Charred Chicken Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Grilled chicken with smoky charred edges paired with a cooling yet spicy avocado crema, tucked inside warm corn tortillas. This mexican-inspired sandwiches & wraps ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, chili powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt. Mix thoroughly and let marinate for 15 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until charred at edges and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a blender, combine 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 small seeded jalapeño, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. Assemble tacos by dividing the sliced chicken evenly among tortillas and drizzling with the spicy avocado crema. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Charred Chicken Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Charred Chicken Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Charred Chicken Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Charred Chicken Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Charred Chicken Tacos with Spicy Avocado Crema?

Mexican sandwiches & wraps like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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