Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 8-12 small corn tortillas (street taco-style)
- ½ cup white onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
Optional Toppings:
- Cotija cheese
- Avocado slices
- Salsa verde
- Pickled red onions
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to fully develop.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the exterior is golden with slight char marks, ensuring the chicken is juicy and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice: Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices. Then, slice or dice the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces suitable for filling tacos.
- Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 20 to 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable and lightly toasted, enhancing their texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place the sliced chicken onto each warm tortilla. Top with finely chopped white onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges and optional toppings such as cotija cheese, avocado slices, salsa verde, or pickled red onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for longer (up to 8 hours) for deeper flavor.
- Use small, street taco-sized corn tortillas for authenticity.
- Chicken thighs yield juicier results than chicken breasts.
- Optional toppings can be customized based on preference.
- Can be prepared on a grill, grill pan, or skillet depending on availability.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling/Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
