Joanna Gaines’ approach to cooking is all about simple, yet delicious, food. These Chicken Street Tacos perfectly embody that philosophy.
The recipe is incredibly easy to follow, and you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients.
JJoanna’s recipe emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients and simple techniques, making it a breeze to cook even on a busy weeknight.
Her signature touch is a blend of warm spices like cumin and chili powder, along with a hint of sweetness from a touch of honey or agave nectar in the marinade.
My tip for achieving the most flavorful chicken is to let it sit in the cooking juices after shredding it.
How to Make Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 2 Jalapeños (minced)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 cup Cilantro (chopped)
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- 10 Corn Tortillas
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup Pickled Red Onion
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 375°F.
Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season them with salt and taco seasoning.
Step 2:
Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, then let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Use two forks to shred the chicken and return it to the baking dish with its juices.
Step 3:
In a medium bowl, combine the diced onion, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
Toss everything together to make the salsa.
Step 4:
Warm up the corn tortillas on a skillet until they’re soft and pliable.
Keep them warm in a tortilla warmer or covered in a kitchen towel.
Step 5:
Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with shredded chicken, onion salsa, Cotija cheese, and pickled red onion.
Serve immediately!
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Prepping Vegetables in Advance
Chopping your onions, jalapeños, garlic, and cilantro ahead of time will streamline the process.
This keeps everything organized and ready for when you’re in the flow of cooking.
Shredding Chicken Warm
It’s much easier to shred the chicken while it’s still warm.
Use two forks, and you’ll find that it shreds nicely and retains its juiciness.
Keeping Tortillas Warm
Utilize a tortilla warmer or a clean kitchen towel to keep your tortillas soft.
This keeps them pliable and easy to work with when assembling your tacos.
Customizing Flavor
Feel free to add or reduce the jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
Don’t hesitate to experiment with other toppings like avocado or sour cream.
Making Use of Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they make for a great next-day lunch!
Just store the components separately, and assemble when ready to eat.
Enjoy your delicious Joanna Gaines-inspired Chicken Street Tacos!
What to Serve with Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos
Elote
You can’t go wrong with elote as a classic companion to your chicken street tacos.
Grill some corn until it’s just charred, then slather it with mayonnaise, sprinkle with cheese like Cotija, and add a dash of chili powder and lime juice.
The creamy, tangy corn complements the savory chicken perfectly.
Mango Avocado Salad
For a refreshing twist, why not try a mango avocado salad?
Dice ripe mangoes and avocados, toss them with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
This salad adds a burst of color and a sweet, zesty contrast to the tacos.
Black Bean and Quinoa Salad
Black bean and quinoa salad might not be traditional, but it’s a nutrient-packed side that pairs wonderfully with chicken tacos.
Combine cooked quinoa, black beans, diced red bell peppers, and chopped cilantro.
Dress with lime juice and olive oil for a healthy, hearty side dish.
Pickled Red Onion
Pickled red onions give a tangy crunch that enhances the flavors of the tacos.
Thinly slice red onions and place them in a jar with vinegar, a little sugar, and salt.
Let them sit for at least an hour before serving; they really elevate the meal!
Variations and Substitutions
Spice Level
If you prefer a milder taco, you can reduce the amount of chili powder and jalapeño.
On the other hand, for more heat, add extra minced jalapeños or even some cayenne pepper.
Don’t forget to adjust the spices according to your personal taste preferences for the perfect balance.
Protein Options
You can switch chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
If you’re in the mood for seafood, try using shrimp or fish instead.
These alternatives keep the essence of street tacos while offering new flavors.
Toppings and Garnishes
Experiment with different toppings like avocado slices, queso fresco, or grilled pineapple.
Fresh cilantro and lime are always welcome, but try adding pickled onions for a tangy twist.
Don’t be shy to customize your tacos with whatever garnishes you have on hand.
Tortilla Choices
While corn tortillas are traditional, flour tortillas work just as well if that’s your preference.
For a gluten-free option, use lettuce wraps or gluten-free tortillas.
You might find yourself enjoying crispy taco shells for a different texture altogether.
How to Store Leftover Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos
When you’ve made a batch of Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos, you might have some delicious leftovers.
To store them properly, you’ll want to keep ingredients fresh and flavors vibrant!
Refrigeration
Transfer any leftover chicken to an airtight container.
Keep it in the refrigerator where it can stay fresh for up to three days.
Store your tortillas and toppings separately to maintain their texture and taste.
Freezer Storage
If you can’t finish the leftovers within three days, freezing is a fantastic option.
Place the leftover chicken in a freezer-friendly container or bag.
It will remain good for up to three months.
Storing Toppings
For toppings like salsa or lime wedges, store them in separate containers.
Use airtight containers or bags for freshness to capture their delicious flavors.
By keeping these components fresh, you’ll enjoy them just as much the next time!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking the Chicken
You don’t want to end up with dry chicken!
Keep a close eye on the timer and check for doneness to maintain juiciness.
Ignoring Seasoning Balance
It’s tempting to use too much lime or salt, but a balanced hand creates the best flavors.
Taste along the way and adjust as needed for that perfect bite.
Skipping Resting Time
Allow the chicken to rest after cooking.
This step is vital for letting the juices redistribute.
Shredding too soon might lead to dry chunks instead of tender, juicy bites.

Joanna Gaines Chicken Street Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Chicken Breasts
- 1 Onion diced
- 2 Jalapeños minced
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 cup Cilantro chopped
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- 10 Corn Tortillas
- 1 cup Cotija Cheese crumbled
- 1 cup Pickled Red Onion
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and season them with salt and taco seasoning.
- Bake the chicken for 35-40 minutes, then let it cool for about 5 minutes.
- Use two forks to shred the chicken and return it to the baking dish with its juices.
- In a medium bowl, combine the diced onion, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and salt.
- Toss everything together to make the salsa.
- Warm up the corn tortillas on a skillet until they’re soft and pliable.
- Keep them warm in a tortilla warmer or covered in a kitchen towel.
- Assemble the tacos by filling each tortilla with shredded chicken, onion salsa, Cotija cheese, and pickled red onion.
- Serve immediately!