If there’s one thing I’ll never get tired of, it’s tacos – especially the kind that are easy to throw together, full of flavor, and still help me hit my protein goals. These street-style citrus chicken tacos check all the boxes. The chicken is marinated in a bright citrus blend with warm spices that give it just enough kick without overpowering everything else. Add some fresh toppings and a little cotija cheese, and you’ve got a taco night that tastes like it came from a food truck, but with 30 grams of protein per serving.
This is one of those recipes that feels fun and a little indulgent, but still totally fits into a macro-friendly routine. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, easy to meal prep, and flexible if you want to play around with toppings. My advice? Make a double batch – this recipe is perfect for leftovers for lunch the next day!
8.5g protein per 100 cal
- Prep
- 15 mins
- Cook
- 15 mins
- Total
- 1 hr
Ingredients
For the Citrus Chicken Marinade
For the Tacos
Equipment
- Cutting board/knife
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill
- Tongs
- Mesuring cups and spoons
Instructions
-
Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together the orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
-
Add the chicken to the marinade, ensuring it is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
-
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and charred in spots. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
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Prepare the Tacos: Warm the corn tortillas on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame until lightly charred and pliable.
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Assemble the tacos by placing sliced citrus chicken on each tortilla. Top with diced tomatoes, red onion, cotija cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
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If desired, add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or guacamole on top and serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!
Tami’s notes
For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
These tacos pair well with a side of Mexican rice or a simple avocado salad.
Marinated chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Per serving: Calories 353kcalProtein 30gCarbs 31gFat 10g
Nutrition is an estimate and will vary with the brands and amounts you use.
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