If you’re looking for a taco that will knock your socks off, look no further! These Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce are everything you could ever want in a taco—juicy, flavorful chicken, a punch of zesty green sauce, and all the taco fixings that make each bite a little piece of heaven. Trust me when I say, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. They’re simple, vibrant, and packed with flavor that will leave you coming back for more. So, let’s get those taco shells ready because this recipe is about to become your new favorite!
Why You’ll Love Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce
These tacos are about to change the way you look at taco night. Here’s why:
Versatile
Whether it’s Taco Tuesday, a casual dinner with friends, or a weeknight treat, these tacos are perfect for any occasion. You can make them as mild or spicy as you want, and you can swap out toppings to suit your mood.
Budget-Friendly
Chicken breasts are one of the most affordable proteins, and the green sauce uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. These tacos are full of flavor without breaking the bank!
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together quickly and with minimal prep. The chicken cooks up fast, and the green sauce is a breeze to blend together. You’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Customizable
Like your tacos with a little extra heat? Add more jalapeños to the sauce. Prefer a lighter option? Skip the cheese or opt for a Greek yogurt topping. The choice is yours!
Crowd-Pleasing
With juicy chicken, tangy green sauce, and all the taco toppings, these tacos are sure to please everyone at the table. They’re fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Ingredients
These are the key ingredients that come together to create taco magic:
Chicken Breasts
Juicy, tender chicken breasts form the base of these tacos. When seasoned well and cooked to perfection, they’ll soak up all the flavors of the green sauce.
Taco Seasoning
A blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika gives the chicken its bold, savory flavor. It’s the perfect seasoning to bring everything together.
Olive Oil
Used for cooking the chicken, olive oil adds richness and helps the seasonings stick to the meat.
Tortillas
Soft corn or flour tortillas—whatever you prefer! They’re the perfect vehicle for all that juicy chicken and tangy green sauce.
Green Sauce
The star of the show! A vibrant green sauce made with fresh ingredients like tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice gives these tacos a fresh, zesty kick. It’s the kind of sauce that’ll make you want to pour it on everything!
Toppings
Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt bring balance to the tacos and complement the bold flavors of the chicken and green sauce.
(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
It’s time to make taco magic happen! Here’s how to assemble these Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce:
Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with taco seasoning, then cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
Make the Green Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, blend together the ingredients for the green sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Warm the Tortillas
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until they’re soft and pliable. This will help prevent them from breaking when you fill them with the chicken and toppings.
Assemble the Tacos
Now the fun part! Place a few slices of the cooked chicken onto each tortilla. Drizzle with that glorious green sauce, and then top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Finish with a squeeze of lime for that extra zing!
Serve and Enjoy
Serve your tacos with a side of Mexican rice, chips, or a refreshing drink like iced tea or agua fresca. Each bite is sure to be bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce
These tacos are fantastic on their own, but if you want to make the meal even more special, here are some ideas for sides and accompaniments:
Mexican Rice
Serve your tacos with a side of fluffy Mexican rice for a well-rounded meal. The rice soaks up the green sauce beautifully!
Refried Beans
A side of creamy refried beans is always a great addition to taco night. It pairs perfectly with the flavors of the chicken and green sauce.
Chips and Guacamole
What’s taco night without chips and guacamole? The creamy guac and crunchy chips are perfect for snacking while you enjoy your tacos.
Pickled Vegetables
For a tangy, crunchy contrast, serve these tacos with a side of pickled onions or jalapeños.
Grilled Vegetables
Grilled peppers, onions, or zucchini make a great veggie side dish to complement the tacos and add a little extra color to your plate.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead
You can make the green sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes taco night even quicker when you’re ready to cook.
Spice It Up
If you like more heat, add extra jalapeños to the green sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes over the tacos before serving.
Make It Ahead
The chicken can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it in the microwave or on the stove.
Double the Batch
Make extra chicken and green sauce, then store the leftovers in the fridge or freezer. You’ll have a delicious meal ready for another day!
Gluten-Free Option
For a gluten-free version, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas, and ensure your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful, so they’d work beautifully in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to cook through.
Q2: Can I make the green sauce spicier?
A2: Yes, just add more jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce to the green sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Q3: Can I use store-bought green salsa instead of making the sauce?
A3: You can! If you’re short on time, store-bought green salsa will work as a great shortcut. Just remember, fresh-made sauce will really take the tacos to the next level.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store the leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The green sauce can be stored separately in a jar or container.
Q5: Can I freeze the chicken or green sauce?
A5: Yes! Both the chicken and the green sauce freeze well. Just portion them out in freezer-safe containers, and they’ll be good for up to 3 months.
Q6: Can I make the tacos vegetarian?
A6: Yes! Swap the chicken for black beans, grilled veggies, or even tofu. The green sauce will still bring all the flavor.
Q7: How can I make these tacos spicier?
A7: Add more jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the green sauce for extra heat. You can also sprinkle chili flakes on top of the tacos.
Q8: What tortillas should I use?
A8: You can use either corn or flour tortillas. Corn tortillas are traditional for tacos, but flour tortillas can also work if you prefer them.
Q9: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A9: You can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Just assemble the tacos right before serving so the tortillas stay fresh and crispy.
Q10: What sides pair well with these tacos?
A10: Mexican rice, chips and guacamole, and grilled veggies are all great choices to pair with these delicious tacos.
Conclusion
These Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce are an explosion of flavor that will have you coming back for more. Whether it’s taco night, a casual dinner, or just because you’re craving something amazing, these tacos check all the boxes. Simple ingredients, big flavor, and a lot of love—what more could you want? Go ahead, treat yourself to taco greatness!
PrintRidiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Ridiculously Good Chicken Tacos with Green Sauce are packed with flavor! Tender, juicy chicken topped with a tangy, creamy green sauce make these tacos absolutely irresistible. Perfect for taco night or any time you crave bold, delicious tacos!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lime, juiced
For the Green Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeds removed (for heat)
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water (adjust for consistency)
For Serving:
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or cotija)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts or thighs with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the chicken before serving. - Make the Green Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lime juice, jalapeños, garlic, salt, pepper, and water.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of water for desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. - Assemble the Tacos:
Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft.
Place a portion of sliced chicken on each tortilla, then drizzle with the creamy green sauce.
Top with shredded lettuce or cabbage, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro if desired. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra freshness.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add more.
- You can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables for a different variation.
- These tacos are great with a side of rice or black beans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25mg
- Cholesterol: 90mg