Finger-Lickin’ Chicken Street Tacos

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 teaspoon chili powder - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup red cabbage, shredded - 1 avocado, diced - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - 1/4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese - 1 lime, cut into wedges - 2 tablespoons olive oil To make tasty chicken street tacos, start with the right ingredients. You need cooked chicken. Shredded chicken works best. For flavor, use chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. These spices blend well and enhance the chicken. Next, grab fresh toppings. Red cabbage adds crunch. Avocado brings creaminess, and cilantro adds freshness. Cheese, like feta or cotija, gives a nice salty touch. Don’t forget lime wedges. They add a great zing when you squeeze them on the tacos. You can switch things up with different proteins. If you want, use beef or pork. There are also tasty vegetarian options, like beans or grilled veggies. For cheese, try different types. You can use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a spicy kick. For spices, feel free to adjust. Add more chili powder or some hot sauce if you want heat. Explore your options! The best part of cooking is making each dish your own. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cups of shredded chicken to the pan. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Don't forget a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Stir it all together well. You want the spices to coat the chicken evenly. Heat the chicken for about 5-7 minutes. This step brings out the great flavors in your chicken. For the tortillas, use a separate skillet. Lightly toast 8 small corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side. Look for them to be warm and soft, not crispy. Once toasted, wrap the tortillas in a clean kitchen towel. This keeps them warm and ready for your tacos. Warm tortillas make a big difference in taste. Now comes the fun part—assembling your tacos! Take one warm tortilla and place a generous scoop of the spiced chicken in the center. Next, layer on some shredded red cabbage for crunch. Then, add diced avocado for creaminess. Top it off with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of crumbled feta or cotija cheese for extra flavor. Don’t forget to squeeze fresh lime juice over your tacos before serving. This adds a zesty touch that enhances all the flavors. Enjoy your tasty Chicken Street Tacos! To shred chicken well, use two forks. Pull the chicken apart gently. This method keeps the meat tender. You can also use your hands if they are clean. When seasoning, remember these dos and don'ts: - Do taste as you go. This will help you find the right balance. - Do use fresh spices. They add more flavor. - Don't over-season at first. You can always add more later. - Don't skip salt. It brings all the flavors together. Plating your tacos can make a big difference. Use a large plate for a colorful display. Arrange the tacos in a line or a circle. For garnishing: - Add lime wedges on the side for a bright touch. - Sprinkle extra cilantro on top for color. - A few slices of avocado can enhance the look and taste. If you need gluten-free options, use corn tortillas. They are perfect for street tacos. For dairy-free choices, skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. You can also customize flavors: - Add more chili powder for heat. - Mix in lime zest for a fresh kick. - Try different toppings like pickled onions or jalapeños to suit your taste. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken, making it a quick and easy meal solution. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream to suit your taste. Make it Spicy: For an extra kick, add some hot sauce or diced chilies to the chicken mixture while cooking. Fresh Tortillas Matter: If possible, use freshly made corn tortillas for the best flavor and texture in your tacos. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your chicken street tacos. Here are some tasty ideas: - Beef: Use ground beef or shredded beef. Just season it like chicken. - Pork: Carnitas or pulled pork work well. They add great flavor. - Shrimp: Sauté shrimp with the same spices for a seafood twist. - Plant-based options: Try jackfruit or tofu for a vegetarian choice. Season them to match the chicken flavors. Adding salsas and sauces can make your tacos pop. Here are some options: - Spicy salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. This adds a kick! - Creamy sauce: Mix yogurt or sour cream with lime juice and garlic powder. It cools down the heat. Using seasonal ingredients can enhance your tacos. Here’s how: - Spring/Summer: Add fresh corn or diced tomatoes. They bring brightness. - Fall/Winter: Incorporate roasted peppers or sweet potatoes. They add warmth and comfort. - Pairings: Match your toppings to the season for the best taste. For example, use cilantro in spring and hearty greens in winter. To store leftover chicken tacos, let them cool first. Place the chicken in an airtight container. You can keep the tortillas separate to prevent sogginess. Store them in a plastic bag, or wrap them tightly in foil. This helps keep them fresh. For tortillas, you can also use parchment paper. Layer them with parchment in between. This method keeps them from sticking together. If you have extra toppings, like cabbage or avocado, store them in small containers. They stay fresh longer this way. When you reheat chicken tacos, use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat. Place the chicken in the skillet until hot. This keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful. For tortillas, avoid the microwave. Instead, warm them in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This keeps them crisp and pliable. If you find them soggy, try toasting them slightly longer. This will help restore the right texture. Enjoy your tacos just as fresh as when you made them! You can use many other proteins in chicken street tacos. Here are some great options: - Beef: Shredded beef works well. Use flank steak or brisket. - Pork: Shredded pork is tasty. Pulled pork adds great flavor. - Turkey: Cooked turkey is a lean and healthy choice. - Shrimp: Cook shrimp quickly for a different taste. - Vegetarian options: Use black beans or grilled veggies for a meat-free meal. You can add heat in many ways. Here are my favorite tips: - Spices: Mix cayenne pepper or chipotle powder into the seasoning. - Hot Sauce: Drizzle your favorite hot sauce on top. - Jalapeños: Add sliced jalapeños for fresh heat. - Spicy Salsa: Serve with a spicy salsa on the side. - Pickled Peppers: Top tacos with pickled peppers for tang and spice. Yes, you can freeze chicken street tacos! Here’s how: - Cooked Chicken: Freeze just the chicken filling. Place it in an airtight bag. - Tortillas: You can freeze tortillas too. Wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. - Thawing: To eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Heat the chicken on the stove and warm the tortillas. Chicken street tacos stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Here are some tips: - Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container. - Check for freshness: Before eating, check for off smells or changes in texture. - Reheat: Warm them on the stove or microwave, but avoid overcooking. In this post, we explored how to make delicious Chicken Street Tacos. We covered essential ingredients, that perfect mix of spices, and fresh toppings. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions for the chicken and tortillas, plus tips for assembly. You also learned variations for proteins and flavors, along with storage advice. Enjoy experimenting with your tacos to fit your taste! The right ingredients make all the difference. With these tips, your Chicken Street Tacos can be a hit every time. Happy cooking!$

Finger-Lickin’ Chicken Street Tacos

Delicious chicken tacos with a blend of spices and fresh toppings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mexican

Servings 4

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
to taste salt and pepper
8 small corn tortillas
1 cup red cabbage, shredded
1 whole avocado, diced
1 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
1 4 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
1 whole lime, cut into wedges
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken in the spices and heat through, about 5-7 minutes.
In a separate skillet, lightly toast the corn tortillas for about 30 seconds on each side, or until warm and pliable. Keep them wrapped in a clean kitchen towel to stay warm.
Take a warm tortilla, add a generous serving of the spiced chicken, and layer on some shredded red cabbage.
Top with diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and crumbled cheese for added flavor and texture.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the assembled tacos before serving to enhance all the flavors.
Arrange the tacos on a serving platter and serve with lime wedges on the side for extra spritzing.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for extra flavor.

Keyword chicken, easy recipe, street food, tacos