Name: Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chicken taco seasoning; 1/4 cup olive oil; Juice from 1 orange (about 4 tablespoons); Juice from 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons); 1 tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-2 inch pieces; Street taco corn tortillas; Diced onion, for topping; Freshly chopped cilantro, for topping; Your favorite salsa, for serving; Crumbled Cotija cheese, for topping; Lime wedges, for serving

Print Recipe· 4.2 from 3 reviews

If you have been searching for a vibrant and flavorful meal to bring some zest to your dinner table, look no further than this Chicken Street Tacos Recipe. Bursting with citrusy marinade notes and wrapped in tender corn tortillas, these tacos deliver an unforgettable combination of textures and fresh, bold flavors. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or simply craving a taste of authentic street food at home, this Chicken Street Tacos Recipe will quickly become one of your go-to dishes for any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two raw chicken breasts lie side by side on a white round plate at the bottom left of a white marbled surface. Above the plate, a small white bowl holds golden olive oil to the left, while finely chopped green herbs fill another small white bowl to the right. In the center, a white plate neatly holds a pile of mixed brown spices. To the right side of the image, two lime halves with green skin and pale yellow inside rest above two orange halves, bright orange and juicy, showing their inner texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making this Chicken Street Tacos Recipe sing. Each component adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that contributes to the overall magic of the dish.

Chicken taco seasoning: A savory blend that forms the backbone of the marinade’s vibrant taste.
Olive oil: Brings moisture and helps infuse the chicken with flavor while keeping it tender.
Juice from 1 orange (about 4 tablespoons): Adds a bright, sweet citrus note that balances the spice perfectly.
Juice from 1 lime (about 2 tablespoons): Offers a tangy kick that enhances the freshness of the tacos.
Freshly chopped cilantro (1 tablespoon): Imparts a fragrant herbaceousness that feels just like street fare.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning, bringing out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced into 1-2 inch pieces: The star protein that absorbs all the delicious marinade.
Street taco corn tortillas: Small and soft, perfect for holding all the flavorful fillings.
Diced onion: Adds crunch and sharpness for contrast.
Freshly chopped cilantro: For a fresh garnish that brightens each bite.
Your favorite salsa: Provides moisture and another layer of flavor, spicy or mild as you prefer.
Crumbled Cotija cheese: Adds a salty, crumbly texture that complements the chicken unfailingly.
Lime wedges: For a final squeeze that wakes up the taste buds.

How to Make Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken taco seasoning, olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This marinade is bursting with bright, zesty flavors that will soak right into the diced chicken, giving it that signature street taco vibrancy. Nestle the diced chicken breast pieces into the marinade until fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, or up to six hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare to Cook

Heat a cast iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Once the pan is ready, reduce the heat to medium to ensure the chicken cooks evenly without burning. This step lets you develop a dark golden crust on the chicken, which adds that crave-worthy texture and caramelized flavor that makes these tacos a standout.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the marinated chicken to the hot pan in batches, allowing enough space so each piece can brown nicely rather than steam. Cook until the chicken has a deep golden-brown crust and is cooked through, usually about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. This process locks in juiciness while creating a lovely sear.

Step 4: Assemble the Tacos

Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, then spoon it into warmed street taco corn tortillas. Now comes the fun part—topping your tacos with diced onion, freshly chopped cilantro, crumbled Cotija cheese, a drizzle of your favorite salsa, and a squeeze of lime. Each bite offers a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, fresh, and savory flavors.

How to Serve Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

A black square grill pan holds nine small, orange-brown pieces of seasoned chicken arranged in three rows, each piece showing hints of grill marks and a slight shine from the marinade. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface which gives a clean and bright contrast to the dark pan and richly colored chicken. The chicken pieces vary slightly in size and shape, some with visible herbs on the outside. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate this Chicken Street Tacos Recipe from delicious to extraordinary. Bright diced onions deliver crunch, cilantro packs that unmistakable herbaceous punch, and crumbled Cotija cheese adds a creamy, salty finish. Don’t forget fresh lime wedges for a bright squeeze that cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Complement your tacos with sides like Mexican street corn (elote), a crisp cabbage slaw, or black beans with rice to round out your meal. These sides bring extra texture and flavor contrast, making your feast feel authentic and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Feel free to put your own spin on presentation! Serve your tacos family-style with all the toppings laid out buffet-style, or stack them on colorful plates for a festive touch. Garnish each with a sprig of cilantro or a small slice of charred jalapeño to make the dish visually stunning as well as delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep any assembled tacos separate to avoid sogginess. The chicken stays flavorful and moist when properly stored.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating to preserve its juicy texture, ready to be turned into tacos for another quick meal.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. To keep it from drying out, splash a little water or broth in the pan and cover while warming. Freshly warm your corn tortillas on a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven to restore their soft, pliable texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more forgiving during cooking. Just dice and marinate them just like the breasts for equally delicious tacos.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fresh cilantro?

If fresh cilantro isn’t available, you can try parsley for mild earthiness, but the flavor will be a bit different. Consider adding a dash of ground cumin or coriander to mimic some of cilantro’s warmth.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! The recipe is inherently gluten-free if you use corn tortillas, which are traditional for street tacos. Just double-check seasonings and salsas for hidden gluten ingredients.

How spicy is this Chicken Street Tacos Recipe?

The spice level depends largely on your chicken taco seasoning and salsa choice. You can adjust both to your liking, from mild and tangy to a fiery kick.

What’s the best way to warm the tortillas?

Warm tortillas on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven. This keeps them soft and pliable for folding around the chicken and toppings.

Final Thoughts

Making this Chicken Street Tacos Recipe is like bringing a little lively street fiesta into your own kitchen. The bright citrus marinade, savory chicken, and fresh toppings come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and fun. I encourage you to try it out soon—you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy each flavorful bite as you savor this taste of Mexico!

Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need