Spiced Mexican Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken simmered in smoky chipotle sauce, served with zesty avocado crema and warm corn tortillas. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken thighs, chipotle in adobo, large diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

★ 4.6 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1.5 lbs chicken thighs and cook for 5 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, sauté 1 large diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves for 3 minutes. Stir in 2 tbsp chipotle in adobo, 2 diced tomatoes, and 1/4 cup crema. Cook for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  3. Step 3: Return the chicken to the skillet, add 1 tbsp water, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is tender and the sauce is rich.
  4. Step 4: For the avocado crema: mash 1 avocado with 1/4 cup crema, juice of 1 lime, and salt to taste. Serve warm chicken and sauce in corn tortillas, topped with avocado crema and additional lime.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 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 thighs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spiced 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 Spiced 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 Spiced Mexican Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema?

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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