When you think of comfort food that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor, street tacos rank high on the list. Among these, Chicken Street Tacos stand out as a delightful option that captures the vibrant essence of Mexican street food right in your own home. These tacos combine tender chicken, a zesty onion salsa, and soft corn tortillas, creating an experience that brings the lively spirit of Mexican culinary tradition to your table. Once you try making these at home, you may find them becoming a regular staple in your meal rotation.
Why We Love This Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
There are countless reasons to love Chicken Street Tacos. For starters, they are incredibly easy to prepare and require minimal cooking time. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering with friends or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos fit the bill. The combination of juicy chicken and fresh ingredients ensures each bite is packed with mouthwatering flavor. The flexibility in serving them with your favorite toppings makes them a customizable dish, sure to please every palate. Plus, the vibrant colors of the ingredients not only make for an appealing presentation but also invite everyone to dig in.
Ingredients for Chicken Street Tacos
To make your Chicken Street Tacos, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- 1 handful cilantro, minced
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2½ tablespoons street taco seasoning
- Olive oil spray, or avocado oil spray
- 18 soft corn tortillas
How to Make Chicken Street Tacos
Creating Chicken Street Tacos is as simple as following these step-by-step directions. Begin by preparing your onion salsa which will add a refreshing zing to your tacos.
First, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely diced white onion, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. Once ready, set the salsa aside so the flavors can meld together.
Next, you will prepare the chicken filling. Instead of using pre-cooked chicken, using raw chicken allows you to create a dish with rich flavor and tender meat. With a sharp chef’s knife, finely mince both the chicken breasts and thighs in a large bowl. Sprinkle the street taco seasoning over the minced chicken and mix it well. This seasoning will provide the bold flavors characteristic of street tacos.
For cooking the chicken, spray a large skillet generously with olive oil or avocado oil spray, then place it over medium-high heat. After a moment to heat up, add the chicken to the skillet, spreading it into an even layer. Cook the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and fully cooked, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt to taste for balancing out the flavors.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the corn tortillas. Heat a large griddle over high heat, lightly spraying with either olive or avocado oil spray. Once it’s hot, gently warm each corn tortilla on the griddle, allowing them to toast slightly. This process enhances their flavor and texture, making them less likely to break when filled.
Now comes the fun part! Assemble your Chicken Street Tacos by filling each warm corn tortilla with the cooked chicken. Top them generously with the vibrant onion salsa you prepared earlier, along with any other toppings you enjoy, such as diced tomatoes or avocado slices. Your tantalizing Chicken Street Tacos are now ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Street Tacos
Serving Chicken Street Tacos is where your creativity can truly shine. Present them on a large platter, arranged neatly to entice your guests or family members. To elevate the dishes, consider accompanying them with lime wedges, which add a refreshing squeeze to each taco. You can also offer a selection of toppings on the side—think sliced avocados, fresh cilantro leaves, jicama sticks, or even crumbled cheese to provide a variety of flavors and textures.
For a touch of vibrancy, place colorful dishes of salsa, pico de gallo, or guacamole around the tacos. This not only enhances the visual appeal of your spread but allows everyone to personalize their tacos to their own taste preferences. A bowl of tortilla chips placed alongside will add a crunchy element, perfect for nibbling while assembling your tacos.
These Chicken Street Tacos can be enjoyed in casual settings or formal occasions, accommodating both relaxed get-togethers or lively gatherings.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Street Tacos
- Quality of Chicken: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor. Organic or free-range options can take your tacos to the next level.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you enjoy more heat, consider keeping the seeds and ribs in the jalapeño. Alternatively, use a spicier pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: For an even richer flavor, marinate the minced chicken in the street taco seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This adds depth to the flavor profile.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will provide better flavor compared to dried or jarred alternatives, ensuring your tacos taste vibrant and fresh.
- Keep Tortillas Warm: If you are serving a large group, keep the tortillas warm in a covered dish or wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to maintain their softness while you prepare the other elements.
How to Store Chicken Street Tacos
If you happen to have leftover Chicken Street Tacos, storing them properly will ensure their flavors remain intact. To do this, separate the chicken filling and the tortillas. Place the chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it should last for up to three days. For the tortillas, place them in a resealable plastic bag and keep them in the fridge as well.
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can warm the tortillas either in a pan or in the microwave briefly, taking care not to harden them. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Street Tacos once again!
Variations of Chicken Street Tacos
While Chicken Street Tacos have their own charm, there are countless variations to explore, ensuring you never tire of this delightful dish.
- BBQ Chicken Street Tacos: Instead of using street taco seasoning, toss the minced chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce before cooking. This adds a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Chicken Fajita Street Tacos: Enhance the recipe by adding sliced bell peppers and onions to your chicken filling while it cooks. This will create a colorful and flavorful medley.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian take, substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or jackfruit. Season with the taco seasoning and prepare the same delicious onion salsa.
- Tropical Chicken Tacos: Add a touch of sweetness by combining diced pineapple into your onion salsa. The sweet and tart flavors pair wonderfully with the savory chicken.
Whatever variation you choose, the possibilities are endless, allowing you to make Chicken Street Tacos a staple that can change with your mood or the seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of chicken for street tacos?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for street tacos as they provide more moisture and flavor compared to breasts. However, a mix of both thighs and breasts gives a pleasing texture and taste balance.
Can I make Chicken Street Tacos ahead of time?
While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it is best to assemble the tacos fresh just before serving to maintain the tenderness of the tortillas and the quality of the filling.
What toppings can I add to Chicken Street Tacos?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Try sliced avocados, crumbled cheese, sour cream, fresh salsa, or even pickled vegetables for added flavor.
Chicken Street Tacos
Ingredients
For the Onion Salsa
- 1 large white onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 handful cilantro, minced
- 1 pinch kosher salt
- 1 lime, juiced
For the Chicken Filling
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 2.5 tablespoons street taco seasoning
- 1 spray olive oil or avocado oil spray to cook the chicken
For Assembly
- 18 soft corn tortillas
Instructions
Preparation of Onion Salsa
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the finely diced white onion, minced jalapeño, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, kosher salt, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Toss the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Cooking the Chicken Filling
- In a large bowl, finely mince both the chicken breasts and thighs using a sharp chef's knife.
- Sprinkle the street taco seasoning over the minced chicken and mix well.
- Spray a large skillet generously with olive oil or avocado oil spray, and place it over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet, spreading it into an even layer and cook until it is no longer pink, about 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.
Preparing the Corn Tortillas
- Heat a large griddle over high heat, lightly spraying with olive or avocado oil spray.
- Warm each corn tortilla on the griddle, allowing them to toast slightly to enhance their flavor and texture.
Assembly
- Fill each warm corn tortilla with the cooked chicken.
- Top generously with the prepared onion salsa and any other desired toppings.
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