Grilled Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Char-grilled chicken marinated in smoky spices, served in warm tortillas with a cooling avocado crema and fresh garnishes. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 55 minutes pairs (6 oz each) chicken breasts, boneless, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 3, 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: 40 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 boneless chicken breasts to the marinade, coating evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado crema by blending 1 whole ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 2 tbsp water, and 2 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Remove the chicken and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  6. Step 6: Warm 6 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  7. Step 7: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken, 1 cup shredded red cabbage, 1/4 cup diced red onion, and a generous drizzle of avocado crema. Serve immediately with lime wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (40 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 Tex-Mex 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Tex-Mex 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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.

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