Make Tangy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers Recipe

Tacos take an unexpected twist with this mouthwatering teriyaki chicken recipe that blends Japanese and Mexican flavors perfectly.

Sweet and savory teriyaki chicken brings an incredible punch to these tacos.

Tender chicken marinates in a rich, glossy sauce that caramelizes beautifully when cooked.

Crisp cucumbers add a cool, creamy contrast that balances the warm spices and meat.

Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and tangy notes that dance across your palate.

The sesame cucumber topping provides a refreshing crunch that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Unleash your inner chef and prepare to be amazed by these irresistible tacos that will become a new favorite in your recipe collection.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breast, but thighs are more flavorful and tender. Just adjust cooking time to prevent drying out.

• Is an Instant Pot necessary for this recipe?

No, you can cook chicken in a slow cooker or oven. If using stovetop, cook chicken in sauce until tender and shred.

• How spicy are these tacos?

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

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and tortillas. Double-check ingredient labels to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Why Teriyaki Chicken Tacos Hit the Spot

• Craft Homemade Delicacy: Transform ordinary quince into a luxurious, golden spread that feels like a gourmet treasure you've personally created.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Requires just a few simple ingredients like quince, honey, and lemon juice, making it a straightforward recipe for anyone wanting to explore preserving.
• Versatile Breakfast Companion: Spread this rich, sweet marmalade on toast, scones, or use as a glaze for pastries, adding a sophisticated touch to your morning routine.
• Preserve and Enjoy: Allows you to store your culinary creation for months, giving you a delightful homemade treat ready whenever you crave a burst of fruity sweetness.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Chicken Taco Night

• Chicken Thighs: Tender and flavorful meat that serves as the main protein for the tacos.

• Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce: Provide a sweet and tangy flavor profile to the chicken.
• Kosher Salt, Freshly Cracked Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural taste.

• Tortillas: Soft, warm vehicles for holding the delicious chicken and toppings.
• Avocado: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the tacos.
• Crushed Peanuts, Sesame Seeds: Crunchy toppings that provide additional texture and nutty flavor.

• Greek Yogurt, Mayonnaise: Creamy base that creates a smooth and rich dressing.
• Rice Vinegar, Sesame Oil, Sweet Chili Sauce: Ingredients that add complexity and tanginess to the dressing.
• Chili Crunch: Spicy condiment that brings heat and additional texture.

• Cucumbers: Crisp vegetable that provides a refreshing element to the tacos.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds brightness and aromatic quality to the dish.

• Salt: Helps to balance and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Steps to Build Teriyaki Chicken Tacos Easily

Step 1: Kickstart the Chicken Prep

Generously coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides. This initial seasoning will build a flavor foundation for your delicious tacos.

• Chicken thighs
• Kosher salt
• Freshly cracked pepper

Step 2: Instant Pot Magic

Transfer seasoned chicken into the Instant Pot and lavish it with teriyaki sauce, making sure every inch gets coated. Seal the lid and pressure cook on high for 10 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavors.

• Teriyaki sauce

Step 3: Cucumber Cream Dream

Slice cucumbers paper-thin using a mandolin for uniform delicateness. Whip together a creamy sauce by blending yogurt, mayo, vinegar, sweet chili sauce, sesame oil, chili crunch, and salt until silky smooth.

• Cucumbers
• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Rice vinegar
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sesame oil
• Chili crunch
• Salt
• Fresh herbs

Step 4: Chicken Transformation

After cooking, release Instant Pot pressure. Shred chicken using tongs or forks into tender pieces.

Spread on a baking sheet and prepare for broiling.

Step 5: Caramelize and Crisp

Drench shredded chicken with additional teriyaki and sweet chili sauce.

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

Step 6: Tortilla Warm-Up

Gently char tortillas over a gas flame or warm in the oven or microwave until pliable and slightly toasted.

Step 7: Taco Assembly Extravaganza

• Crispy teriyaki chicken
• Creamy sesame cucumbers
• Sliced avocado
• Dressing drizzle
• Crushed peanuts
• Sesame seeds

Step 8: Dive Into Deliciousness

Serve immediately with extra dressing on the side. Savor the explosion of sweet, tangy, and crispy flavors in every bite!

Notes for Juicy Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Use a mandolin for cucumber slices to ensure even thickness and consistent texture in every bite.
• Adjust chili crunch or omit it completely for a milder version that suits sensitive palates.
• Broiling after shredding creates crispy caramelized edges, enhancing the overall flavor and mouthfeel.
• Prepare chicken and cucumber sauce in advance, storing separately to quickly assemble tacos when ready to eat.
• Swap regular teriyaki sauce for gluten-free versions and use corn tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

Tasty Variations for Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

• Vegan Jackfruit Tacos: Replace chicken with shredded jackfruit, marinate in teriyaki sauce, and roast until crispy for a plant-based alternative.
• Salmon Teriyaki Tacos: Swap chicken with grilled salmon fillets, keeping the same teriyaki glaze and creamy cucumber sauce for a seafood version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce and corn tortillas to make the recipe celiac-friendly while maintaining the original flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace tortillas with large butter lettuce leaves, creating a lighter, carb-conscious meal that still delivers bold teriyaki flavors.

What to Eat With Chicken Tacos Tonight

• Craft Asian-Inspired Beverage Pairings: Light Japanese beer or crisp sake perfectly complements the sweet and savory teriyaki flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
• Elevate with Tropical Cocktails: Craft a pineapple-ginger mojito that mirrors the teriyaki's tropical sweetness and adds a zesty kick to match the taco's complexity.
• Refresh with Non-Alcoholic Options: Sparkling green tea or a cucumber-mint lemonade provides a cool, clean counterpoint to the rich, caramelized chicken and creamy sesame dressing.
• Balance with Citrus Coolers: Yuzu-infused spritzer or a mandarin orange sparkling water offers a bright, tangy complement that enhances the taco's layered flavor profile.

Keeping Teriyaki Chicken Tacos Fresh and Hot

• Store leftover chicken and cucumber dressing separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent soggy ingredients.
• Seal shredded teriyaki chicken in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months for future quick meals.
• Warm chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating and prevent dryness, adding a splash of teriyaki sauce to maintain moisture.
• Quickly reheat chicken in a hot skillet with a drizzle of sauce, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes to restore crispy edges and prevent overcooking.

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos With Creamy Sesame Cucumbers Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling teriyaki chicken tacos bring Asian-inspired flavors dancing across your plate with zesty cucumber coolness. Crisp tortillas cradle tender marinated chicken, promising a mouthwatering fusion that delivers bold, fresh excitement in every delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 chicken

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup (59 milliliters) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) toasted sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) chili crunch
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) sesame seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) salt

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large English cucumber (or 3–4 Persian cucumbers)
• 1 cup fresh herbs (cilantro, green onions, and/or mint)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) rice vinegar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Generously coat chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both surfaces for robust flavor infusion.
2. Transfer seasoned chicken into Instant Pot, completely cover with teriyaki sauce, ensuring uniform coating.
3. Securely seal Instant Pot lid, activate high-pressure cooking mode for precisely 10 minutes.
4. After cooking cycle completes, allow pressure to dissipate naturally or expedite manual release.
5. Extract chicken and meticulously shred using kitchen tongs or dual forks into delicate strands.
6. Arrange shredded meat onto parchment-lined baking sheet, preheating broiler simultaneously.
7. Lavishly drizzle additional teriyaki and sweet chili sauces over chicken, thoroughly tossing for comprehensive coverage.
8. Position baking sheet under broiler, monitoring closely for 3-6 minutes until edges caramelize and crisp develops.
9. Prepare cucumber accompaniment by thinly mandolining vegetable into translucent rounds.
10. Craft creamy dressing by vigorously whisking yogurt, mayonnaise, vinegar, chili sauce, sesame oil, and seasoning until silky.
11. Gently fold cucumber slices and fresh herbs into prepared dressing, reserving minimal sauce for final garnish.
12. Warm tortillas using direct flame, oven, or microwave method for optimal flexibility.
13. Construct tacos by layering crispy teriyaki chicken, cucumber medley, avocado slices, reserved dressing, crushed peanuts, and sesame seeds.
14. Serve immediately alongside extra dressing, inviting diners to savor complex flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version that maintains the same delicious teriyaki flavor profile.
• Reduce cooking time in Instant Pot by 2-3 minutes for more tender chicken if you prefer less caramelization.
• Keep extra dressing refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, perfect for salad topping or dipping sauce.
• Use low-sodium teriyaki sauce to control salt intake without compromising taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 38 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 2 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 3 mg