Chicken Street Tacosthat are easy, delicious, and made at home. These combine flavorful chicken in corn tortillas, then topped with a mixture of red onion, cilantro, a pinch of jalapeño, and lime. I can almost taste in now!

Close up of chicken street tacos topped with cilantro, red onion and limes.

It was a beautiful occasion when street tacos were invented. They were originally considered a working man’s lunch because they could be transported easily and eaten quickly. Later, families brought taco carts to the city to feed workers. And the rest is yummy history.

One thing that sets street tacos apart are the size and how they are served. Street tacos are typically served on small corn tortillas. They are layered in a set of two as well. You want to find the smallest tortillas you can because you’ll want to eat a few! You can also top them with myguacamole recipe!

Top view of chicken, tortillas, and limes for chicken tacos.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Street Tacos

They are tasty, can be made quickly, and are full of fresh flavors.
I love that chicken streettacosare so filling since they are full of protein, veggies, and healthy fats.
Street tacos are a meal that can be prepped ahead of time and then you can finish the final touches when you are ready to eat, making it aquick, easy meal.

Recipe Ingredients

Chicken –I like to use boneless chicken thighs but any chicken will do
Spices– garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, and chili powder
Lime Juice– I like to use fresh limes but bottled works too
Olive Oil –Or vegetable oil
Onion –I like to use red or sweet onions
Cilantro –Freshly chopped
Jalapeños
Small Corn Tortillas

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities

How to Make Street Tacos

Step #1.Marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices, lime juice, and oil. Let it rest for flavor.

Step #2.Cook the chicken in a skillet until fully cooked, then let it rest.

Step #3.Prepare the topping by mixing chopped onion, cilantro, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and pepper.

Step #4.Warm tortillas in the skillet, chop the chicken, and assemble the tacos with the topping. Serve with lime wedges.

Recipe FAQs

Why do street tacos have two tortillas?

Street tacos are usually served in a set of 2 to prevent rips and tears. One tortilla holds the ingredients and the other tortilla acts as a backup in case the first one breaks a little bit.

What’s a good side for tacos?

Street tacos are delicious on their own but if you are looking for ways to expand the meal you could add guacamole, pico de gallo, Spanish rice, or refried beans.

How big are street tacos?

Street tacos are small in size, not in flavor. They can easily fit in your hand. Street tacos are typically served on 4-5 inch diameter mini tortillas.

What is the difference between a street taco and a taco?

Mexican street tacos are generally smaller in size and have simpler ingredients than a traditional taco (just meat + an onion cilantro topping). They are the perfect grab-and-go meal and are a common street food from small vendors.

What kind of cheese goes on street tacos?

This recipe doesn’t call for cheese but you can certainly add some crumbled Cotija cheese on top.

What do you eat with street tacos?

The possibilities are endless. We love this meal with some homemade Horchata, Cilantro Lime Rice, Homemade Baked Corn Tortilla Chips plus my famous Restaurant-Style Salsa Recipe or any other Tex-Mex side that you might like.

Top view of a chicken street taco laid flat topped with cilantro, red onion, jalapeño and lime.

Expert Tips

Allowing the chicken to marinateenhances the flavor.
Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken thighs; larger pieces may need more time.
Usingtwo tortillas per tacohelpsprevent them from breaking.
Control the spicinessby adjusting the amount of jalapeño orremoving the seeds

How to Serve and Store Chicken Street Tacos

I love to serve my street tacos with a side ofcilantro lime riceandblack beansorrefried beans. Myguacamole,pico de gallo,mango salsaandcorn salsarecipes all make for wonderful appetizers as well. If chicken isn’t for you, you can also try myBarbacoa tacos,steak tacos, orpulled pork tacos.

You can keep any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the shredded chicken to salad the next day and it’s amazing. Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.