Quick Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce

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

Juicy sautéed chicken strips topped with a creamy avocado cilantro sauce served in warm corn tortillas for a fresh taco meal. This mexican ready in about 20 minutes blends olive oil, chili powder, ground cumin 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 350 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 1 lb sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts with 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and sauté for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden brown on the edges.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare the avocado cilantro sauce by blending 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp water, and 1 small chopped jalapeño (if using) until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 corn tortillas wrapped in foil in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes or heat individually in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked chicken strips evenly among the warm tortillas, then drizzling with the avocado cilantro sauce. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Quick Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

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 Quick Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

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 Quick Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce 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 Quick Chicken Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Sauce?

Mexican mexican 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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