Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Published: June 21, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip these up in no time.
Packed with Flavor: The marinade infuses the chicken with zesty lime and aromatic spices for a delicious taste experience.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a backyard barbecue, these tacos fit right in!
Customizable Toppings: Personalize each taco with your favorite toppings like avocado, onions, and cilantro.
Healthy Option: Lean chicken thighs and fresh ingredients make this a nutritious meal.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking much easier. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Grill
Gallon size resealable bag
Whisk
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Grill: A good grill allows you to achieve perfect charred edges on your chicken, enhancing flavor.
Gallon size resealable bag: Ideal for marinating the chicken without making a mess—just seal and shake!
Whisk: Ensures that all marinade ingredients blend smoothly for even distribution of flavor.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
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 Serving:
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 chicken to a gallon size 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 the mixture over the chicken in the bag. Seal the bag while releasing trapped air. Rub the marinade over the chicken.
Transfer to the refrigerator and allow it to marinate for at least 1 hour (up to 6 hours for more flavor).

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat a grill over medium-high heat until it reaches about 425 – 450 degrees.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Remove chicken from marinade.
Grill until fully cooked through—about 5 – 6 minutes per side—turning once halfway through grilling. The thickest center should register at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Rest and Dice

Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and cover with foil; let it rest for about 5 minutes.
Dice grilled chicken into cubes.

Step 5: Assemble Your Tacos

Sprinkle diced chicken over one or two tortillas per taco.
Top with avocado slices, chopped onions, and additional cilantro.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm by spritzing each taco with lime juice and drizzling with hot sauce if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Grilled Chicken Street Tacos!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize these tacos to fit any occasion, making them a hit at gatherings or casual dinners.

Fresh Toppings

Sliced Jalapeños: Add a spicy kick with fresh jalapeño slices for those who enjoy heat.
Pico de Gallo: A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, and cilantro adds brightness.
Cotija Cheese: Crumble some cheese on top for a creamy and salty finish.

Condiments

Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken for added richness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can help cool down the spiciness while adding creaminess.
Hot Sauce: Offer a variety of hot sauces so guests can add their preferred level of heat.

Accompaniments

Corn Salsa: This sweet and tangy salsa complements the flavors of the tacos wonderfully.
Lime Wedges: Fresh lime wedges enhance flavor when squeezed over the tacos right before eating.

How to Perfect Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

To achieve the best Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, a few tips can make all the difference in flavor and texture.

Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate for up to 6 hours will enhance its flavor significantly.
Preheat Your Grill: Ensure your grill is hot enough (425-450°F) for that perfect char on the chicken.
Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on cooking time; chicken thighs should reach an internal temperature of 165°F for juiciness.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and produce elevate the taste and presentation of your tacos.
Warm Taco Shells: Warm tortillas right before serving to keep them soft and pliable for filling.
Serve Immediately: Enjoying the tacos right after assembling keeps them fresh and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Pairing sides with your Grilled Chicken Street Tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:

Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice cooked with spices adds a nice complementary side to your tacos.
Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans provide a hearty addition that pairs well with chicken tacos.
Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with salsa make for an excellent starter or side dish.
Elote (Mexican Street Corn): Grilled corn coated in mayo, cheese, and chili powder offers a delightful sweet-salty contrast.
Cilantro Lime Quinoa: This light and refreshing quinoa dish brings freshness that matches perfectly with the tacos.
Black Bean Salad: A chilled salad filled with black beans, corn, and bell peppers adds color and nutrition to your table.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled alongside chicken add flavor and nutrients while keeping everything light.
Avocado Salad: A simple salad featuring avocado, tomato, and red onion drizzled with lime juice is both refreshing and tasty.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

Bold Marinade Mistakes: Don’t skimp on marinating time. A good marinade enhances flavor; aim for at least one hour for optimal taste.
Bold Overcooking Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy, tender bites.
Bold Skipping Resting Time: Don’t skip resting the chicken after grilling. Letting it rest for five minutes allows juices to redistribute, keeping it moist.
Bold Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh ingredients. Fresh cilantro, lime juice, and avocado elevate the overall flavor of your tacos.
Bold Using Cold Taco Shells: Warm your taco shells before serving. This simple step enhances texture and makes for a more enjoyable eating experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container.
Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months.
Label containers with date for tracking freshness.

Reheating Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F and reheat chicken in a covered dish for about 10-15 minutes.
Bold Microwave: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover; heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Bold Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm chicken while stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Grilled Chicken Street Tacos.

What type of chicken is best for Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?

Boneless skinless chicken thighs are ideal due to their rich flavor and tenderness when grilled.

Can I make these tacos spicy?

Absolutely! Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to customize the spice level according to your taste preferences.

How do I store leftovers of Grilled Chicken Street Tacos?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months.

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with beef, turkey, or lamb based on your preference, adjusting cooking times as needed.

Final Thoughts

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos are not only delicious but also versatile. This recipe invites creativity—consider adding toppings like cheese or salsa for added flavor. Whether serving guests or enjoying a family meal, these tacos will surely impress everyone at the table!