Smoky Lime Street Taco Chicken Recipe for the Ultimate Taco Night
Smoky Lime Street Taco Chicken
Wurzpott Test Kitchen
12
20 minutes
6 hours
335
Mexican Inspired / Tex Mex
Main Courses
These Smoky Lime Street Taco Chicken tacos are packed with bold Tex Mex flavor, tender slow cooked chicken, fresh lime, smoky paprika, and savory herbs. Made with Wurzpott Chicken Rub, this easy street taco chicken recipe delivers juicy shredded chicken tacos perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, taco bars, burrito bowls, and family dinners. The combination of citrus brightness, smoky seasoning, and slow cooked tenderness creates restaurant style tacos right at home while keeping preparation simple and approachable.

Ingredients
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp Wurzpott Chicken Rub
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 small yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lime juice
1 tsp lime zest
1/4 tsp black pepper
8 to 12 small corn tortillas
Fresh cilantro for serving
Diced avocado for serving
Crumbled cotija cheese for serving
Lime wedges for serving
Pickled red onions for serving (optional)
Directions
Pat the chicken dry thoroughly with paper towels to help the seasoning adhere properly. Place the chicken breasts and chicken thighs in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with Wurzpott Chicken Rub, smoked paprika, and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Sear the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes per side until lightly browned. This step adds additional smoky flavor and improves color.
Transfer the chicken to a slow cooker. Add the chicken broth, tomato paste, diced onion, garlic, lime juice, and lime zest.
Cover with the lid and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest portion.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the cooking juices and stir thoroughly.
Allow the chicken to sit in the juices for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so the flavors fully absorb and the chicken stays moist.
If the mixture appears too thin, leave the lid off and allow the liquid to reduce on warm for several minutes while stirring occasionally.
Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for slight charring.
Fill the tortillas with the smoky lime chicken and top with cilantro, avocado, cotija cheese, pickled onions, and fresh lime juice.
Suggested serving methods: tacos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, nachos, taco salads, over cilantro lime rice, or inside baked sweet potatoes.
