Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole Tacos

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

Soft corn tortillas filled with smoky chipotle-marinated chicken, fresh guacamole, and crisp shredded lettuce for a flavorful taco experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 37 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice 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 350 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: 25 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless chicken thighs (cut into 1-inch strips), 2 tbsp minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare guacamole by mashing 1 ripe avocado in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1/4 cup diced red onion, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro until combined.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing a few chicken strips on each tortilla, topping with 2 tbsp guacamole and 2 tbsp shredded iceberg lettuce.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately with lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole Tacos take to make?

Total time is about 37 minutes (25 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole Tacos?

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 Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole Tacos?

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 Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole Tacos 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 Chipotle Chicken and Guacamole Tacos?

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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