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Flavorful Street Tacos Recipe with Easy Creamy Cilantro Lime Crema

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Quick and easy street tacos featuring smoky, spiced chicken topped with a tangy, creamy cilantro lime crema. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded red cabbage
  • ½ cup diced red onion
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
  • ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Water to thin if needed

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the thinly sliced chicken with chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Make the crema: While the chicken marinates, whisk together sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped cilantro, fresh lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. If the mixture is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time until it reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Set aside in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
  3. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Once hot, add the chicken slices in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary). Let cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes until browned, then flip and cook another 2-3 minutes until cooked through and slightly charred at the edges. Remove from heat.
  4. Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until warm and pliable. Wrap them in a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.
  5. Assemble the tacos: Lay tortillas flat and distribute the cooked chicken evenly among them. Top with shredded cabbage, diced red onion, jalapeño slices (if using), and a generous drizzle of creamy cilantro lime crema. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
  6. Serve immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed fresh while the tortillas are warm and the crema is cool and tangy.

Notes

Use fresh limes and bright cilantro for best flavor. For dairy-free crema, substitute sour cream or Greek yogurt with coconut-based or cashew cream alternatives. Thinly slice chicken against the grain for tenderness. Do not overcook chicken to avoid toughness. The crema can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Warm tortillas wrapped in a towel to keep them soft.

Nutrition

Keywords: street tacos, chicken tacos, cilantro lime crema, quick dinner, easy tacos, Mexican food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/flavorful-street-tacos-recipe-with-easy-creamy-cilantro-lime-crema/