Zesty Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers Recipe

Crafting these crispy teriyaki chicken tacos sparks an instant craving for bold, zesty flavors that dance across your palate.

Tender chicken gets coated in a glossy, sweet-savory glaze that promises pure deliciousness.

Crunchy tortillas provide the perfect vessel for this mouthwatering fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisines.

Cool, creamy sesame cucumbers add a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, caramelized protein.

Vibrant green onions and toasted sesame seeds bring additional texture and visual appeal to each bite.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with this simple yet stunning recipe.

Let’s jump into a culinary adventure that will make everyone at the table cheer.

FAQs For Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but thighs provide more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.

• Is an Instant Pot necessary for this recipe?

No, you can use a slow cooker or oven. For stovetop, cook chicken in a covered skillet with teriyaki sauce until tender, then proceed with crisping.

• How spicy are these tacos?

The recipe has mild heat from chili crunch and sweet chili sauce. You can adjust spice levels by reducing or omitting chili ingredients for a milder version.

• Are these tacos gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce, tortillas, and verify ingredient labels to make this recipe completely gluten-free.

Why Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers Hit The Spot

• Burst with Flavor Combinations: Exciting blend of teriyaki chicken, creamy sesame cucumbers, and crunchy toppings creates a taste explosion that dances across your palate.
• Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: Instant Pot and broiling technique transform simple ingredients into restaurant-quality tacos without complex culinary skills.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Flexible recipe allows easy ingredient swaps, making it perfect for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with different toppings and textures.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal Sensation: Delivers maximum taste with minimal effort, guaranteed to impress family and friends with its vibrant flavors and stunning presentation.

What You’ll Need For Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that becomes the star of these flavorful tacos.

• Teriyaki Sauce: Provides a sweet and savory glaze for the chicken.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy kick to the dish.

• Greek Yogurt, Mayonnaise: Create a rich and creamy base for the cucumber sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: Brings a light, tangy brightness to the dressing.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty and aromatic flavor to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Chili Crunch: Provides a spicy and crunchy element to the dressing.
• Fresh Herbs: Add a fresh and vibrant note to the cucumber sauce.

• Tortillas: Soft, warm base for holding the crispy chicken and toppings.
• Cucumbers: Provide a cool and crisp texture to the tacos.
• Avocado: Adds creamy richness and healthy fats.
• Crushed Peanuts, Sesame Seeds: Offer a crunchy and nutty topping for extra texture.

Making Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

Step 1: Marinate and Cook Chicken

Place chicken thighs in an Instant Pot. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Pour teriyaki sauce over the chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.

Allow natural or quick release after cooking.

Step 2: Create Cucumber Sauce

• Yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Rice vinegar
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chili crunch
• Salt

Slice cucumbers and toss with the prepared dressing.

Set aside some sauce for later drizzling.

Step 3: Transform Chicken into Crispy Perfection

Shred the cooked chicken and spread on a lined baking sheet.

• Teriyaki sauce
• Sweet chili sauce

Broil for 3-6 minutes, watching carefully to achieve caramelized and crispy texture without burning.

Step 4: Build Flavor-Packed Tacos

Warm tortillas over a gas flame or in the oven/microwave for slight charring.

• Crispy teriyaki chicken
• Creamy sesame cucumbers
• Avocado slices
• Crushed peanuts
• Sesame seeds

Finish with a drizzle of reserved cucumber sauce for an extra flavor punch.

Best Tips To Try For Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

• Opt for chicken thighs to ensure maximum tenderness and juiciness in your tacos, as they remain more moist compared to chicken breasts.
• Adjust broiling time carefully to prevent burning, watching the chicken closely to achieve perfect caramelization without charring.
• Use fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to enhance the cucumber dressing, adding brightness and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives by substituting regular teriyaki sauce with tamari and using gluten-free tortillas for a celiac-friendly version.
• Swap yogurt with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt to make the cucumber sauce vegan-friendly and accommodate different dietary needs.

Fun Swaps For Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

• Asian Fusion Chicken Tacos: Swap teriyaki sauce with Korean gochujang for a spicier, more intense flavor profile. Top with kimchi and green onions for added Korean authenticity.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace tortillas with crisp butter lettuce leaves. Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Use Greek yogurt dressing with za'atar spice. Replace peanuts with crumbled feta cheese and add fresh mint leaves for a Mediterranean touch.
• Vegetarian Taco Adaptation: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or roasted jackfruit. Marinate protein in teriyaki sauce and follow the same broiling technique for caramelized texture.

What Pairs Well With Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

• Savor Flavor-Packed Pairings: Japanese Beer Harmony: Crisp Japanese lagers like Sapporo or Asahi perfectly complement the sweet-savory teriyaki chicken, cutting through the richness with refreshing carbonation.
• Cool Sake Companion: Chilled junmai sake balances the spicy chili crunch and creamy cucumber sauce, offering a smooth counterpoint to the taco's bold flavors.
• Tropical Citrus Mocktail Magic: Craft a zesty pineapple-ginger mocktail with fresh lime juice that echoes the Asian-inspired taco profile, providing a bright, tangy contrast to the caramelized chicken.

Ways To Store Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers

• Refrigerate: Store shredded chicken and cucumber sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and dressing in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Freeze: Wrap chicken tightly in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. Freeze teriyaki chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheat: Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle with a tablespoon of water to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Oven Reheat: Spread chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with extra teriyaki sauce.

Crispy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 34 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy teriyaki chicken tacos dance with zesty Asian-inspired flavors, promising a delightful culinary adventure. Creamy sesame cucumbers and perfectly glazed chicken create an irresistible fusion that beckons you to savor each mouthwatering bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 8 small flour tortillas (6-inch, fajita-sized)
• 1 large English cucumber or 3–4 Persian cucumbers
• 1 avocado

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon chili crunch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds

Garnish and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions, mint)
• 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
• Kosher salt
• Fresh cracked pepper

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Instructions

1. Marinate chicken thighs with salt and pepper in teriyaki sauce inside an Instant Pot, ensuring complete coverage.
2. Pressure cook chicken at high setting for 10 minutes, allowing natural or quick pressure release afterwards.
3. Create cucumber sauce by whisking yogurt, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch, and salt in a mixing bowl.
4. Gently fold sliced cucumbers and fresh herbs into prepared sauce, reserving some dressing for final taco garnish.
5. Carefully shred cooked chicken and spread evenly on a lined baking sheet.
6. Enhance chicken’s flavor by drizzling additional teriyaki and sweet chili sauce across shredded meat.
7. Caramelize chicken under broiler at high temperature for 3-6 minutes, monitoring closely to prevent burning and achieve crispy texture.
8. Warm tortillas over direct gas flame or using oven/microwave for slight char and flexibility.
9. Construct tacos by layering crispy teriyaki chicken, cucumber sauce, avocado slices, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds.
10. Finish by drizzling reserved sauce over assembled tacos for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Pressure Cooking Mastery: Instant Pot transforms tough chicken thighs into tender, flavorful meat that absorbs teriyaki sauce beautifully, ensuring juicy results every time.
• Broiling Brilliance: Watch chicken closely during caramelization to achieve perfect crispy edges without burning, creating textural contrast in each bite.
• Customization Flexibility: Swap chicken thighs with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian version, or use lettuce wraps instead of tortillas for low-carb alternative.
• Sauce Control: Adjust sweet chili and teriyaki sauce quantities to balance sweetness and tanginess according to personal preference, making the recipe adaptable to different taste profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 19 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Asian-Mexican Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg