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+ servings

Ultimate Chicken Street Tacos with Smoky Marinade

Bold, juicy chicken street tacos with a quick smoky marinade, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Chicken, Dinner, Main Course, Quick Meals
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Marinade
  • 2 tablespoons California olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice from about 2 limes
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Chicken
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
For Serving
  • 12 whole small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup white onion finely diced
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 2 whole limes cut into wedges

Method
 

Marinate
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours for deeper flavor.
Cook
  1. Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer, discarding any excess marinade.
  2. Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char. Remove from the pan and let rest briefly.
Warm Tortillas
  1. Warm the corn tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat, directly over a gas flame, or in the microwave until soft and pliable.
Assemble
  1. To serve, place a portion of the cooked chicken on each warm tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of diced onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 32gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 140mgSodium: 680mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g

Notes

For the juiciest results, use chicken thighs instead of breasts; they stay tender even with quick cooking. If you prefer more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the marinade. Leftover chicken keeps in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To make ahead, marinate the chicken overnight and cook just before serving. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a good sear. Serve with salsa verde or guacamole for extra flavor. For a gluten-free option, these tacos are naturally gluten-free when using corn tortillas.

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