Mouth-Watering Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos Recipe: Homestyle Magic!

Joanna Gaines’s street tacos burst with mouthwatering Mexican-inspired charm, transforming weeknight dinners into a fiesta of flavor.

Her culinary magic turns humble ingredients into a sensational meal that sparks instant cravings.

Succulent, spice-infused chicken takes center stage, promising a symphony of tastes that tantalize every sense.

Zesty and bold, these tacos deliver restaurant-quality excitement right in your kitchen.

Her recipe breaks free from mundane meal routines, inviting spontaneity and deliciousness to your dining experience.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, these tacos guarantee smiles and satisfied hunger.

Let’s become a taco legend among friends and family.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 390 kcal

Servings: 5

Chicken Street Taco Ingredients by Joanna Gaines

For Fresh and Spicy Base:
  • Onions: Select crisp, firm white or red onions with no soft spots for maximum crunch and flavor.
  • Jalapeño: Choose bright green peppers without blemishes for vibrant heat and freshness.
  • Garlic: Pick firm, plump cloves with tight, unbroken skin for robust aroma.
  • Cilantro: Look for bright green leaves without wilting for zesty, herbal notes.
  • Lime: Select heavy, slightly soft fruits that give when gently squeezed for juicy tang.
For Protein and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Opt for fresh, pink meat without discoloration or unusual odors.
  • Taco Seasoning: Choose authentic blends with balanced spice profile for deep, complex flavor.
  • Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution and clean taste.
For Serving and Garnishing:
  • Corn Tortillas: Pick soft, pliable tortillas without cracks for easy folding.
  • Avocado: Choose ripe fruits that yield slightly to gentle pressure for creamy texture.
  • Cheese: Select freshly grated varieties for melty, rich topping.
  • Sour Cream: Pick smooth, tangy brand for cooling contrast.

Taco Night Serving Suggestions from Joanna

  • Serve with Colorful Sides: Pair these tangy chicken tacos with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that brings vibrant colors and textures to your plate.
  • Customize Taco Toppings: Invite dinner guests to personalize their tacos by setting out extra toppings like pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, sliced radishes, or extra lime wedges for a fun, interactive dining experience.
  • Create Taco Bar Experience: Arrange all ingredients in separate bowls, allowing everyone to build their own perfect taco combination with fresh chicken, zesty salsa, and an array of delicious garnishes.
  • Pack Perfect Lunch Option: Wrap leftover tacos tightly in foil or pack components separately to enjoy a delicious, portable meal at work or school that stays fresh and tasty.

Storage Tips for Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Tacos

  • Refrigerate with Care: Store leftover chicken and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining maximum freshness and preventing soggy tortillas.
  • Freeze for Future Meals: Package cooked chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Frozen chicken stays delicious for 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Smart Reheating Technique: Warm refrigerated chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Microwave for quick results, but watch carefully to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Prep-Ahead Strategy: Chop onions, prepare salsa, and slice chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in sealed containers, making mealtime faster and easier during busy weekdays.

Kitchen Tools for Joanna’s Chicken Tacos

  • Cutting Board: Large, sturdy surface for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
  • Chef's Knife: Sharp blade for precise cutting of chicken and ingredients.
  • Medium Bowl: For mixing onion salsa ingredients.
  • Large Mixing Bowl: To season and prepare chicken.
  • 12-inch Skillet: Spacious pan for cooking chicken evenly.
  • Large Griddle: Flat surface for warming tortillas.
  • Measuring Spoons: For accurate seasoning and salt measurement.
  • Wooden Spoon or Tongs: To stir and move chicken while cooking.
  • Citrus Juicer: For extracting fresh lime juice.
  • Grater: To shred cheese for taco topping.

Cooking Street Tacos Joanna Gaines-Style

Cooking Street Tacos Joanna Gaines-Style
  • Whip Up Vibrant Salsa

Chop onions, jalapeños, and cilantro into tiny pieces. Crush garlic and squeeze fresh lime juice into a bowl. Mix everything together, letting the flavors dance and mingle for a few moments.

  • Transform Chicken into Flavor Bombs

Slice chicken into bite-sized pieces and shower with zesty taco seasoning. Massage the spices into every morsel, ensuring each chunk is packed with mouthwatering taste.

  • Sizzle and Crisp the Protein

Fire up a skillet on medium-high heat and splash with a touch of oil. Spread chicken across the pan, letting it sear and turn golden brown. Stir occasionally, cooking until each piece is perfectly done and no pink remains.

  • Create Taco Magic

Warm tortillas on a hot griddle, flipping quickly to get them soft and slightly crispy. Layer the spice-packed chicken onto each tortilla with a generous scoop of fresh salsa.

  • Dress Up Your Masterpiece

Crown your tacos with creamy avocado, sprinkle of cheese, dollop of sour cream, and a handful of fresh cilantro. Roll up and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every single bite.

Flavor Tips for Chicken Tacos by Joanna

  • Master Quick Chicken Prep: Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Spice Customization Strategy: Swap traditional taco seasoning with homemade blends using chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic powder for personalized taste profiles.
  • Temperature Control Technique: Always use medium-high heat when cooking chicken to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy interior without burning spices.
  • Tortilla Transformation Trick: Select corn tortillas for authentic flavor, warming them briefly on a hot griddle creates a slightly crispy texture that elevates the entire taco experience.
Print
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Mouth-Watering Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos Recipe

Mouth-Watering Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Joanna Gaines’ chicken street tacos blend Mexican culinary traditions with homestyle comfort. Zesty marinated chicken, fresh cilantro, and warm tortillas create a delightful meal you can savor with family and friends.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (1 pound) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 lb (1 pound) boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large white onion, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds and ribs for less heat)
  • 1 large garlic clove, minced
  • 1 handful cilantro, minced
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 2.5 tbsps (2½ tablespoons) street taco seasoning
  • 1 pinch kosher salt
  • olive oil spray, or avocado oil spray
  • 18 soft corn tortillas

Instructions

  1. Salsa Preparation: Combine diced onion, chopped jalapeño, minced garlic, cilantro, salt, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Gently toss ingredients and set aside to develop flavors.
  2. Chicken Seasoning: Finely chop chicken breasts and thighs, then transfer to a large bowl. Thoroughly coat with taco seasoning, ensuring complete coverage of the meat.
  3. Chicken Cooking: Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat, lightly coating with olive or avocado oil. Spread seasoned chicken evenly and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until fully opaque and golden brown. Adjust salt to taste.
  4. Tortilla Warming: Heat a griddle on high, quickly toasting corn tortillas for a few seconds on each side to enhance flexibility and flavor.
  5. Taco Assembly: Layer warm tortillas with cooked chicken, top generously with prepared salsa, and garnish with optional additions like avocado slices, grated cheese, or sour cream. Serve immediately for maximum freshness and texture.

Notes

  • Precision Cutting Matters: Uniformly mincing chicken ensures even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
  • Salsa Resting Tip: Allow onion salsa to sit for 10-15 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding and depth.
  • High-Heat Technique: Use medium-high to high heat when cooking chicken to achieve perfect golden-brown exterior without drying the meat.
  • Tortilla Timing: Toast corn tortillas quickly to prevent burning while maintaining flexibility and authentic street taco texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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