Why You’ll Love these Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
These authentic Mexican street tacos are about to become your new obsession, and for good reason.
They’re incredibly simple to make but burst with authentic flavors that’ll transport you straight to a bustling Mexican street market.
I’m talking tender shredded chicken that’s been slow-cooked in aromatic spices, nestled in warm corn tortillas, and topped with fresh cilantro, onion, and a squeeze of lime.
The perfect balance of textures and flavors in each bite.
Need a quick weeknight dinner that feels special? Or perhaps something to impress guests without breaking a sweat?
These tacos are your answer.
What Ingredients are in Authentic Mexican Street Tacos?
The heart of any authentic Mexican street taco lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients. Traditional street tacos don’t rely on cheese or heavy sauces—instead, they showcase perfectly seasoned meat paired with fresh, bright toppings that let the flavors shine through.
These chicken street tacos use a slow-cooker method that infuses the meat with savory spices while keeping it incredibly tender and juicy. Once you gather these ingredients, you’re just hours away from taco perfection.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken (can be frozen)
- 1 cup MSG-free chicken broth
- 3 teaspoons taco seasoning (MSG-free preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon black ground pepper
- 1/2 cup cilantro sprigs (for cooking)
- 2 cups fresh cilantro, minced (for topping)
- 1 cup onion, minced
- 1 cup pico de gallo
- 30 small corn tortillas (white or yellow, 3-4 inch)
- 2 limes, cut into wedges
- Light oil for heating tortillas
While the recipe calls for chicken, don’t feel limited—you can easily substitute pork for an equally delicious variation. The corn tortillas are non-negotiable if you want authentic flavor (flour just won’t deliver that same street taco experience).
For serving, consider adding your favorite salsas for customization, and if you’re feeling festive, a cold Corona with lime makes the perfect accompaniment. Remember, the freshness of your toppings—especially the cilantro, onion, and lime—makes all the difference in achieving that vibrant street taco flavor.
How to Make these Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
Making these no-cheese authentic Mexican street tacos couldn’t be simpler, and your slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting. Start by adding 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken to your crockpot—and yes, frozen chicken works perfectly fine here, no need to thaw. Pour in 1 cup of MSG-free chicken broth, then add your seasonings: 3 teaspoons of taco seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon each of ground ginger, garlic powder, cumin, and black pepper. Toss in 1/2 cup of whole cilantro sprigs (we’ll save the minced cilantro for topping later).
Now just set your slow cooker to high for 1 hour, then reduce to low for another 4 hours. The chicken will absorb all those wonderful spices while cooking to fall-apart tenderness.
When the cooking time is up, remove and discard those cilantro sprigs—they’ve done their aromatic duty. Now comes the fun part: using two forks, shred that tender chicken into bite-sized pieces. Having a premium knife set makes food preparation much more efficient and enjoyable for all your culinary adventures.
Meanwhile, heat a cast iron skillet with a light coating of oil and warm your 3-4 inch corn tortillas until they’re pliable and slightly crispy at the edges. The double-tortilla method is essential here—stack two tortillas together for each taco (this prevents soggy breakage and is how they’re authentically served).
If you enjoy exploring various international cuisines, consider investing in an Indian cooking appliance set to expand your culinary adventures beyond Mexican dishes.
Place a small amount of shredded chicken in the center of each tortilla duo, then top with the fresh ingredients: minced cilantro (from your 2 cups), minced onion (from your 1 cup), and pico de gallo (from your 1 cup). Finish with a generous squeeze of lime from your lime wedges.
The contrast between the warm, spiced chicken and the cool, fresh toppings is what makes these tacos absolutely sing. Serve immediately—these beauties wait for no one—preferably in the afternoon with optional salsa on the side for customizing heat levels.
Authentic Mexican Street Tacos Substitutions and Variations
While authentic street tacos traditionally feature chicken or pork, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.
Try substituting beef, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Prefer spicier tacos? Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture.
If cilantro isn’t your thing (those soap-tasters, I understand), swap it for parsley or just omit it.
No corn tortillas? Flour works in a pinch, though purists might disagree.
And for toppings, why not get creative? Pickled onions, different salsas, or even a quick cabbage slaw can take these tacos in exciting new directions.
What to Serve with Authentic Mexican Street Tacos
When planning a Mexican street taco feast, you’ll want complementary sides that enhance these flavorful handheld delights.
I always recommend serving ice-cold Corona with lime wedges, just as the recipe suggests—there’s something magical about that citrusy beer with spiced chicken tacos.
Mexican rice, refried beans, or elote (Mexican street corn) make perfect accompaniments.
For a revitalizing contrast, try a simple cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice.
And don’t forget extra lime wedges, various salsas, and maybe some guacamole for guests to customize their tacos.
The beauty of street tacos? They’re casual, meant for gathering around with friends on warm afternoons.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this authentic Mexican street taco recipe, I’m struck by how the simplicity of these handheld delights actually captures the true essence of Mexican street food.
The tender, slow-cooked chicken seasoned with cumin, garlic and ginger creates a foundation of flavor that needs little embellishment.
What makes these tacos special? It’s the fresh toppings – cilantro, onion, pico de gallo – and that essential squeeze of lime that brings everything together.
The double corn tortilla trick isn’t just traditional, it’s practical, preventing soggy breakage mid-bite.
For another comfort food experience with rich flavors, try making Southern shrimp dishes that combine spices and creamy elements for a hearty meal.
Pair with a cold Corona if you’re so inclined, and transport yourself to a bustling Mexican mercado.
If you’re looking to explore more international flavors, consider trying Tom Yum Soup with its vibrant combination of lemongrass, lime, and chili peppers.
