Description
These Taqueria-Style Chicken Tacos feature juicy, marinated grilled chicken thighs layered in warm tortillas and topped with fresh cilantro, onion, avocado, and salsa. Inspired by authentic Mexican street food, this recipe brings vibrant flavors and simple ingredients together for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Tacos:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 medium avocado, sliced
- 1 cup salsa (your favorite variety)
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Optional Garnishes:
- Radishes, sliced
- Pickled jalapeños
- Crumbled queso fresco
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs to the marinade, mixing well to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring the chicken is juicy and well-charred.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices. Then slice the chicken into thin strips for easy taco assembly.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until soft, pliable, and slightly toasted, making them perfect for folding without cracking.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a few slices of grilled chicken on each tortilla. Top with chopped cilantro, finely chopped onion, avocado slices, and a spoonful of your favorite salsa to create a balance of savory, fresh, and spicy flavors.
- Add Garnishes and Serve: Garnish tacos with optional toppings such as sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, or crumbled queso fresco for added texture and flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.
- Enjoy the Tacos: Serve immediately and enjoy your authentic taqueria-style chicken tacos with friends and family for a delightful and flavorful meal experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor, but up to 4 hours is ideal for maximum tenderness.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier when grilled.
- Use corn tortillas for a more traditional Mexican flavor or flour tortillas for a softer texture.
- Customize toppings based on preference—add shredded lettuce, cheese, or sour cream if desired.
- Ensure the grill or skillet is hot before cooking to get nice grill marks and prevent sticking.
- Leftover chicken can be refrigerated and used for other meals within 2 days.
