Chicken Tacos Recipe
with organic BBQ SMOKED chicken
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Frequently paired with
The best thing to pair and share with CHICKEN TACOS
Ingredients
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Smoked BBQ Chicken
Taco Assembly
Creamy Avocado Sauce
Method
Smoked BBQ Chicken
Prepare marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together organic BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Marinate chicken
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours. If short on time, allow 10–15 minutes at room temperature to absorb flavors.
Cook chicken (smoked or stovetop)
If you have a smoker: preheat smoker to 225–250°F (107–121°C). Place marinated thighs on the smoker and smoke until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), about 1.25–1.5 hours depending on thickness. Brush additional BBQ sauce on the chicken in the last 10 minutes. If you don't have a smoker: heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tsp oil, sear thighs 3–4 minutes per side until browned, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook 8–12 minutes until internal temperature 165°F (74°C). Brush with extra BBQ sauce before removing from heat.
Rest and shred
Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5–8 minutes. Using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Toss shredded chicken with any reserved BBQ sauce to keep moist and smoky.
Creamy Avocado Sauce
Scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl or blender. Add Greek yogurt, lime juice, water, salt, and black pepper. Blend or mash until smooth and creamy, adding the teaspoon of water as needed to reach a spoonable consistency. Taste and adjust salt or lime as desired.
Taco Assembly
Assemble tacos
Place a warmed tortilla on a plate. Add about 2 oz (roughly 2–3 tbs) of shredded smoked BBQ chicken, a small handful of thinly sliced red cabbage, a drizzle (about 1 tbs) of creamy avocado sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Add pickled jalapeños if using. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Finish and serve
Serve tacos with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Offer extra BBQ sauce and avocado sauce at the table. Enjoy immediately while warm.
