Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

One of the most delicious and satisfying meals you can make are Grilled Chicken Street Tacos. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy night in, these tacos boast vibrant flavors from the marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and zesty lime. Easy to prepare and incredibly tasty, this recipe will surely impress your guests and become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have delicious tacos ready in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful taste that captures the essence of street food.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your tacos with various toppings like avocado, onions, or cilantro to suit everyone’s palate.
• Healthy Ingredients: Made with lean protein and fresh veggies, these tacos offer a nutritious meal choice.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual get-together or a festive celebration, these tacos are always a hit!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need for making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill: A good grill ensures perfectly cooked chicken with that desirable charred flavor.
• Gallon size resealable bag: Ideal for marinating chicken without making a mess; it helps evenly coat all pieces.
• Mixing bowl and whisk: Useful for combining your marinade ingredients thoroughly before applying them to the chicken.

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 the Tacos

• 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: Prepare the Marinade

Add chicken to a gallon size resealable bag. In a small bowl whisk together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin chili powder, cilantro, 1 tsp salt, and 3/4 tsp pepper.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag. Seal it while releasing any trapped air. Rub the marinade over the chicken. Transfer to the refrigerator to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

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

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade. Grill until fully cooked through, turning once halfway through grilling—about 5 to 6 minutes per side. The thickest center should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit and have slight charring.

Step 5: Rest the Chicken

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

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Dice grilled chicken into cubes. Sprinkle diced chicken over one or two tortillas per taco. Add an avocado slice, chopped onions, and cilantro on top.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Serve your tacos warm! Optionally spritz each taco with lime juice and drizzle with hot sauce for extra flavor.

Enjoy your flavorful Grilled Chicken Street Tacos!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are versatile and can be customized to suit any palate. Here are some serving suggestions that will elevate your taco experience and impress your guests.

Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and enhances the flavor.
• Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes contribute sweetness and balance the spices.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who like it spicy, fresh jalapeños give a nice kick.

Salsas

• Pico de Gallo: A traditional salsa made from fresh tomatoes, onions, and cilantro for a refreshing crunch.
• Mango Salsa: Sweet mango combined with red onion and lime juice makes a tropical twist.
• Tomatillo Salsa: A tangy option that pairs well with grilled chicken.

Creamy Additions

• Guacamole: Rich and creamy, guacamole is always a hit and adds healthy fats.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop adds creaminess that balances the spice.

Lime Wedges

• Fresh Lime Wedges: Serving lime wedges on the side allows guests to add their desired amount of acidity, enhancing the overall flavor.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Making the perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos is all about technique and attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out delicious every time.

• Marinate Properly: Allowing the chicken to marinate for at least an hour gives it maximum flavor. Longer marination enhances tenderness.
• Preheat Your Grill: A hot grill ensures nice char marks and prevents sticking. Aim for 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal grilling.
• Check Doneness with a Thermometer: Ensure chicken is cooked through by checking that it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part.
• Let It Rest: Allowing grilled chicken to rest for about five minutes keeps it juicy before you dice it into cubes.
• Warm Your Tortillas: Heating tortillas before serving helps them become pliable and enhances their flavor.
• Experiment with Fillings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or fillings based on your preferences!

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Pairing side dishes with your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice: Seasoned rice that complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
2. Refried Beans: Creamy beans provide a satisfying addition, rich in protein and fiber.
3. Corn Salad: A vibrant mix of corn, bell peppers, and cilantro adds freshness and crunch.
4. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a perfect appetizer.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables charred on the grill offer a smoky flavor that pairs well with tacos.
6. Black Bean Salad: A hearty salad mixed with black beans, corn, and lime dressing adds nutrition and taste.
7. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy fritters provide a deliciously different texture alongside tacos.
8. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumber slices with lime juice make an excellent palate cleanser!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, it’s easy to overlook some key details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Boldly skip marinating time: Not allowing the chicken to marinate long enough can lead to bland flavors. Aim for at least 1 hour, but 6 hours is ideal.
• Boldly neglect grill temperature: Grilling at too low a temperature won’t give you those delicious charred bits. Preheat your grill to 425-450 degrees Fahrenheit for perfect results.
• Boldly ignore resting time: Cutting into the chicken immediately after grilling can cause juices to escape. Let it rest for 5 minutes before dicing.
• Boldly overstuffing tacos: Stuffing too much filling into each taco can make them difficult to eat. Stick with a few pieces of chicken and toppings for a balanced bite.
• Boldly skipping lime juice: Forgetting to spritz your tacos with lime juice before serving may result in a lack of brightness in flavor. Always add lime juice just before enjoying!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Grilled Chicken Street Tacos in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

• Wrap individual tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place tacos on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm tacos for about 2-3 minutes on each side until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions related to Grilled Chicken Street Tacos that might help you out.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.

What toppings go well with Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?

Popular toppings include avocado slices, chopped onions, cilantro, and different salsas. Feel free to customize based on your taste!

How do I make these tacos spicier?

To add spice, consider adding sliced jalapeños or a spicy salsa as a topping. You could also increase the amount of ancho chili powder in the marinade.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix the marinade and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before using it on the chicken.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize according to your preferences. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them as a quick weeknight meal, these tacos are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try different toppings or even experiment with different proteins!