Easy Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Three easy chicken tacos on a plate with lime wedges and avocados in the background.

Easy Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

Easy 20-minute Chicken Tacos with tender seasoned chicken and creamy avocado cilantro sauce. Choose the air fryer, skillet, or oven for a quick weeknight dinner.

Prep Time10

Cook Time10

Total Time20

Servings: servings

Calories: 219kcal

Author: Stephanie Wilson

Ingredients

Chicken Tacos

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
1 ½ teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons cooking oil like avocado oil
tortillas for serving (I prefer corn tortillas)
chopped red onion for serving

Avocado Cilantro Sauce

1 avocado
½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
½ cup fresh cilantro finely chopped (1 big bunch)
1 garlic clove
juice from 2 limes about 1 tablespoon
½ teaspoon salt or to taste
water as needed for consistency

Instructions

Season the Chicken: Combine the paprika, smoked paprika, salt, brown sugar, and cornstarch. Sprinkle over the chicken, add the oil, and toss until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Cook using one of the methods below until the thickest part reaches 165°F:
Air Fryer: Air fry at 415°F for 10–12 minutes.
Skillet: Cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 4–5 minutes per side.
Oven: Bake on a sheet pan at 425°F for about 20 minutes.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken cooks, blend the avocado, sour cream or yogurt, cilantro, garlic, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add water as needed to thin.
Assemble the Tacos: Rest the chicken briefly, then chop into bite-size pieces and squeeze with lime juice. Fill warm tortillas with chicken, avocado cilantro sauce, red onion, cilantro, and favorite toppings.

Notes

Chicken: Boneless skinless thighs are especially juicy and flavorful, but chicken breasts also work. If the breasts are thick, slice them horizontally into thinner cutlets for quicker, more even cooking. Cooking times may vary; chicken is done when the thickest part reaches 165°F.

Nutrition