Hey y'all! Ready to take your taco game up a notch? These Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce are juicy, bursting with flavor, and topped with a tangy, herb-packed sauce that's totally irresistible. They're perfect for weeknights, parties, or anytime you crave something delicious and satisfying. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Quick and easy: These tacos come together in under 40 minutes from start to finish.
Incredible flavor: Juicy Chicken paired with a zesty, creamy green sauce for maximum taste.
Versatile for any occasion: Great for taco night, lunch meal prep, or serving hungry friends at gatherings.
Customizable toppings: Top with your favorites—think crunchy onions, fresh cilantro, or crumbly cheese.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike love these tacos thanks to their mild yet complex flavor.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Juice of 1 lime
10-12 small flour or corn tortillas
For the Green Sauce:
1 ripe avocado
1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat)
2 garlic cloves
Juice of 1 lime
¼ teaspoon salt
2–3 tablespoon water (as needed for thinning)

Directions

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

35 minutes

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 10 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat, rest for 5 minutes, then slice or shred.

Step 3: Make the Green Sauce

In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, cilantro, sour cream, jalapeño, garlic, lime juice, and salt. Blend until smooth, adding water a little at a time until the sauce is pourable but still creamy.

Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, until pliable and slightly charred.

Step 5: Assemble the Tacos

Fill each tortilla with juicy sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with green sauce and add your favorite toppings like diced onions, shredded lettuce, cheese, or extra cilantro.

Notes

Chicken thighs stay extra juicy, but chicken breast can be used for a leaner option.
Marinating overnight deepens the flavor—highly recommended if you have time!
Add water to the green sauce gradually to reach your desired thickness.

Variations

Spicy Chipotle Tacos: Add 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo to the marinade for a smoky kick.
Vegetarian Style: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted cauliflower.
Dairy-Free Sauce: Use dairy-free yogurt or mayo in the green sauce instead of sour cream.

Required Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Skillet or grill pan
Blender or food processor
Tongs or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board

Storage Instructions

Store leftover chicken and green sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken lasts up to 4 days, while the green sauce is best within 2 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave. Assembled tacos are best enjoyed fresh.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair these tacos with Mexican street corn, a simple black bean salad, or tangy pickled onions for a full meal.
A cold cerveza or sparkling limeade perfectly complements the flavors.
Serve buffet style for easy entertaining!

Pro Tips

Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep all those flavorful juices inside.
Char the tortillas for extra flavor and texture—it makes a delicious difference.
Blend the green sauce just before serving for peak freshness and vibrant color.

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Shred cooked rotisserie chicken, toss with the spices and a little olive oil, then gently heat before assembling.
How spicy is this recipe?
It's mild-to-medium—remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or leave them in (or add another pepper) for extra kick.
Can I freeze these tacos?
The cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months. The green sauce is best fresh and not recommended for freezing due to the avocado base.