Go Back
To make tasty Chipotle Chicken, gather these main ingredients: - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste These ingredients create a flavorful marinade. The chipotle peppers add heat and depth. Chicken thighs keep the meat juicy and tender when cooked. You can make your tacos shine with these optional toppings: - 8 small corn tortillas - 1 cup diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 avocado, sliced - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Lime wedges for serving These toppings bring freshness and crunch. Tomatoes and avocado add creaminess. The lime gives a bright zing to each bite. Corn tortillas work best for these tacos. They add a nice texture and flavor. Look for small-sized tortillas. They should be soft and pliable. You can warm them on the grill for a few seconds. This step makes them even better for holding your fillings. Using fresh tortillas can really enhance the taste. If you prefer flour, go for it, but corn is the classic choice here. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather your ingredients. In a mixing bowl, combine these items: - 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and black pepper to taste Mix them well until you get a smooth paste. This marinade packs a spicy punch. It will bring great flavor to the chicken. Next, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Add them to the marinade. Make sure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, let it marinate overnight. This will help the chicken soak up all the tasty flavors. When you're ready to cook, preheat your grill or grill pan. Set it to medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy. While it rests, warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side. Now, slice the grilled chicken into thin strips. You are ready to build your tacos! To get that real taste, use fresh chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. They add heat and a rich, smoky flavor. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is even better. This helps the spices seep into the meat, making it juicy and tasty. Don’t skip the smoked paprika; it adds depth and warmth to the dish. Grilling is the best way to cook the chicken. It gives a nice char and keeps it moist. Preheat the grill well. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken is done when it reaches 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps the juices inside, making every bite tender. Serve the tacos with fresh toppings. Diced tomatoes and red onions add crunch. Sliced avocado brings creaminess. Don’t forget the cilantro for a pop of freshness. Lime wedges are key for squeezing over the tacos. They brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick. For a fun touch, let everyone build their own tacos! Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, let the chicken marinate overnight. This allows the spices to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful chicken. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure perfectly cooked chicken, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Warm Tortillas Properly: Warming the tortillas on the grill adds a smoky flavor and makes them more pliable. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to mix and match your favorite toppings! Consider adding shredded cabbage, jalapeños, or a drizzle of sour cream for extra flavor. {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free meal, try using mushrooms or jackfruit. Both options soak up flavors well. You can use the same marinade from the chicken. Simply grill or sauté the mushrooms or jackfruit until tender. Add your toppings just as you would with the chicken. You can swap chicken for other proteins. Try pork, shrimp, or beef. Each protein will change the taco's taste. For pork, use carnitas with similar spices. For shrimp, grill with a quick marinade. For beef, thinly slice and cook to your liking. All these proteins taste great with the same toppings. Add extra spices or toppings to boost flavor. Try fresh jalapeños for heat. Pickled red onions add tang. A drizzle of crema gives creaminess. Use fresh herbs, like mint or parsley, for a fresh taste. You can also try different hot sauces or salsas. These small changes make each taco unique and fun. After enjoying your tasty tacos, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down first. Keep them in the fridge if you plan to eat them in a few days. They should stay fresh for up to three days. You can also separate the chicken from the toppings. This helps keep everything fresh. To reheat the chicken, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to keep the chicken moist. Heat for about five minutes, stirring often. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 10 minutes. For tortillas, warm them in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side. To freeze your leftovers, place the chicken in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the chicken for up to three months. If you want to freeze tortillas, stack them with parchment paper between each one. Wrap tightly and place in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw everything in the fridge overnight before reheating. If you can't find chipotle peppers, use smoked paprika for a similar taste. You can also try adding cayenne pepper or even sriracha sauce for some heat. These options give your dish a great flavor. Just remember, they may alter the taste a bit. To kick up the heat, add more chipotle peppers to the marinade. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the tacos. Slicing fresh jalapeños and adding them as a topping works well too. For a bold flavor, drizzle hot sauce over your tacos right before serving. Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They are softer and might hold more toppings. However, corn tortillas have a unique flavor that pairs well with the spicy chicken. Choose what you like best for your tacos. You learned how to make delicious Chipotle chicken. We covered key ingredients, steps, tips, and variations. You can even customize your meal with different proteins and toppings. Remember to store leftovers well for future enjoyment. Experimenting with flavors keeps it exciting. Now, it’s your turn to get creative in the kitchen. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Fiery Chipotle Chicken Street Tacos

Spicy and flavorful chicken tacos with fresh toppings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 0.5 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • Lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a mixing bowl, combine minced chipotle peppers, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined to form a marinade.
  • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
  • Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat.
  • Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
  • While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side until they are soft and pliable.
  • Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
  • Assemble the tacos by placing a few strips of chicken on each tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, and avocado slices.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor.
Keyword chicken, chipotle, spicy, tacos