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To make these tasty street-style chicken tacos, you need simple, fresh ingredients: - 2 chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 cup diced onion - 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro - 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat) - 8 small corn tortillas Adding a few extra ingredients can boost the flavor: - Extra spices like chili powder or oregano - Fresh lime juice for a zesty kick - A pinch of cayenne for heat Toppings and sides make your tacos even better: - 1 cup shredded lettuce - 1 avocado, sliced - Salsa of choice for topping - Lime wedges for squeezing over tacos {{ingredient_image_1}} To prepare the chicken, start by dicing the two chicken breasts into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, take a medium bowl and add the diced chicken. Pour in one tablespoon of olive oil. Then, sprinkle in one teaspoon each of cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add half a teaspoon of salt and black pepper as well. Mix everything well. Coating the chicken with spices makes it flavorful. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken from the bowl. Cook for about 7-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be cooked through and have a slight char. After that, add half a cup of diced onion and the jalapeño if you like heat. Stir for another 2 minutes until the onions become soft and clear. Now it's time to assemble the tacos! First, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. You can also use a damp cloth and microwave them for 20-30 seconds. Once warm, place a portion of the chicken mixture on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro. Finally, serve the tacos with lime wedges and your favorite salsa on the side. Enjoy your tasty creation! To get that true street food taste, use fresh ingredients. Fresh cilantro adds a bright note. Use fresh lime juice for zing. The spices are key too. Cumin and smoked paprika give warmth and depth. Mix these spices well with the chicken. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes for deeper flavor. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This makes it dry. Cook chicken until golden brown and juicy. Don't skip the onion and jalapeño. They add great flavor and texture. Lastly, avoid cold tortillas. Warm tortillas make a big difference in taste and texture. To warm your tortillas, use a dry skillet. Heat each tortilla for about 30 seconds. Flip and repeat. This makes them soft and easy to fold. You can also wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave. Just 20-30 seconds works wonders. Keep them warm in a towel while you finish cooking the chicken. Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the spice mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat better. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro and lime juice will elevate the taste of your tacos significantly. Always opt for fresh produce when possible. Keep Tortillas Warm: To keep your tortillas warm while assembling, wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. This will prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to customize your toppings based on preference! Add cheese, sour cream, or other veggies for a unique twist on classic chicken tacos. {{image_2}} You can try different proteins for your tacos. Ground beef or pork works great. Shredded chicken also adds a nice touch. If you want something unique, try using shrimp or fish. These options bring different flavors to your meal. Each protein can use the same spices as the chicken. Just adjust your cooking time based on the meat you choose. You can easily make vegetarian or vegan tacos. Use black beans, lentils, or chickpeas for protein. Dice up some bell peppers or zucchini for extra crunch. You can also roast vegetables like sweet potatoes or corn. These add flavor and nutrition. For a vegan option, skip the cheese and sour cream. Instead, use avocado or a cashew cream for a creamy touch. Get creative with your toppings to make your tacos special. Instead of just lettuce, add shredded cabbage for crunch. You can use pickled onions or radishes for a tangy bite. Try different salsas like mango or pineapple for sweetness. A yogurt sauce can also add a nice twist. Experiment with different herbs like mint or dill for fresh flavors. Each topping can change the whole taco experience! After enjoying your street style chicken tacos, you may have some leftovers. To store them, place the chicken and toppings in separate airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh. Store the chicken in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the tortillas wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to avoid drying out. When you're ready to eat your leftovers, reheating is easy. For the chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and stir until warm. This keeps the chicken juicy. For the tortillas, warm them in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This makes them soft and ready to fold. If you want to make street style chicken tacos ahead of time, freezing is a great option. Cook the chicken as directed and let it cool. Place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove air to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before. Enjoy your tasty meal any day! I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and stay juicy. You can also use thighs for more flavor. Both options work well in tacos. Just make sure to cut the chicken into small, even pieces. This helps the spices coat the meat evenly. Yes, you can prepare the chicken in advance. Cook it and store it in a container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to serve, just warm the chicken in a skillet. You can also reheat it in the microwave if needed. For these tacos, a fresh pico de gallo is a great choice. It's bright and refreshing. You can also try a spicy salsa verde. This adds a nice kick. If you love heat, go for a mango salsa for sweetness. Each option enhances the flavors of the chicken perfectly. We explored how to make delicious street-style chicken tacos. First, we covered the key ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. Then, we looked at tasty variations and storage methods. For your next taco night, use these ideas to impress family and friends. Remember, less is often more. Stick to fresh flavors and enjoy the process. With practice, you’ll master the art of street tacos. Happy cooking!

Street Style Chicken Tacos

Delicious chicken tacos with a blend of spices, topped with fresh ingredients.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces chicken breasts, diced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup diced onion
  • 0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 piece jalapeño, finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • 8 pieces small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1 piece avocado, sliced
  • 1 piece lime, cut into wedges
  • 1 serving salsa of choice for topping

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine diced chicken with olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté for about 7-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and has a slight char. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
  • Once cooked, add the diced onion and chopped jalapeño (if using) to the skillet, stirring for an additional 2 minutes until the onions are translucent.
  • Warm the corn tortillas by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or until pliable. You can also wrap them in a damp cloth and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
  • To assemble the tacos, place a portion of the chicken mixture on each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and chopped cilantro.
  • Serve with lime wedges and your favorite salsa on the side for guests to add as desired.

Notes

Add jalapeño for extra heat if desired.
Keyword chicken, easy recipe, street food, tacos