Hey y’all! If you’re craving a fast, flavor-packed dinner that brings the vibrant tastes of street food right to your kitchen, these Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!) are about to become your new weeknight favorite. With juicy, golden chicken, zesty toppings, and warm tortillas, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser for parties, family meals, or lazy nights when you want something delicious in a hurry. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!) Recipe
- Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with bright, fresh flavors and a touch of smoky spice.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings and salsas.
- One-skillet cleanup means less time doing dishes.
- Great for gatherings or meal prepping ahead of time.
Ingredients for Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup diced white onion
- ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup fresh salsa or pico de gallo
- Lime wedges, for serving
How to Make Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a large bowl, toss the diced chicken thighs with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, then mix until evenly coated.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken in the Skillet
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving, then stir and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove from heat.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken cooks, warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
Step 4: Assemble the Tacos
Fill each tortilla with a generous spoonful of chicken. Top with diced onion, chopped cilantro, salsa, and a squeeze of fresh lime. Serve immediately!
Notes on Making Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
- Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, just be careful not to overcook. For more on choosing chicken cuts, see this guide.
- Marinate the chicken for up to 30 minutes for even deeper flavor, though it’s not required for a quick meal.
- For a spicier kick, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Variations: Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!) Your Way
- Chipotle Lime: Add 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
- Grilled Corn Salsa: Top with roasted sweet corn and avocado.
- Cheese Lover’s: Sprinkle with queso fresco or shredded Monterey Jack before serving.
Required Equipment for Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
- Large nonstick or cast iron skillet
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife and cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions for Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Tortillas are best fresh, but can be stored at room temperature in a sealed bag for 2 days. Avoid assembling tacos until just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve with classic Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice.
- Pair with chilled margaritas or agua fresca for a refreshing touch.
- Add a side of creamy guacamole and crunchy tortilla chips for extra fun.
Pro Tips for the Best Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
- Let the skillet get hot before adding the chicken for the best sear and flavor.
- Use fresh lime juice for brightness—don’t skip it!
- Chop toppings ahead to streamline the assembly process. For more taco tips, check this Bon Appétit guide to tacos.
FAQs about Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred rotisserie chicken, toss with spices and lime juice, and heat in the skillet for 2-3 minutes. - Can I make these tacos ahead?
You can cook the chicken up to 4 days in advance; assemble tacos fresh for best texture. - Are these tacos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free corn tortillas—always check the label!
Prep & Cooking Times for Quick Chicken Street Tacos (Skillet!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup diced white onion
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
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1In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
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2Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly browned, about 8-10 minutes.
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3While the chicken cooks, warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
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4Divide the cooked chicken evenly among the tortillas. Top with diced onion and chopped cilantro.
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5Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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