Grilled Chipotle-Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Smoky chipotle-marinated grilled chicken served in warm corn tortillas topped with a bright avocado and tomato salsa for a fresh, vibrant taco. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 30 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, fresh lime juice, minced garlic cloves 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 6, 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- 2 peppers, minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 3 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 12, warmed corn tortillas
- 1 large, diced ripe avocado
- 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 small, seeded and diced jalapeño
- 4 lime wedges
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 minced chipotle peppers in adobo, 3 tbsp fresh lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1.5 tsp salt to create a marinade. Add 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill marinated chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and edges are slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
- Step 3: Toss 1 large diced avocado, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 1 diced seeded jalapeño in a bowl to make avocado salsa.
- Step 4: Assemble tacos by placing slices of grilled chicken on 12 warmed corn tortillas, topping each with a spoonful of avocado salsa and serving with lime wedges on the side.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Chipotle-Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Chipotle-Spiced 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 Grilled Chipotle-Spiced 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 Grilled Chipotle-Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). 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 Grilled Chipotle-Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?
Mexican chicken 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.
