: Serve seasonal grilled vegetables as a healthy side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, it’s easy to slip up. Here are some common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.

• Over-marinating the chicken: While marinating adds flavor, leaving chicken in the marinade for too long can make it mushy. Stick to a maximum of 6 hours for the best texture.
• Skipping the resting time: Not allowing the grilled chicken to rest can lead to dry meat. Always let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
• Using a cold grill: Placing chicken on a grill that’s not hot enough will result in uneven cooking. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (425-450 degrees).
• Neglecting seasoning: Rushing through seasoning may yield bland tacos. Ensure you season well, and adjust salt and pepper levels according to taste.
• Ignoring taco shell preparation: Using cold taco shells can affect the overall experience. Warm your mini corn taco shells before serving for optimal enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store grilled chicken in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 3 days in the fridge.
• Keep taco toppings separate to maintain freshness.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and warm the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Grilled Chicken Street Tacos special?

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos stand out due to their vibrant marinade that infuses deep flavors into tender chicken thighs, making every bite delicious.

Can I use other meats for these tacos?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on grilled chicken, you can substitute it with beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

How do I customize my Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?

You can personalize your tacos by adding different toppings like salsa, cheese, or hot sauce. Adjust spices in the marinade as per your taste preferences too!

Are Grilled Chicken Street Tacos healthy?

These tacos offer a good balance of protein from chicken and healthy fats from avocado. They are also packed with nutrients when topped with fresh veggies.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can easily customize them with various toppings and sides. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to impress your guests and become a family favorite!