Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

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These Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos are a perfect combination of bold flavors and textures. Tender, citrus-marinated chicken is paired with gooey cheese and baked in corn tortillas until crispy. Topped with a creamy, refreshing avocado cilantro lime sauce, these tacos bring an explosion of flavor to your taco night, making it a meal your family will love.

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Why You’ll Love These Tacos

• Crispy & Delicious: Baked to perfection for a crispy bite and melty cheese.
• Flavorful Chicken: Marinated in a zesty citrus blend that enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
• Easy to Make: Perfect for weeknight dinners, these tacos come together in 50 minutes.
• Taco Night Elevated: The avocado cilantro lime sauce adds a creamy, fresh contrast to the savory tacos.

Ingredients

For the Tacos:

• 1 ½ lb chicken thighs (boneless & skinless): Provides juicy, tender meat that shreds easily.
• 2 oranges (juiced): Adds a tangy sweetness to the marinade.
• 2 limes (juiced): Brightens the flavors with a citrus kick.
• 3 garlic cloves (minced): Adds aromatic richness to the marinade.
• 1 jalapeno (deseeded & finely chopped): For a mild heat and extra flavor.
• 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped): A fresh, herbaceous note.
• 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to carry the flavors and tenderize the chicken.
• 1 tsp chili powder: Adds depth and smokiness.
• 1 tsp oregano: Gives an earthy, slightly bitter contrast.
• 1 tsp cumin: Provides a warm, savory flavor.
• 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• ½ tsp pepper: A bit of heat and seasoning.
• 8 large corn tortillas: Perfect for stuffing and folding.
• ⅓ red onion (chopped): Adds crunch and a bit of sharpness.
• 2 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend): For a gooey, melty texture.

For the Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce:

• 2 medium avocados: Creamy base for the sauce.
• 1 garlic clove: Enhances the freshness of the sauce.
• ⅓ cup cilantro (chopped, leaves & stems are fine): Freshness and brightness.
• 2 tbsp lime juice: To add tang and balance.
• ¼ tsp garlic salt: For a mild garlic flavor.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce

1. Blend Ingredients:
   • In a food processor, combine the avocados, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and garlic salt.
   • Blend until smooth and creamy.
   • Refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the tacos.

2. Marinate the Chicken

1. Mix Marinade:
   • In a large bowl, combine orange juice, lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, cilantro, olive oil, chili powder, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate Chicken:
   • Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
   • Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes to 8 hours (do not exceed 8 hours, as the citrus will start to “cook” the chicken).

3. Bake the Chicken

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Spray a large baking dish with cooking spray.
   • Place the marinated chicken in the dish (discard the marinade).
   • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Shred Chicken:
   • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and shred it with a fork. Set aside.

4. Prepare the Tacos

1. Preheat Oven for Tacos:
   • Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
2. Soften Tortillas:
   • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the tortillas on the pan.
   • Spray them with cooking spray and flip them over.
   • Bake for 2-3 minutes just to soften the tortillas enough to fold over.
3. Assemble Tacos:
   • Remove the tortillas from the oven.
   • On one side of each tortilla, layer cheese, shredded chicken carnitas, chopped red onion, and a little more cheese.
   • Fold the tortilla over the filling and press down gently to secure.
4. Crisp the Tacos:
   • Place the assembled tacos back in the oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tortillas are crispy.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Remove the tacos from the oven and serve immediately with the avocado cilantro lime sauce on the side or drizzled on top.

Cooking Tips

1. Marinate Chicken for Flavor:
   • The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be, but avoid marinating for more than 8 hours.
2. Crispy Tortillas:
   • Soften tortillas just enough to fold over the filling without breaking.
3. Oven Variations:
   • Oven temperatures may vary, so start checking your tacos at 10 minutes to prevent burning.

Customization Options

Extra Veggies:

• Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or corn to your tacos for extra texture and flavor.

Protein Variations:

• Swap the chicken for shredded beef, pork, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

Spice It Up:

• Add a little extra jalapeno or a drizzle of hot sauce if you like heat.

Serving Suggestions

• Side Dishes:
  • Serve these tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a simple salad.
• Taco Bar:
  • Set up a taco bar with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for a fun family dinner.

Storage & Reheating

1. Storage:
   • Store leftover chicken carnitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
   • Keep the avocado cilantro lime sauce in a separate container, as it can brown over time.
2. Reheating:
   • Reheat the chicken in a skillet with a splash of water until warm. For crispy tacos, reheat in the oven until the tortillas crisp back up.

These Crispy Chicken Carnitas Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Sauce are a flavorful and satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends. With their crispy edges and juicy, marinated chicken, they’re perfect for taco night or any time you want a quick and delicious dinner.