Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

One of the best ways to enjoy a warm evening or a fun gathering is with Grilled Chicken Street Tacos. This recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and stuffed into mini corn taco shells. Perfect for casual dinners or festive gatherings, these tacos are packed with flavor and sure to impress your guests!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation – With just 15 minutes of prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
• Bursting with Flavor – The marinade combines lime juice, garlic, and spices that create a mouth-watering taste.
• Versatile Serving Options – Customize your tacos with toppings like avocado, onions, and fresh cilantro for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Gatherings – These street tacos are ideal for parties, BBQs, or any casual get-together.
• Kid-Friendly Meal – A fun way for kids to enjoy their food; let them build their own tacos!

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making these delicious tacos, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill
• Gallon size resealable bag
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill – Provides the perfect char on the chicken, enhancing flavor and texture.
• Gallon size resealable bag – Ideal for marinating chicken evenly without mess.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Ensures accurate ingredient amounts for balanced flavors.

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 Assembling 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: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken to a gallon-sized 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. Pour this mixture over the chicken in the bag. Seal the bag while releasing trapped air. Rub the marinade over the chicken thoroughly. Transfer to the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour or up to 6 hours.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill

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

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place it on the grill and cook until fully cooked through. Turn once halfway through grilling; this should take about 5-6 minutes per side. The thickest center should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, with some slight charring.

Step 4: Let It Rest

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

Step 5: Assemble Tacos

Dice the grilled chicken into cubes. Sprinkle diced chicken over one or two tortillas per taco. Top each taco with an avocado slice, chopped onions, and additional cilantro as desired.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Serve your tacos warm! Spritz each taco with lime juice for added freshness and drizzle with hot sauce if you like some heat.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Street Tacos at your next meal!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are perfect for casual gatherings or a fun family dinner. You can customize each taco with various toppings and sides, making them enjoyable for everyone at the table.

Fresh Ingredients

• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado adds a rich texture and balances the spices in the tacos.
• Chopped onions: Diced red or yellow onions provide a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor, giving your tacos a burst of freshness.

Salsas and Sauces

• Pico de gallo: This fresh salsa made with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice is a classic topping.
• Hot sauce: A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce can add the perfect heat to each bite.
• Lime wedges: Spritzing lime juice over the tacos brightens up the flavors.

Side Options

• Refried beans: Creamy refried beans are a traditional side that pairs well with tacos.
• Mexican rice: Flavored rice adds a comforting element and rounds out the meal nicely.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Creating the best Grilled Chicken Street Tacos involves attention to detail in both preparation and cooking. Here are some tips to ensure perfection every time.

• Marinate properly: Allowing chicken to marinate for at least one hour infuses it with flavor and keeps it juicy during grilling.
• Use high heat: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for that perfect char on your chicken. A hot grill ensures quick cooking without drying out the meat.
• Let it rest: After grilling, let the chicken rest for five minutes before cutting. This helps retain moisture.
• Warm tortillas: Warm your corn taco shells before assembling. This prevents them from cracking and enhances their flavor.
• Experiment with toppings: Don’t hesitate to try different toppings like jalapeños or radishes for an extra kick.
• Serve immediately: Enjoy these tacos right after assembly while they are warm and fresh for the best experience.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Pairing side dishes with Grilled Chicken Street Tacos can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement these tasty tacos perfectly.

1. Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn on the cob slathered in mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice creates a delightful side dish.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing salad made with black beans, corn, bell peppers, and lime dressing offers a nutritious balance.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich dip that pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla chips or as an extra topping for tacos.
4. Chips and Salsa: Classic tortilla chips served with salsa make for an easy-to-prepare appetizer or side dish that everyone loves.
5. Zucchini Fritters: Crispy zucchini fritters add a unique twist and are great for using up summer produce.
6. Cabbage Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw adds crunch and freshness to your meal while balancing the richness of the tacos.
7. Grilled Veggies: Assorted grilled vegetables such as bell peppers and zucchini bring color and flavor to your plate.
8. Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice infused with cilantro and lime complements the spices in your tacos beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos from good to great. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Using the wrong cut of chicken: Opt for boneless skinless chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor. Other cuts may dry out during grilling.
• Not marinating long enough: Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but up to 6 hours is ideal. This enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• Skipping the resting period: Let the grilled chicken rest before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite.
• Overcrowding the grill: Give each piece of chicken enough space on the grill. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and steaming rather than grilling.
• Neglecting seasoning: Don’t skip salt and pepper. Proper seasoning enhances all flavors, so be generous with your spices.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

• Wrap tacos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place tacos on a baking sheet until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat tacos one at a time on a microwave-safe plate for about 30-60 seconds or until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place tacos in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are heated and slightly crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos:

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

You can substitute chicken with beef or turkey if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times according to the meat type.

How do I make these tacos spicier?

Add more ancho chili powder or incorporate fresh jalapeños into your toppings for an extra kick.

What toppings work best with Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?

Popular toppings include diced onions, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for added flavor.

How can I customize my taco shells?

Feel free to use flour tortillas instead of corn if you prefer a different texture or taste in your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize them with your favorite toppings or make them spicier according to your taste. They are perfect for gatherings or a quick weeknight meal. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the burst of flavors that will leave everyone wanting more!