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The art of grilling chicken requires a bit of finesse to achieve those coveted grill marks while ensuring the meat is perfectly cooked. Here are some essential tips:

Grilled Chicken Street Tacos

Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with Zesty Grilled Chicken Street Tacos! This delicious recipe showcases marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, complemented by fresh toppings and warm tortillas. Perfect for any occasion, these tacos are not just tasty but also versatile, allowing you to customize them to your liking. Discover simple grilling techniques, creative assembly ideas, and serving suggestions to elevate your taco night. Enjoy a culinary journey that brings the essence of street food right to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 tablespoons olive oil

Zest and juice of 2 limes

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)

8 small corn tortillas

1 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 cup diced red onion

1 cup diced tomatoes

1 ripe avocado, sliced

Lime wedges, for serving

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, turning them to ensure they are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes to 1 hour for maximum flavor.

    Preheat the Grill: While your chicken is marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat, approximately 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken will sear nicely.

      Grill the Chicken: Once the grill is heated, remove the chicken from the marinade and place it directly on the grill grates. Grill for about 6-8 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and you see beautiful grill marks.

        Let it Rest: After grilling, transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

          Prepare the Tortillas: While the chicken is resting, warm the corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds on each side or until they become soft and pliable. This step enhances their flavor and texture.

            Slice the Chicken: After resting, carefully slice the grilled chicken into thin strips, ensuring you cut against the grain for tenderness.

              Assemble the Tacos: Take a warm tortilla and place a few slices of grilled chicken in the center. Top them generously with chopped cilantro, diced red onion, diced tomatoes, and slices of avocado.

                Serve: Arrange the tacos on a platter and serve with lime wedges on the side, perfect for squeezing over the tacos just before indulging. Enjoy your delicious Zesty Grilled Chicken Street Tacos!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4-6 tacos

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the tacos on a vibrant platter, garnish with extra cilantro, and include small bowls of diced toppings for a fun, customizable taco night experience.