Ingredients
– 2 lbs trimmed large boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 1/3 cup olive oil (plus extra for baking sheet)
– 3 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon garlic (about 3 cloves)
– 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
– 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon coriander
– Few dashes cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro (slightly packed)
– 10 warmed 6-inch corn tortillas
– Shredded lettuce
– Mexican cheese (such as shredded blend, cotija, or queso fresco)
– Diced tomatoes or pico de gallo
– Diced avocados or guacamole (optional)
– Mexican crema or sour cream (optional)
– Mexican hot sauce (optional)
Instructions
1-Make the Marinade: In a mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the 1/3 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder, 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, 1/2 teaspoon coriander, a few dashes cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
2-Marinate the Chicken: Place 2 lbs of trimmed large boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a gallon-size resealable bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, add 1/2 cup roughly chopped cilantro, then seal the bag, removing excess air. Rub the marinade onto the chicken and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours for more marinade ideas.
3-Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425ยฐF (220ยฐC). Brush a rimmed, preferably dark-coated, 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
4-Roast the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and arrange the pieces evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Roast for 30 to 40 minutes, until cooked through and golden brown.
5-Rest and Cut: Let the roasted chicken rest for 2 minutes, then cut into small strips or cubes.
6-Serve: Warm 10 six-inch corn tortillas and serve the chicken inside with toppings like shredded lettuce, Mexican cheese, diced tomatoes or pico de gallo, diced avocados or guacamole, Mexican crema or sour cream, and Mexican hot sauce.
Notes
๐ Boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer the best tenderness, moisture, flavor, and crisp edges.
๐ฅ Using a dark-coated baking sheet helps achieve better browning and slight char for added flavor.
๐ฉโ๐ณ If chicken lacks crispiness, drain excess liquid from the pan and briefly broil to caramelize further.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 to 6 hours
- Cook Time: 30 to 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven Roasting
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 435
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 172mg
