Description
These ridiculously good chicken tacos feature juicy, flavor-packed air-fried chicken thighs seasoned to perfection, served on tortillas and topped with a creamy, vibrant avocado aji verde (green sauce), cilantro, onion, and lime for the ultimate easy and satisfying main course. The tacos are quick to prepare, bursting with fresh flavors, and versatile enough for weeknights or gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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 tsp garlic paste, or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2–3 tablespoons taco seasoning (such as Siete brand)
For the Avocado Aji Verde (Green Sauce)
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3–ounce chunk cotija cheese
- 1 big handful 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)
Extras
- Tortillas
- Limes, cilantro, and onion for topping
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs if desired. Place the chicken in a bowl and toss with soy sauce, avocado oil, and garlic until coated. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is well seasoned.
- Cook the Chicken: Arrange the seasoned chicken thighs in the basket of an air fryer. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is crusty, golden, juicy, and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F). For oven cooking, bake at 425°F for 20 minutes.
- Make the Green Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine avocado, mayo, cotija cheese, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and water in a small food processor or blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust water or avocado/mayo to reach the desired consistency.
- Chop the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes, then chop or pull into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze some lime juice over the chopped chicken for extra freshness.
- Assemble the Tacos: Add a dollop of the green sauce to each tortilla, top with a generous pile of the juicy chicken, and finish with cilantro, diced onion, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Oven instructions: Bake the chicken at 425°F for 20 minutes, or at 400°F for 20 minutes if using chicken breasts (slice breasts in half if thick). Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- If the chicken surface isn’t well-coated with seasoning before cooking, sprinkle on a bit more taco seasoning and drizzle with more oil or brush on leftover flavor paste.
- Every brand of taco seasoning is different; experiment to find one you love regarding spice level and flavor. Siete taco seasoning is recommended for a mild and flavorful result.
- Using a meat thermometer helps ensure the chicken cooks perfectly every time.
- Adjust sauce consistency by adding more water to thin, or more avocado/mayo to thicken. Taste and tweak the citrus or salt to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1-2 tacos (1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
