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Crispy Pressed Smash Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

Four delicious Smash Chicken Tacos topped with red cabbage slaw, cilantro, and a creamy green sauce, served on a white plate.
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Make flavorful, crispy smashed chicken for tacos using a simple pressing method. This recipe includes a zesty avocado crema topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon cumin
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 small corn or flour tortillas
  • For Avocado Crema: 1 ripe avocado, 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon lime juice, pinch of salt
  • For Toppings: Shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Combine paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works well) over medium-high heat.
  3. Place two or three seasoned chicken thighs in the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
  4. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over the chicken. Place a heavy, flat object (like another heavy skillet or a foil-wrapped brick) on top of the parchment paper to press the chicken flat.
  5. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes while pressing, until the bottom is deeply browned and crispy.
  6. Remove the weight and parchment paper. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  7. While chicken cooks, prepare the crema: Combine avocado, sour cream, lime juice, and salt in a food processor or blender. Blend until completely smooth.
  8. Warm the tortillas by heating them briefly in a dry skillet or directly over a low gas flame until pliable.
  9. Shred or roughly chop the crispy smashed chicken pieces.
  10. Assemble the tacos: Layer the smashed chicken onto the warm tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of avocado crema, and a sprinkle of cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

  • To achieve the best smash texture, use a heavy pan to apply firm, even pressure during the initial searing phase.
  • If you do not have a heavy press, you can pound the chicken thin before seasoning and cooking, though the texture will be less ‘smashed’ and more ‘flattened’.
  • For extra flavor, add a dash of hot sauce to the avocado crema mixture.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/smash-chicken-tacos-recipe/