Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in bright citrus juices and spices, served in warm corn tortillas topped with a smooth avocado crema for a refreshing Cinco de Mayo taco. This mexican-inspired cinco de mayo ready in about 30 minutes pairs boneless skinless chicken thighs, orange juice, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup orange juice, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade, turning to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and chicken is nicely charred.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 large ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, 1 tsp lime zest, and 2 tbsp water in a blender until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas on the grill for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
  6. Step 6: Slice grilled chicken into strips and divide evenly among tortillas. Drizzle with avocado crema and serve immediately with extra lime wedges if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with 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 orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Mexican cinco de mayo 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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