Spiced Chicken & Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender, spiced chicken and creamy avocado crema tucked into warm corn tortillas, topped with vibrant tomato salsa. This southwestern-inspired mexican ready in about 40 minutes pairs chicken breast, olive oil, cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 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.

★ 3.5 (8 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Southwestern cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb cubed chicken breast with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; toss until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the seasoned chicken, and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup diced tomato, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 1 tbsp lime juice; set aside.
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, mash 1 avocado with 1 tbsp lime juice until smooth, then stir in 2 tbsp chopped cilantro to make the crema.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 corn tortillas in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
  6. Step 6: Assemble: spoon 1/4 cup cooked chicken onto each tortilla, top with 2 tbsp rinsed black beans, 1/4 cup corn, 2 tbsp tomato-onion mixture, and 2 tbsp avocado crema.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spiced Chicken & Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Spiced Chicken & Black Bean 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 Spiced Chicken & Black Bean 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 Spiced Chicken & Black Bean 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 Spiced Chicken & Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Crema?

Southwestern 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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