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Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce Delight

Discover Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce for a gluten-free family dinner that's quick and delightful.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Marinating Time 8 hours
Total Time 9 hours 40 minutes
Servings: 4 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs Can substitute with chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup orange juice Freshly squeezed preferred
  • 1/4 cup lime juice Freshly squeezed preferred
  • 4 cloves garlic Minced
  • 1 each jalapeno Deseeded for milder spice
  • 1/4 cup cilantro Chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can replace with neutral oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder Adjust to taste
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
For the Tacos
  • 8 each corn tortillas Naturally gluten-free
  • 1/2 cup red onion Diced
  • 1 cup grated cheese Cheddar or Mexican blend
For the Avocado Sauce
  • 2 each ripe avocados
  • 2 cloves garlic For sauce
  • 1/4 cup cilantro For sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice For sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt Adjust to taste

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • oven
  • Food processor
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Marinating and Cooking Chicken
  1. Clean the chicken thighs and place them in a large mixing bowl. Combine orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, diced jalapeno, chopped cilantro, olive oil, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated chicken thighs in a greased baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
  3. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Preparing Avocado Sauce
  1. While the chicken is baking, combine ripe avocados, additional minced garlic, chopped cilantro, lime juice, and garlic salt in a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Assembling Tacos
  1. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange corn tortillas in a single layer. Lightly bake for 2-3 minutes until pliable.
  2. Fill each tortilla with a layer of grated cheese, shredded chicken, diced red onion, and more cheese before folding.
  3. Place the assembled tacos back on the baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes until crispy and golden.
  4. Serve hot with avocado sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tacoCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Adjust marination and cooking times according to your taste and oven performance.

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