Griddled Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, marinated chicken grilled and served on warm tortillas, topped with a smoky chipotle salsa that adds a spicy kick. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 55 minutes blends boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, 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 320 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 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tsp salt. Mix well and marinate for 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  3. Step 3: For the salsa, toss together 1/2 diced red onion, 1 medium diced tomato, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and mix until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill pan for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken on the warm tortillas and topping with the smoky chipotle salsa. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Griddled Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Griddled Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Griddled Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Griddled Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Griddled Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle Salsa?

Mexican mexican 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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