Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

On June 30, 2020

Mexican Street Tacos – this is one of my favorite recipes! They’re unbelievably easy to make, they’re jam packed with authentic flavor and everyone always loves them!

Here you get corn tortillas layered with charred and tender, cilantro-lime marinated grilled chicken thighs and they’re finished with creamy avocados. YUM!

The Best Mexican Street Tacos

We are in the middle of moving (always crazy, as I’m sure you know) but the thing I’m wanting to make most once we are all unpacked are these street tacos. I couldn’t count how many times I’ve made these things.

They’re always on rotation on our dinner menu, and I love to serve them at parties. Plus they are a healthier dinner option.

You’ll love this street taco recipe not only because they taste amazing, but also because it’s one of those easy to throw together recipes and you can also get a head start it a few hours in advance with the marinating.

If you want to go all out, you can serve them with carne asada tacos as well (just slice strips into small pieces). I love getting each kind when I get them on the street in Mexico or in restaurants, so one of these days I’m going to feel ambitious and make all three at once (chicken, carne asada and carnitas).

Street Taco Ingredients and Substitutes

These Mexican chicken street tacos require very few ingredients. Most of the ingredients on the list below are spices that I’m sure you already have on hand.

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Thighs really are best here. They char better and are more tender and juicy, but if you prefer breasts they will work, just keep an eye on the temp as they dry out easier. Cook just to 165 in the center.
  • Limes: If you are in a pinch then lemons may be substituted.
  • Olive oil: Vegetable oil will work too.
  • Garlic: Fresh garlic really does give the best flavor but if you must 1 tsp granulated garlic can be substituted.
  • Ground cumin: While there isn’t a great substitute for this ingredient you could use other Mexican style spices if you are out such as coriander and paprika.
  • Ancho chili powder: I love the rich flavor of the ancho chili powder but standard chili powder will work too.
  • Cilantro: Crazy enough originally this recipe didn’t include the cilantro but I’ve found it’s so much better with it. Stick with fresh as the dried really is lacking in flavor.
  • Salt and pepper: Add to taste. I like the marinade to be on the salty side.
  • Onion and avocado: Or use other desired toppings, see below.

Additional Topping Ideas

Traditional street tacos are just served with onion, cilantro, lime, sometimes radishes, and always Mexican hot sauce. But you can load them up how you like. Other topping ideas include:

  • Diced tomatoes
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Mexican cheese such as queso fresco, cotija or Monterey jack cheese
  • Mexican crema or sour cream
  • Guacamole
  • Grilled corn
  • Sliced Jalapeno
  • Sauteed bell peppers

Tip: If you are planning on adding any of these additional toppings then I’d skip the street size tortillas and go for standard or even larger. Those mini tortillas don’t fit very many toppings.

How to Make Street Tacos

  1. Make the chicken taco marinade by stirring together lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin chili powder, cilantro, S&P.
  2. Pour marinade over chicken in a bag. Let marinate in fridge 1 – 6 hours.
  3. Cook on hot preheated grill, about 5 minutes per side.
  4. Let rest briefly, then dice into cubes.
  5. Layer into to warmed tortillas and top as desired.

Can I bake the chicken instead?

Yes, you can bake the chicken instead of grilling. Bake at 425ºF for 30 minutes on a sheet pan (or until cooked through and crisp on the edges).

How to know when chicken is done?

You’ll know when the chicken is finished cooking when the inside is no longer pink and when the center registers 165 degrees on an instant read thermometor. Or, you can prick the chicken with a knife to check whether or not the juices run clear.

Tips for Making Chicken Street Tacos

  • Be sure to allow at least one hour for marinating otherwise the chicken won’t have enough time to absorb flavor.
  • Use hot heat to grill and let them char a bit. It gives them a crispy edge and adds great flavor!
  • For best results, stick with thighs here. The thighs are juicier, have better flavor and brown better. People who don’t normally like chicken thighs love this recipe. I make them for guests all the time.

What to Serve With Street Tacos:

  • Black Beans
  • Refried Beans
  • Mexican Rice