Who doesn’t love tacos? Seriously, they’re like little handheld hugs, bursting with flavor and joy. This chicken taco recipe is so simple, it’s almost criminal—perfect for those chaotic weeknights when you crave something delicious but can’t be bothered with the fuss. Imagine the sizzle of the pan, the aroma of spices wafting through your kitchen, and in no time, you’ve crafted a meal that even the pickiest eaters in your family will devour.
Steps
- Prepare the Chicken: Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs. Mix the chicken with soy sauce, oil, and grated garlic. Sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken and toss until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken in an air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is golden and juicy.
- Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, blend avocado, mayo, Cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and water in a food processor until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more water or avocado as needed.
- Chop the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze lime juice over the chopped chicken.
- Assemble the Tacos: Spread a dollop of sauce on a tortilla, add a generous portion of chicken, and top with cilantro and diced onion. Serve with extra sauce and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1 clove garlic, grated (or 1 tsp garlic paste, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning (such as Siete brand)
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3-ounce chunk cotija cheese
- 1 big handful cilantro stems and leaves (approximately 1/2 cup)
- 1 clove garlic
- Juice of 1–2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons water (add more if needed)
- Tortillas
- Limes, cilantro, and onion for garnish
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
- Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for thighs. If they are thick, slice them in half and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- What if I don’t have an air fryer?
- No worries! You can bake the chicken in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
- Is there an alternative to the homemade avocado sauce?
- If you’re short on time, you can use a store-bought salsa such as Mateo’s or Trader Joe’s guacasalsa. For an even faster homemade option, consider making a quick 2-minute avocado dip.
- How can I ensure my chicken has enough seasoning?
- If the chicken surface looks under-seasoned before cooking, sprinkle a bit more taco seasoning and oil, or brush on some extra flavor paste to ensure even coverage.
- What type of taco seasoning is recommended?
- Different taco seasonings have varying flavors and textures. The recipe uses Siete brand taco seasoning, which is mild and well-loved by both adults and kids in the household. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
Tips
- Customize Your Taco Seasoning: Every taco seasoning blend is unique, so take the time to experiment and find the one that suits your taste. Some may be sweeter, spicier, or saltier than others, and many contain a starchy ingredient like cornstarch that contributes to a golden, crispy exterior.
- Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is crucial for both safety and achieving juicy, perfectly cooked chicken.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: When making the avocado aji verde, you can modify the thickness by adding more water if it’s too thick or increasing the avocado or mayo for a thicker consistency.
- Enhance Presentation: If the chicken appears under-seasoned before cooking, feel free to sprinkle additional taco seasoning or brush on extra flavor paste to ensure an even and appealing coating.
Equipment
- Air Fryer – Used for cooking the chicken to achieve a crusty, golden exterior.
- Small Food Processor or Blender – Required for making the avocado aji verde sauce.
