Tender Flavorful Chicken Tacos (Print View)
Juicy chicken paired with fresh corn tortillas and zesty, vibrant garnishes for an authentic taste.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Chicken
01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 tsp ground cumin
06 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
07 - ½ tsp chili powder
08 - ½ tsp dried oregano
09 - ½ tsp salt
10 - ¼ tsp black pepper
→ For the Tacos
11 - 8 small corn tortillas
12 - ½ cup white onion, finely diced
13 - ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
14 - 1 medium avocado, sliced
15 - 1 lime, cut into wedges
16 - Optional: ½ cup crumbled cotija cheese
17 - Optional: your favorite salsa or hot sauce
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 - In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add chicken thighs to the marinade, toss thoroughly to coat, and let sit for at least 15 minutes, up to 2 hours for deeper flavor penetration.
03 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely browned.
04 - Transfer chicken to a cutting board, let rest for 3 minutes to retain juices, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
05 - Warm corn tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
06 - Fill each tortilla with chopped chicken, top with diced onion, cilantro, avocado slices, and cotija cheese if using.
07 - Serve immediately with lime wedges and salsa or hot sauce on the side.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The marinade comes together in minutes but makes the chicken taste like it's been cooking all day
- Corn tortillas get beautifully charred and soft when warmed directly over a flame
02 -
- Don't skip resting the chicken after cooking, or the juices will run out when you cut it
- Warm tortillas over an open flame if you can, that char is absolutely essential
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before adding it to the marinade for better adhesion
- Warm your tortillas twice, they get even better the second time around