Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with creamy sesame cucumbers

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If “Teriyaki Chicken Tacos” doesn’t already have your mouth watering, just wait until you hear about the creamy sesame cucumbers, the caramelized chicken, and that final drizzle of tangy-sweet dressing. This is not your average taco night, friend. This is what happens when comfort food meets fresh flavor—and it’s easier than you think.

These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers are my go-to when I want to wow the family without spending hours in the kitchen. They’re packed with juicy, sticky chicken, crunchy cool cucumbers, and a burst of herby goodness in every bite. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, impressing friends, or just need something ridiculously delicious after a long Tuesday—you’re in the right place.

Why You’ll Love These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

You know those recipes that look fancy but secretly take minimal effort? Yep, this is one of them. Here’s why I think you’ll be making these on repeat:

Instant Pot magic. Juicy, fall-apart chicken in just 10 minutes? Yes, please.
Shortcut-friendly. Premade teriyaki sauce and store-bought chili crunch keep things simple and stress-free.
Cool + creamy meets sweet + spicy. The cucumber salad is a game-changer—it cools things down while adding flavor and crunch.
Perfect for leftovers. These tacos store well and taste even better the next day (hellooo, meal prep win).

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break it down. Most of this stuff you probably already have in your fridge or pantry:

For the Chicken:

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, if that’s what’s in the freezer)
Teriyaki sauce – I love SoyVay’s “Veri Veri Teriyaki”
Sweet chili sauce – adds that sticky-sweet caramelization
Salt + pepper for seasoning

For the Creamy Sesame Cucumber Salad:

Persian or English cucumbers, thinly sliced
Plain Greek yogurt – thick and tangy
Mayo – adds creaminess (you only need a bit!)
Seasoned rice vinegar – for a little tang
Sweet chili sauce – for sweetness and depth
Toasted sesame oil – flavor bomb
Chili crunch – optional, but adds a gentle kick
Fresh herbs – cilantro, mint, green onions
Salt, to taste
Sesame seeds – stirred in and sprinkled on top

For Assembly:

6-inch flour tortillas
Avocado slices
Extra creamy dressing (saved from earlier)
Crushed peanuts (optional but amazing)

How to Make Teriyaki Chicken Tacos (Step-by-Step)

1. Cook That Chicken

Season both sides of your chicken thighs with a generous pinch of kosher salt and cracked pepper. Toss them into your Instant Pot with 1/3 cup of teriyaki sauce. Give everything a little stir so each piece is nice and saucy.

Set your Instant Pot to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes, seal it up, and let it do its thing.

2. Creamy Sesame Cucumbers, Baby!

While the chicken’s cooking, thinly slice your cucumbers and toss them in a big bowl. In another bowl, whisk together:

Greek yogurt
Mayo
Rice vinegar
Sweet chili sauce
Toasted sesame oil
Chili crunch
Salt

Pour the dressing over the cucumbers and toss with chopped herbs. Don’t forget to save a couple spoonfuls of dressing for later—you’ll thank me.

3. Shred & Sizzle

Once the Instant Pot beeps, quick release the pressure (or natural release if you’re multitasking). Shred that chicken with two forks—it should fall apart like a dream.

Spread the shredded chicken on a baking sheet, drizzle with an extra 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce and 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, then broil it for 3–6 minutes until it’s crispy and caramelized. Keep a close eye—broilers are feisty!

4. Tortilla Time

Warm your tortillas. I like to put them straight on the gas burner for a little char (and drama), but a pan or even the microwave works just fine.

5. Assemble the Magic

Now comes the best part: stacking your tacos. Here’s how I do mine:

Start with your warm tortilla.
Add a generous scoop of crispy teriyaki chicken.
Spoon on the creamy cucumber salad.
Add avocado slices.
Drizzle with the extra dressing you saved (you’re a hero).
Sprinkle with sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, and more fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Cooking Tips & Swaps

No Instant Pot? You can simmer the chicken on the stovetop in a covered pan with teriyaki sauce until tender (about 25–30 minutes).
Chicken breast works too, but thighs are juicier and more forgiving.
Don’t love spice? Skip the chili crunch and add a little honey to the cucumber dressing.
Make it low-carb: Serve the chicken and cucumbers over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with creamy sesame cucumbers, garnished with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sauce on flour tortillas. — Bold and fresh Teriyaki Chicken Tacos loaded with creamy sesame cucumbers and crunchy toppings—your new weeknight favorite!

Quick FAQ About Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

Can I make Teriyaki Chicken Tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! The chicken and cucumber salad both store beautifully. Keep them separate and assemble tacos when you’re ready to eat.

Can I use a different sauce?

Totally. If teriyaki’s not your thing, try Korean BBQ sauce or hoisin for a different vibe.

What tortillas work best?

I love 6-inch flour tortillas for their soft texture, but corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps work if you need a gluten-free option.

Conclusion

Teriyaki Chicken Tacos are the perfect way to shake up your dinner routine. They’re fast, flavorful, and guaranteed to earn you compliments from everyone at the table—even the picky eaters. Whether it’s taco Tuesday or just a random Thursday night, this recipe brings bold flavor with very little fuss. Trust me, once you try that cucumber dressing, there’s no going back.

Now go heat up that Instant Pot and let’s make some taco magic!

More Flavorful Ideas to Try After These Teriyaki Chicken Tacos

If these Teriyaki Chicken Tacos with Creamy Sesame Cucumbers sparked some serious taco night magic in your kitchen, you’re going to love exploring even more flavor-packed recipes from Chicken Magic! Here are a few delicious options that pair perfectly with your taco-loving taste buds and keep the dinnertime excitement going strong:

Craving more taco inspiration? You’ve got to check out these Shredded Chicken Tacos with Creamy Chimichurri—fresh herbs and bold sauces bring serious wow factor.
For a tropical twist, try the One-Pan Chicken and Pineapple Tacos—they’re easy, sweet, savory, and the perfect way to shake up your routine.
Need something you can prep ahead or bring to a summer BBQ? The BBQ Chicken Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleasing, make-ahead winner.
And if you loved the sticky-sweet element of today’s dish, the Grilled Hot Honey Chicken will be your next obsession—crispy edges, sweet heat, total satisfaction.

These flavorful faves are just a click away, so go ahead and dive in! There’s a whole world of chicken deliciousness waiting for you.