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Teriyaki Chicken Tacos


  • Author: Martha
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos are a delicious fusion of savory and sweet flavors, combining the tender juiciness of grilled chicken with the bold richness of teriyaki sauce. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and honey, then grilled to perfection.

 

The tacos are served in soft tortillas, topped with fresh ingredients like shredded cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime to add a refreshing contrast. For extra flavor, you can drizzle more teriyaki sauce on top and add a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These tacos are a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors, ideal for a quick dinner or a fun, flavorful meal with friends.


Ingredients

Scale

Here’s everything you need to make these tasty Teriyaki Chicken Tacos:

For the Teriyaki Chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (halal chicken)
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

For the Tacos:

  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas (ensure they are halal-certified)
  • 1 cup shredded cabbage or lettuce (optional)
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for some heat)

Ingredient Highlights

  • Halal Chicken: The chicken is the star of this dish, offering a tender and juicy base that absorbs the sweet and savory teriyaki marinade beautifully.
  • Teriyaki Sauce: This sauce combines soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil for the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors.
  • Avocado: Adding avocado brings a creamy texture and subtle flavor that balances the sharpness of the other toppings.
  • Cilantro and Lime: These fresh ingredients add a burst of freshness and brightness, making every bite of taco feel refreshing and light.1

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

  1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and grated ginger until well combined. If you want a thicker sauce, dissolve the cornstarch in water and add it to the marinade.
  2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken and seal the bag or cover the dish. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Cook the Chicken:

  1. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade for later) and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  2. Simmer the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Allow it to cook for 3-5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If you used cornstarch, the sauce should thicken to a syrup-like consistency.
  3. Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.

Assemble the Tacos:

  1. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas on a dry skillet or in the microwave for a few seconds to make them more pliable.
  2. Add the Chicken: Place a few slices of teriyaki chicken in the center of each tortilla.
  3. Top the Tacos: Top the chicken with shredded cabbage or lettuce, sliced avocado, diced tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro. Sprinkle with a little lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  4. Drizzle with Sauce: Drizzle the thickened teriyaki sauce over the assembled tacos, ensuring the chicken and toppings are well-coated.
  5. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds (if using) and chili flakes for a bit of spice. Serve immediately.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 30g