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Crispy Pressed Smash Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

Crispy Pressed Smash Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

Make crispy, flavorful smashed chicken for tacos topped with zesty avocado crema.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4 tacos
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Cast iron pan
  • Blender
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs pounded thin
  • 2 tablespoons 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

Avocado Crema

  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 0.5 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 pinch salt

Toppings

  • shredded cabbage
  • chopped cilantro
  • lime wedges

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a bowl, toss the pounded chicken thighs with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  • Heat a large, heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Place two or three seasoned chicken pieces in the hot pan, ensuring they do not overlap.
  • Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over the chicken. Place a heavy, flat object (like another heavy pan or a foil-wrapped brick) on top of the parchment paper to press the chicken flat.
  • Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is deeply browned and crispy.
  • Remove the weight and parchment paper. Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until cooked through and the second side is crispy. Remove chicken and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
  • While chicken cooks, prepare the crema: Blend avocado, sour cream or yogurt, lime juice, and salt until smooth. Add a teaspoon of water if the mixture is too thick.
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a low gas flame until pliable and slightly charred.
  • Roughly chop the smashed chicken pieces.
  • Assemble the tacos: Layer the chopped smashed chicken onto the warm tortillas. Top with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of avocado crema, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

Notes

Use a sturdy spatula to scrape the chicken from the pan to keep the crispy crust intact when flipping. For the best smash, pound the chicken thighs to an even ¼-inch thickness before seasoning. If you do not have a heavy press, use two metal spatulas to press down firmly on the chicken while it cooks.

Nutrition

Serving: 3tacosCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 40gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 450mgFiber: 5gSugar: 3g
Keyword avocado crema, chicken tacos, Dinner, easy tacos, low fat, smashed chicken
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