We’ve all fallen for the irresistible charm of Costco’s chicken street tacos, with their bold flavors and street-food vibe straight from Mexico. We’re excited to share our take on this fan-favorite, bringing authentic taste right to your kitchen without the trip to the store.
Ingredients
In our Costco Chicken Street Tacos Recipe, we focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients that capture the bold, authentic flavors of street food. Below, we’ve listed the ingredients in the order they’re used during preparation, including any necessary prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- Chicken thighs: 1 pound boneless, skinless, cut into 1-inch pieces for quick marinating and grilling.
- Lime juice: ¼ cup freshly squeezed from 2 limes, zested for added zest in the marinade.
- Garlic cloves: 4 cloves minced, for infusing the chicken with aromatic depth.
- Chili powder: 1 tablespoon, combined with other spices for that signature smoky kick.
- Ground cumin: 1 teaspoon, to enhance the earthy notes in our marinade.
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, used for coating the chicken before cooking.
- Corn tortillas: 12 small ones, warmed just before assembly to keep them soft and pliable.
- White onion: 1 medium, finely diced for a crisp, fresh topping.
- Fresh cilantro: ½ cup chopped, for a bright, herbaceous finish.
- Optional toppings: Avocado slices (1 ripe avocado, sliced) and salsa (½ cup store-bought or homemade) to elevate the tacos’ texture and taste.
Required Equipment
To seamlessly transition from gathering our fresh ingredients like chicken thighs and lime juice, we need a few essential tools to prepare our Costco Chicken Street Tacos with precision and ease. These items ensure efficient marinating, cooking, and assembly, helping us capture that authentic street-food vibe at home.
Here’s a breakdown of the key equipment we’ll use, organized by preparation stage:
- Large mixing bowl: Ideal for combining and marinating the chicken with spices like chili powder and garlic—aim for one with a lid to keep flavors locked in.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board: Essential for finely chopping white onion and cilantro; opt for a sharp 8-inch knife to make prep quick and safe.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial for our marinade—use a set that includes 1-cup and 1-tablespoon sizes for ingredients like olive oil and ground cumin.
- Skillet or grill pan: A 12-inch non-stick skillet works best for searing the marinated chicken to achieve that perfect golden char, mimicking Costco’s signature texture.
- Tongs or spatula: Great for flipping chicken pieces during cooking—choose heat-resistant tongs for better control and to prevent burns.
- Corn tortilla warmer or microwave-safe plate: Helps keep corn tortillas soft and warm; if unavailable, a simple damp paper towel in the microwave will do for quick heating.
With this setup, we’re equipped to bring our recipe to life efficiently.
Instructions
Now that we have our fresh ingredients and essential equipment lined up, we guide you through the straightforward steps to craft our flavorful Costco Chicken Street Tacos Recipe at home. Each step ensures authentic, bold flavors that capture the vibrant street-food essence.
Prep
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to maximize flavor and texture. Begin by combining the marinade: in a large mixing bowl, we whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin for a zesty base that infuses the chicken thighs with tangy, aromatic notes.
- Add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor absorption, allowing the spices to penetrate and create a mouthwatering, juicy contrast.
- While the chicken marinates, we finely chop 1 small white onion and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves, aiming for about ½ cup of each to add crisp, refreshing crunch and a burst of herbaceous brightness to our tacos.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move to cooking the chicken to achieve that perfectly charred, tender finish. Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the golden sear.
- Once the pan is hot, we add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, flipping with tongs for even browning that locks in smoky, savory flavors and creates a irresistible caramelized exterior.
- In a separate pan or microwave, we warm 8 corn tortillas for 30 seconds each side or until soft and pliable, ensuring they hold fillings without cracking and deliver that authentic, warm, slightly chewy texture.
Assemble
Finally, we assemble our tacos to bring together layers of taste and texture for a dish bursting with fresh, street-style appeal. Lay out the warmed corn tortillas on a plate as a base for our creation.
- Place a few slices of the cooked chicken on each tortilla, then top with the chopped white onion and fresh cilantro for a crisp, zesty contrast that highlights the juicy, spiced chicken.
- Add optional toppings like sliced avocado or your favorite salsa to enhance the creamy, tangy elements, resulting in a vibrant taco that tantalizes with every bite of its bold flavors, tender meat, and fresh crunch—perfect for our Costco Chicken Street Tacos Recipe experience.
Conclusion
We’ve crafted this Costco chicken street tacos recipe to bring bold flavors right to your kitchen. It’s a fun way to enjoy authentic tastes without leaving home.
Give it a try and tweak it with your favorite toppings—we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key ingredients for this chicken street tacos recipe?
The main ingredients include chicken thighs, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, olive oil, corn tortillas, white onion, and fresh cilantro. Optional toppings like avocado and salsa add extra flavor. This simple list ensures you capture the bold, authentic taste at home.
What equipment is needed to prepare these tacos?
You’ll need a large mixing bowl for marinating, a chef’s knife and cutting board for chopping, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a skillet or grill pan for cooking the chicken, tongs or a spatula for flipping, and a tortilla warmer or microwave-safe plate to keep tortillas soft and pliable.
How do I make the marinade for the chicken?
Combine olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, and ground cumin in a bowl. Mix well, then coat the chicken thighs and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse flavors. This step is key for that authentic street-food taste.
How long does it take to cook and assemble these tacos?
Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour, then sear it in a hot skillet for 6-8 minutes per side until charred and tender. Warm the tortillas separately for 1-2 minutes. Assembly takes just a few minutes, making the whole process about 45-60 minutes total.
Can I substitute ingredients in this recipe?
Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts if preferred, or use flour tortillas instead of corn for a different texture. Adjust spices to taste, and add veggies like bell peppers. Keep the core flavors with lime, garlic, and cumin for the best results.
Are these tacos suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The recipe uses straightforward steps and common ingredients, making it easy for beginners. Follow the simple instructions for marinating, cooking, and assembling, and you’ll have delicious tacos ready in under an hour with minimal effort.