Short Description
Chicken Tacos with Herb Sauce offer a delightful fusion of tender, seasoned chicken wrapped in warm tortillas and topped with a creamy, herbaceous sauce. This dish combines the freshness of parsley and cilantro with the richness of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, creating a flavorful meal that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful Combination: The herb sauce adds a fresh and tangy dimension to the savory chicken, enhancing each bite.
Quick and Easy: With straightforward ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Easily adapt the toppings and tortillas to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The herb sauce can be prepared in advance, allowing for quick assembly when ready to serve.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
3 tablespoons mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellman’s)
3 tablespoons full-fat plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons minced shallot
1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
1 small garlic clove, pressed or grated
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
½ teaspoon kosher salt
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
8 small flour or corn tortillas
Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, crumbled feta cheese, lime wedges
Directions
Prepare the Herb Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced shallot, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and kosher salt. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
Warm the Tortillas: While the chicken rests, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until pliable.
Assemble the Tacos: Place sliced chicken onto each tortilla. Top with a generous spoonful of the herb sauce and add desired optional toppings. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4 servings (2 tacos per person)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the herb sauce for extra heat.
Grilled Chicken: For a smoky flavor, grill the seasoned chicken breasts instead of pan-cooking.
Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives.
Different Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs like basil or mint for a unique twist on the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftover chicken and herb sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Stir the herb sauce before using; if it has thickened, add a small amount of water or olive oil to reach desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used and may provide a juicier result due to their higher fat content.
Is it possible to make the herb sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. The herb sauce can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs are recommended for optimal flavor, but if unavailable, use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried cilantro as substitutes.
What type of tortillas work best for this recipe?
Both flour and corn tortillas work well; choose based on personal preference or dietary needs.
Inspired Taste
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Replace Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative and ensure the mayonnaise used is dairy-free.
Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
Yes, grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor and is a great alternative cooking method.
What other toppings can I add to these tacos?
Consider adding pickled onions, shredded cheese, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, cook the chicken and prepare the herb sauce in advance. Store separately and assemble tacos when ready to eat.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Cooked chicken can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
How do I prevent the tortillas from breaking?
Warming the tortillas before assembling helps make them more pliable and less likely to tear.
Conclusion
Chicken Tacos with Herb Sauce are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal occasion. The combination of seasoned chicken and a refreshing herb sauce creates a delightful culinary experience. With simple preparation and customizable options, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Chicken Tacos with Herb Sauce
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (for sauce), Assembly
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Chicken Tacos with Herb Sauce are a vibrant and flavorful twist on taco night. Juicy chicken is paired with a creamy, herby sauce made from Greek yogurt, mayo, and fresh herbs, creating a fresh and satisfying taco experience.
Ingredients
Herb Sauce:
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3 tablespoons mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellman’s)
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3 tablespoons full-fat plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons minced shallot
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1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped parsley
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1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped cilantro
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1 small garlic clove, pressed or grated
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1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
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2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
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1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Tacos:
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1 pound cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or chopped
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8 small flour or corn tortillas
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Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, crumbled queso fresco, lime wedges
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine all herb sauce ingredients. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or vinegar if desired.
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Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave.
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Fill each tortilla with chicken, then top with a generous drizzle of herb sauce.
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Add optional toppings as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
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Herb sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated for deeper flavor.
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Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy prep.
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Pairs well with a side of rice or black beans.
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