Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce

Name: Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce (20-Minute)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs; 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce; 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil; 1 clove garlic, grated (or 1 tsp of 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 cotjia cheese; 1 big handful of cilantro stems and leaves (roughly 1/2 cup); 1 clove garlic; juice of 1-2 limes (2 tablespoons); 2 tablespoons water (more as needed); Tortillas; Limes, cilantro, and onion for topping

These chicken tacos come together in 20 minutes with seasoned chicken thighs and a creamy cilantro-garlic-mayo green sauce, finished with cotija cheese. The standout is the from-scratch green sauce that requires just a handful of ingredients and a blender.

⚡Air Fryer

🌍Mexican-Inspired 🏷️Chicken tacos 🏷️Easy chicken tacos 🏷️Best chicken tacos 🏷️Air fryer chicken

Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce

Total

22 min

Servings

2

Difficulty

Medium

Est. Cost

$26–$43

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From Pinch Of Yum · by Lindsay Ostrom

Ingredients

1 lb. boneless skinless chicken thighs
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
1 clove garlic, grated (or 1 tsp of 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 cotjia cheese
1 big handful of cilantro stems and leaves (roughly 1/2 cup)
1 clove garlic
juice of 1-2 limes (2 tablespoons)
2 tablespoons water (more as needed)
Tortillas
Limes, cilantro, and onion for topping

14 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
Trim the fat off the chicken thighs if you want (I do). Toss the chicken thighs with soy sauce, oil, and garlic. Sprinkle with taco seasoning and give it a quick mix.
2
Place the chicken in the basket of an air fryer (alternate cooking instructions in the notes). Air fry at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes – at this point it should be very crusty, golden, juicy, and delicious.
3
While the chicken is cooking, blitz up the sauce in a small food processor or blender. If it’s too thick, add more water. If it’s too thin, add a bit more avocado or mayo.
4
When the chicken is done, let it stand for a few minutes and then roughly chop or pull it into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze some lime juice over it. *chef’s kiss*
5
A dollop of sauce into a tortilla, a big pile of that juicy chicken, and finish with cilantro and diced onion (and probably more sauce)! It is a dream come true.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces or thin cutlets before seasoning—smaller pieces cook faster and stay juicier at 20 minutes total.
Don't skip the soy sauce; it adds umami depth without making the chicken salty.
Blend the green sauce (cilantro, mayo, garlic, avocado) until completely smooth for the best texture and flavor distribution.
Warm your tortillas directly over a gas flame or in a dry skillet just before serving to prevent them from cracking.

Substitutions

Boneless skinless chicken thighs → boneless skinless chicken breasts (reduce cooking time to 12–14 minutes)
Mayo → Greek yogurt (lighter, tangier green sauce; use 1/2 cup)
Cotija cheese → queso fresco or crumbled feta (similar crumbly texture and salty bite)
Cilantro → parsley (milder flavor but same fresh finish)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Green sauce keeps refrigerated for 3 days. Assemble tacos fresh to order for the best texture.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more forgiving. If using breasts, pound to even thickness and watch carefully to avoid drying out—they'll cook faster, around 12–14 minutes.

What brand of taco seasoning do you recommend?

The recipe uses Siete brand, which is cleaner and less salty than many mainstream options. You can substitute any taco seasoning at the same ratio.

Can I make the green sauce ahead?

Yes, store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The cilantro may darken slightly but flavor stays strong.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) at the thickest part, or until juices run clear. Thighs take about 12–15 minutes.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as written. Most taco seasonings are naturally gluten-free, but check your specific brand. Corn tortillas are gluten-free; flour tortillas are not.