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Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

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These teriyaki chicken tacos are a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors. Packed with tender, caramelized chicken and refreshing sesame cucumbers, this dish is a flavor explosion perfect for taco night!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Creamy Cucumbers:

  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp mayo
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tsp chili crunch
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 cup fresh herbs, finely minced (cilantro, green onions, and/or mint)
  • ½ tsp sesame seeds
  • 1 large English cucumber (or 34 Persian cucumbers), thinly sliced

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Pinches of salt and pepper
  • ⅓ cup + ¼ cup teriyaki sauce
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

For Serving:

  • 8 6-inch flour tortillas, warmed
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • ¼ cup crushed peanuts
  • Sesame seeds

Instructions

  • Prepare the Chicken (Part One):
    • Season chicken thighs with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides.
    • Place the chicken in an Instant Pot and add ⅓ cup teriyaki sauce, ensuring the chicken is well coated.
    • Seal the lid, set the Instant Pot to sealing, and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
  • Make the Creamy Cucumbers:
    • Thinly slice cucumbers (use a mandolin for even slices).
    • In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayo, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch, and salt until smooth.
    • Toss the cucumbers and fresh herbs in the dressing. Reserve a few tablespoons of dressing to drizzle on the tacos.
  • Prepare the Chicken (Part Two):
    • Once cooked, release the pressure naturally or quickly.
    • Remove the chicken and shred it using tongs, forks, or your fingers.
    • Place shredded chicken on a lined baking sheet. Preheat the oven to broil.
    • Drizzle the chicken with the remaining ¼ cup teriyaki sauce and 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
    • Broil for 3–6 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, until the chicken is crispy and caramelized with dark edges.
  • Assemble the Tacos:
    • Warm tortillas by charring lightly over a gas flame, or in the oven or microwave.
    • Layer each tortilla with:
      • A portion of crispy teriyaki chicken
      • Creamy sesame cucumbers
      • Sliced avocado
      • A drizzle of reserved dressing
      • Crushed peanuts and sesame seeds
  • Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side, and enjoy the sweet and savory goodness of these teriyaki tacos!

Notes

Feel free to substitute chicken breasts for thighs, though thighs provide more flavor and juiciness. You can also use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for a different texture.

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