Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in chili and lime, nestled in warm tortillas and topped with a fresh avocado salsa for a vibrant taco night. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 55 minutes blends boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chili powder, ground cumin into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 tsp salt to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 2 diced ripe avocados, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tsp lime zest in a bowl. Gently toss to make avocado salsa.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Slice grilled chicken thinly and assemble tacos by placing chicken slices in tortillas and topping with generous spoonfuls of avocado salsa. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

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 Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa 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 Chili-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Mexican tacos & burritos 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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