Mexican Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Tender chicken tacos filled with fresh avocado crema, lime, and cilantro. This mexican-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs chicken breast, tortillas, avocado for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.4 (12 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) and the meat is no longer pink. Transfer to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before shredding with two forks until tender and slightly chunky. Tip: Resting the chicken ensures the juices redistribute, keeping it moist when shredded.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mash 1 avocado with a fork until smooth, then stir in 50ml crema, the juice of 1 lime, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro. Mix until the sauce is thick but pourable, with no lumps. Tip: Use a fork to mash the avocado gently—overmixing can make it too runny.
  3. Step 3: Warm the tortillas by placing them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or microwave them in a damp paper towel for 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: Spoon 1/4 of the shredded chicken onto each tortilla, then add 1 tbsp of the avocado crema, followed by 1/4 of the remaining avocado, sliced into thin rounds. Top with additional cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a sprinkle of chopped onion if desired. Fold the tortillas in half or roll them tightly to serve. Tip: For extra richness, add 1 tbsp crumbled queso fresco just before folding, but avoid high heat to prevent clumping.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Mexican Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Mexican 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 chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Mexican 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 Mexican 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 Mexican 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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