Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa

Name: Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp lime juice; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt to taste; 8 small corn or flour tortillas; Lime wedges (optional)

Isabella

🌟Life, Love, and Gastronomy 🍷

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This Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa ia a juicy grilled chicken paired with creamy spiced mayo and zesty avocado salsa wrapped in warm tortillas make these tacos a vibrant and satisfying meal. Perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between bold flavors and fresh ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The combination of smoky, spiced chicken and creamy avocado salsa creates a flavorful bite in every taco.

Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy evenings.

Fully customizable with toppings and spice levels to suit everyone’s taste.

A crowd-pleaser for taco nights, family meals, or small gatherings.

Packed with fresh, wholesome ingredients for a meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 teaspoons chili powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Spiced Mayo:

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon lime juice

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

For the Avocado Salsa:

2 ripe avocados, diced

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tablespoon lime juice

Salt to taste

For Serving:

8 small corn or flour tortillas

Lime wedges (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chicken:

Mix olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.

Rub the spice mixture evenly over the chicken thighs.

Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.

Make the Spiced Mayo:

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Set aside.

Prepare the Avocado Salsa:

Combine diced avocados, red onion, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a mixing bowl. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Assemble the Tacos:

Warm the tortillas on a grill or stovetop for 10-15 seconds per side.

Fill each tortilla with sliced grilled chicken, a dollop of spiced mayo, and a generous scoop of avocado salsa.

Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for extra zest.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts or shrimp for a lighter option.

Use a store-bought salsa or guacamole if you’re short on time.

Add shredded cheese, lettuce, or pickled jalapeños for additional toppings.

Make it dairy-free by using vegan mayo for the spiced mayo.

Spice it up further with hot sauce or extra cayenne pepper in the mayo.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken, spiced mayo, and avocado salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through. Assemble fresh tacos with reheated chicken, salsa, and spiced mayo just before serving.

Related Recipes:

Apple Cranberry Coleslaw

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can grill the chicken and prepare the spiced mayo a day in advance. However, make the avocado salsa just before serving to keep it fresh.

Can I use a different protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, steak, or even tofu are excellent substitutes for chicken.

What type of tortillas work best?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well, so it depends on personal preference. Warm them before serving for the best texture.

Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?

Add more cayenne pepper to the mayo, sprinkle red pepper flakes on the chicken, or serve with a hot sauce of your choice.

Conclusion

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are a fresh and flavorful way to enjoy taco night. The smoky, tender chicken combined with the creamy and zesty toppings creates a delicious balance of textures and tastes. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply craving something vibrant and satisfying, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Give it a try and make taco night unforgettable

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