Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce Recipe

Introduction

These Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce are packed with bold flavors and a perfect balance of zest and creaminess. Juicy, seasoned chicken thighs paired with a tangy, herby sauce make for a simple yet unforgettable meal that’s great for weeknights or entertaining.

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 (I use Siete brand)
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 3-ounce chunk of cotija cheese
• 1 big handful of cilantro stems and leaves (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 clove garlic
• Juice of 1-2 limes (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 tablespoons water (more as needed)
• Tortillas
• Limes, cilantro, and onion for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Trim the fat off the chicken thighs if desired. Toss the chicken with soy sauce, avocado oil, and grated garlic. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and mix well to coat evenly.
2. Step 2: Place the chicken in the basket of an air fryer. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is golden, crusty, and cooked through.
3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare the green sauce by blending avocado, mayo, cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and water in a food processor or blender. Adjust the water to achieve a creamy but pourable consistency.
4. Step 4: Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes. Then chop or pull the chicken into bite-sized pieces and squeeze over some fresh lime juice.
5. Step 5: To assemble, spread a dollop of green sauce on a warm tortilla, add a generous amount of chicken, and top with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and extra lime if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• If you don’t have an air fryer, cook the chicken in a hot skillet over medium-high heat until cooked through and crispy, about 6-8 minutes per side.
• For a dairy-free version, skip the cotija and mayo, and substitute with a creamy cashew sauce or more avocado.
• Add sliced jalapeño or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken and green sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. The sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature and can be stirred before serving if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out.

How do I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Simply cook the seasoned chicken in a preheated skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes per side. This method will still give you delicious results.

Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 50 reviews

These Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos feature juicy, golden chicken thighs seasoned with taco spices and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. Topped with a creamy, tangy green sauce made from avocado, mayo, lime, garlic, and cilantro, and garnished with fresh cilantro, diced onion, and cotija cheese, these tacos offer a flavorful, easy-to-make meal perfect for any taco night.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings (about 8 tacos) 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 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 (Siete brand recommended)

Green Sauce

• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 3-ounce chunk cotija cheese
• 1 big handful 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)

To Serve

• Tortillas
• Limes
• Cilantro
• Diced onion

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken: Trim excess fat from the chicken thighs if desired. Toss the chicken with soy sauce, avocado oil, and grated garlic to coat evenly. Sprinkle with the taco seasoning and mix well to ensure the spices cover all the chicken pieces.
2. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is crusty on the outside, golden brown, juicy, and cooked through.
3. Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine avocado, mayo, cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons water in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust 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 pull the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze additional lime juice over the chopped chicken for brightness.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas. Spread a dollop of the green sauce onto each tortilla, add a generous pile of the chopped chicken, and top with fresh cilantro and diced onion. Add more sauce if desired, then serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook the chicken on the stovetop in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side.
• Adjust spice levels by varying the amount of taco seasoning used.
• The green sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Use corn or flour tortillas according to your preference.

Keywords: chicken tacos, air fryer chicken, green sauce, Mexican tacos, easy dinner, avocado sauce