Introduction
Chicken tacos are a delicious and versatile dish that can be made quickly at home. With seasoned chicken thighs, fresh toppings, and a creamy avocado aji verde, these tacos make for a perfect meal any day of the week. This guide will walk you through the simple steps to create mouthwatering chicken tacos that are sure to please.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
For the Chicken Tacos:
– 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
– 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
– 1 clove garlic, grated (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
– 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
For the Avocado Aji Verde:
– 1/2 avocado
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 3-ounce chunk of cotija cheese
– 1 big handful of cilantro stems and leaves (roughly 1/2 cup)
– 1 clove garlic
– Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
– 2 tablespoons water (more as needed)
Extras:
– Tortillas
– Limes, cilantro, and onion for topping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
10–12 minutes (for air fryer) or 20 minutes (if baking)
Total Time
25–30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Instructions
1. **Season the Chicken:** Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs if desired. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with soy sauce, avocado oil, and grated garlic. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and mix until evenly coated.
2. **Cook the Chicken:** Place the seasoned chicken in the basket of an air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is crusty, golden, and cooked through.
3. **Prepare the Avocado Aji Verde:** While the chicken is cooking, blend together the avocado, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and water in a small food processor or blender until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if too thick or more avocado/mayo if too thin.
4. **Chop the Chicken:** Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then roughly chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chopped chicken.
5. **Assemble the Tacos:** Spread a dollop of the Avocado Aji Verde onto each tortilla. Add a generous portion of the chopped chicken, and top with fresh cilantro and diced onion. Serve with additional lime wedges on the side.
Notes
– Oven Instructions: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the seasoned chicken thighs at 425°F (218°C) for 20 minutes until cooked through.
– Taco Seasoning: Different brands of taco seasoning may vary in flavor and saltiness. Adjust the amount used according to your taste preferences.
– Sauce Consistency: The Avocado Aji Verde should be smooth and pourable. Adjust the water or mayonnaise content to achieve the desired consistency.
– Serving Suggestions: These tacos pair well with pickled onions or a simple green salad on the side.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken
Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs if desired. In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with soy sauce, avocado oil, and grated garlic. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and mix until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken in the basket of an air fryer. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until the chicken is crusty, golden, and cooked through.
Prepare the Avocado Aji Verde
While the chicken is cooking, blend together the avocado, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and water in a small food processor or blender until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if too thick or more avocado/mayo if too thin.
Chop the Chicken
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then roughly chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chopped chicken.
Assemble the Tacos
Spread a dollop of the Avocado Aji Verde onto each tortilla. Add a generous portion of the chopped chicken, and top with fresh cilantro and diced onion. Serve with additional lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Oven Instructions
If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the seasoned chicken thighs at 425°F (218°C) for 20 minutes until cooked through.
Taco Seasoning
Different brands of taco seasoning may vary in flavor and saltiness. Adjust the amount used according to your taste preferences.
Sauce Consistency
The Avocado Aji Verde should be smooth and pourable. Adjust the water or mayonnaise content to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
These tacos pair well with pickled onions or a simple green salad on the side.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
Combining chicken with ingredients like soy sauce, avocado oil, garlic, and taco seasoning enhances the flavor profile, while ensuring even distribution of seasoning improves taste.
Cooking Chicken
Using an air fryer at high temperatures creates a crispy exterior while maintaining juicy meat inside. Alternatively, baking is an effective method for achieving similar results.
Preparing Aji Verde
Blending fresh ingredients like avocado with mayonnaise and cheese creates a rich and creamy sauce. Adjusting the consistency with water ensures it can be easily spread or drizzled.
Chopping Chicken
Allowing the chicken to rest before chopping allows juices to redistribute for improved flavor and moisture retention.
Assembling Tacos
Layering flavors by spreading sauce on tortillas, adding chicken, and topping with fresh herbs and onions creates a balanced bite in each taco.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted, but you may need to adjust cooking times as they may cook faster than thighs.
How can I store leftover Aji Verde?
Leftover Aji Verde can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
To add some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture or the Aji Verde.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the seasoned chicken thighs in the oven at 425°F (218°C) for about 20 minutes.
What type of tortillas work best for these tacos?
Corn or flour tortillas can both work well depending on personal preference; choose your favorite for an ideal taco experience.
Conclusion
The combination of seasoned chicken and creamy Avocado Aji Verde creates a deliciously satisfying taco experience. Topped with fresh cilantro and onion, these tacos are sure to be a hit at any meal. The flexibility in preparation and choice of ingredients allows for a personalized touch, making every bite a celebration of flavors.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Shrimp Tacos
Substitute the chicken with shrimp marinated in lime juice and chili powder for a zesty seafood version.
Vegetarian Black Bean Tacos
Use black beans mixed with corn, diced peppers, and spices, topped with the Avocado Aji Verde for a delicious plant-based option.
Steak Tacos
Replace the chicken thighs with grilled flank steak, seasoned with a similar taco seasoning blend and served with the same toppings.
Fish Tacos
Utilize grilled or pan-fried white fish such as tilapia or cod, garnished with shredded cabbage and the Avocado Aji Verde for a healthy twist.
Breakfast Tacos
Fill tortillas with scrambled eggs, avocado slices, crumbled feta or cotija cheese, and top with salsa for a hearty breakfast option.
Grilled Veggie Tacos
Mix grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and onions, and serve with the Avocado Aji Verde for a flavorful vegetarian dish.
Chipotle Chicken Tacos
Mix chipotle adobo sauce with the chicken marinade for a smoky flavor profile, and serve with avocado slices and lime.
