Mexican-Inspired Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema
Juicy seasoned chicken tucked inside warm tortillas topped with a smooth avocado crema and fresh cilantro. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 medium ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup sliced radishes
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips with 2 tsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
- Step 3: While chicken cooks, prepare avocado crema by blending 1 medium ripe avocado, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing cooked chicken evenly among tortillas. Top each with 2 tbsp diced red onion, 2 tbsp sliced radishes, a spoonful of avocado crema, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mexican-Inspired Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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-Inspired 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 Mexican-Inspired 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-Inspired 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.
Is Mexican-Inspired Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
