Grilled Citrus-Marinated Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender grilled chicken marinated in zesty citrus and spices, served in warm corn tortillas with a fresh avocado salsa for a vibrant Mexican street food experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 55 minutes blends boneless, skinless chicken breasts, freshly squeezed orange juice, freshly squeezed 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 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade. Add 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts and coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: 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 has nice grill marks. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  3. Step 3: While chicken rests, prepare avocado salsa by combining 1 large diced avocado, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, 1 minced small jalapeño, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing sliced grilled chicken among tortillas and topping each with 2 tbsp avocado salsa. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the tacos.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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 Citrus-Marinated 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 Citrus-Marinated 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 Grilled Citrus-Marinated 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.