Introduction
Indulge in a delicious fusion of flavors with these flavorful chicken tacos, perfectly complemented by a vibrant green sauce. This recipe is easy to follow, using simple ingredients that promise to elevate your taco night. Whether you choose to air fry, bake, or sauté the chicken, you’ll enjoy a meal that’s not only satisfying but also packed with taste.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
For the Chicken:
1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 clove garlic, grated (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
For the Green Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 avocado
1 big handful of cilantro stems and leaves (roughly 1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic
3-ounce chunk of cotija cheese
Juice of 1–2 limes (2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons water (more as needed)
For Serving:
Tortillas
Limes, cilantro, and onion for topping
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
11-20 minutes depending on the cooking method
Total Time
30-35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4
Directions
1. **Prepare the Chicken:**
In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with avocado oil, soy sauce, grated garlic, and taco seasoning. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook the chicken thighs for about 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
3. **Prepare the Green Sauce:**
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, avocado, cilantro, garlic, cotija cheese, lime juice, and water. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
4. **Assemble the Tacos:**
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over a gas flame until pliable. Place the chopped chicken onto each tortilla. Drizzle with the green sauce. Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
5. **Serve:**
Serve the assembled tacos immediately with additional lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your tasty creation!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs with avocado oil, soy sauce, grated garlic, and taco seasoning. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Air Fryer Method:
– Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
– Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
– Cook for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Oven Method:
– Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
– Place the chicken thighs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
– Bake for 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Stovetop Method:
– Heat a skillet over medium heat.
– Add a small amount of oil and cook the chicken thighs for about 5–7 minutes per side, until fully cooked.
Prepare the Green Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, avocado, cilantro, garlic, cotija cheese, lime juice, and water. Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved.
Assemble the Tacos:
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or directly over a gas flame until pliable. Place the chopped chicken onto each tortilla. Drizzle with the green sauce. Top with chopped cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve:
Serve the assembled tacos immediately with additional lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Chicken Cooking Tips:
Ensure the chicken is cooked to the correct internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Green Sauce Consistency:
Adjust the consistency of the green sauce by adding water gradually. This allows you to achieve a smooth texture that suits your preference.
Tortilla Warming:
Warming tortillas makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor. Use caution when warming over an open flame.
Storage:
Store any leftover chicken and green sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken before serving.
Cook Techniques
Preparing the Chicken
In a bowl, combine boneless skinless chicken thighs with avocado oil, soy sauce, grated garlic, and taco seasoning. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated for enhanced flavor.
Cooking the Chicken
For Air Fryer: Preheat to 400°F (200°C), arrange chicken thighs in a single layer, and cook for 11 minutes, flipping halfway through.
For Oven: Preheat to 425°F (218°C), place chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes.
For Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add oil, and cook chicken thighs for about 5–7 minutes per side.
Preparing the Green Sauce
In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, avocado, cilantro, garlic, cotija cheese, lime juice, and water. Blend until smooth, adjusting consistency with additional water if necessary.
Assembling the Tacos
After cooking the chicken, let it rest, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or over a gas flame, place chicken on each tortilla, drizzle with green sauce, and top with cilantro, onion, and lime juice.
Serving the Tacos
Serve the assembled tacos immediately with extra lime wedges on the side for added flavor.
FAQ
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs, but adjust the cooking time as breasts may require slightly longer.
What can I use if I don’t have cotija cheese?
If cotija cheese is unavailable, you can use feta cheese or queso fresco as alternatives.
Can I make the green sauce in advance?
Yes, the green sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
What tortillas are best for this recipe?
Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but flour tortillas can also be used based on your preference.
Can I add other toppings to my tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to add toppings like diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or sour cream to personalize your tacos.
Conclusion
This chicken taco recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that brings together the warmth of taco seasoning and the creaminess of a fresh green sauce. Whether prepared in the air fryer, oven, or on the stovetop, the chicken remains juicy and tender. The green sauce, rich in avocado and cotija cheese, adds a perfect creamy touch, complemented by the brightness of lime juice. These tacos are not only satisfying but also versatile, making them a great choice for any meal.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Fajitas
Switch the taco seasoning for fajita seasoning and serve with bell peppers and onions. Add sour cream and guacamole for a fresh kick.
Fish Tacos
Substitute chicken with flaky white fish like tilapia or cod. Grill or pan-sear the fish with taco seasoning and serve with the same green sauce for a light yet flavorful option.
Vegetarian Tacos
Use grilled zucchini, bell peppers, and black beans as the base for a vegetarian option. Top with the green sauce and crumbled cotija cheese for added flavor.
Breakfast Tacos
Replace chicken with scrambled eggs and add sautéed spinach and black beans. Top with the green sauce and serve alongside fresh salsa for a hearty breakfast.
Wraps with Chicken and Green Sauce
Use lettuce wraps or whole grain tortillas, fill them with chopped chicken and drizzle the green sauce for a lighter, portable meal option.
Taco Salad
Chop up the seasoned chicken and serve it over a bed of lettuce with chopped tomatoes, avocado, and tortilla strips. Drizzle with the green sauce for dressing.
