Smoked Chicken Tacos Recipe: 3 Tips for Making Tacos

For the dry rub:

• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons black pepper
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

For the chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the guacamole:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus more if needed
• 2 tablespoons diced red onion
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves and stems
• 1 chile pepper such as serrano, poblano, or jalapeño, diced
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

For serving:

• 12 corn tortillas, warmed
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ½ small red onion, diced
• 12 lime wedges
• Hot sauce (optional)

Note: Total time does not include 10 minutes of inactive time.

1. 1

   Preheat a smoker to 250 degrees Fahrenheit according to the manufacturer’s directions.

2. 2

   In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, kosher salt, and ground cumin and set it aside.

3. 3

   Using paper towels, pat the chicken thighs dry.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with the dry rub and olive oil until well coated.

5. 5

   Place the chicken on the preheated grill and smoke until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh reaches 175 degrees Fahrenheit, about 2 hours.

6. 6

   Remove the chicken thighs from the grill and allow them to rest on a large cutting board for 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Using clean hands or two forks, pull the chicken thighs apart to shred the meat.

8. 8

   Scoop the flesh of the avocados into a medium bowl and mash with a fork or potato masher until combined but still slightly chunky.

9. 9

   Add the lime juice, red onion, cilantro, diced hot pepper, and salt, and stir to combine. Taste and season with additional salt and lime juice if needed.

10. 10

    Assemble the tacos by topping the warm tortillas with shredded smoked chicken followed by guacamole, cilantro, and red onion. Serve with lime wedges and hot sauce on the side.

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