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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup shredded red cabbage - 1 avocado, sliced - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped - Lime wedges for serving You need these fresh and simple ingredients to make the tacos pop. The chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful. Chipotle pepper in adobo sauce gives a nice smoky kick. Cumin and smoked paprika add warmth and depth. Garlic brings a rich, savory taste. Olive oil helps blend all the flavors well. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance the taste. For the tacos, small corn tortillas work best. They hold everything together nicely. Shredded red cabbage adds crunch and color. Sliced avocado brings creaminess and richness. Fresh cilantro gives a bright finish. Lastly, lime wedges give a zesty touch. You can squeeze them on just before eating. This mix of flavors and textures makes your Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos unforgettable. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, we will prepare the marinade. In a bowl, mix: - 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Stir all these ingredients together until well combined. This mix gives the chicken its great flavor. Next, add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl. Make sure to coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This step helps the flavors soak into the chicken. Now it's time to cook. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the marinated chicken thighs. Cook them for about 7-8 minutes on each side. You want to see nice char marks and ensure they are cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, take the chicken off the heat and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time makes the chicken juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Next, we'll warm the corn tortillas. Place them on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side. This step makes them soft and pliable. Now, it's time to assemble the tacos. In each tortilla, add a generous amount of sliced chicken. Top with shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro. For a bright finish, serve lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh zing to each bite. Enjoy your flavorful Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos! To get the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper taste, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This gives the spices time to soak in. You can add more spices like chili powder or oregano to enhance the flavor. Experiment until you find your perfect mix! When cooking, you can grill or use a skillet. Grilling gives a nice smoky flavor. If you use a skillet, make sure it is hot before adding chicken. Cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side. This keeps the chicken juicy and tender. Use a meat thermometer to check if it reaches 165°F. These tacos pair well with sides like rice, beans, or chips. For drinks, try a cold soda or a refreshing lemonade. To make your tacos extra special, add toppings like sliced radishes or a drizzle of crema. Fresh jalapeños can add a nice kick too! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For an even richer taste, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours. This allows the spices to penetrate deeper into the meat. Choose the Right Tortillas: Opt for freshly made corn tortillas if possible. They have a better texture and flavor that complements the tacos perfectly. Rest Your Chicken: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking helps retain its juices, making every bite tender and succulent. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to experiment with toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or a drizzle of crema for added flavor and texture. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in these tacos. Try using chicken breasts instead of thighs. They are leaner but still tasty. If you prefer shrimp, it cooks quickly and adds a nice flavor. For vegetarian options, jackfruit works well. It mimics the texture of meat. Tofu is another great pick. Just make sure to press it to remove extra water. You can adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Add more chipotle for heat or remove it for milder tacos. You can also play with toppings. Use different herbs like mint or parsley. Try adding roasted peppers or diced tomatoes for a fresh twist. Taco bowls are a fun way to serve this dish. Layer the ingredients in a bowl instead of in tortillas. You can also get creative with sauces. Try adding a spicy crema or a tangy salsa. Dips like guacamole or queso complement these tacos perfectly. To keep your chicken tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place the tacos in the fridge if you have leftovers. They will stay good for up to three days. Make sure to separate the chicken from the toppings for the best taste. The cabbage and avocado can get soggy if mixed. When it's time to eat leftovers, reheat the chicken gently. Use a skillet on low heat. This method keeps the chicken juicy and the tortillas soft. You can also microwave the chicken in short bursts, about 30 seconds. Check often to avoid overheating. If you want to save tacos for later, freeze the cooked chicken and tortillas. Place them in freezer bags and label them. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above, and warm the tortillas in a skillet for best results. The best way to cook chicken for tacos is grilling or pan-searing. These methods give the chicken a nice char. I recommend marinating the chicken first. It adds great flavor. Cook on medium-high heat for about 7-8 minutes per side. Check that the chicken is cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to reach 165°F. This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Marinate the chicken up to 2 hours before cooking. If you want more time, marinate it overnight. Just keep it in the fridge. You can also cook the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat before serving to keep it tasty. Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos have a mild to moderate spice level. The chipotle pepper adds heat but is balanced. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of chipotle pepper. You can also add more toppings like avocado and cabbage to cool it down. This way, you can enjoy the flavor without too much heat. If you prefer, you can use flour tortillas instead of corn. They are softer and often easier to handle. Other options include lettuce wraps for a low-carb choice. You can even use whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a twist. Just choose what you enjoy most. To keep your avocado fresh, leave the pit in the unused half. This helps slow browning. You can also brush the cut side with lemon juice. Store the avocado in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Use it within a day or two for best flavor. This blog post shared a tasty recipe for chipotle chicken tacos. We explored the ingredients, steps for cooking, and tips for the best flavors. I also provided variations to suit your taste. Remember, cooking is fun and lets you be creative. Try new spices or proteins to make these tacos your own. Enjoy the process!

Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos

Delicious tacos filled with marinated chipotle chicken, fresh vegetables, and topped with cilantro.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1 whole avocado, sliced
  • 1 4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • for serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, combine the chopped chipotle pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are evenly coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
  • Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and has nice char marks.
  • Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
  • While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side until pliable.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing a generous amount of sliced chicken in each tortilla. Top with shredded red cabbage, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro.
  • Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of juice.

Notes

Marinate the chicken for longer for enhanced flavor.
Keyword chicken, chipotle, street food, tacos