Spicy Southwest Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

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

Juicy chicken pieces seasoned with bold southwest spices, served in warm tortillas topped with a cooling avocado crema and fresh salsa. This mexican 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 320 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine 1 lb sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss until chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and slightly charred on edges.
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, make the avocado crema by blending 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 2 tbsp chopped cilantro in a food processor until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds each side until pliable.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by dividing the cooked chicken among the tortillas, topping with the avocado crema, and finishing with a spoonful of fresh salsa made from 1 diced tomato, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1 minced jalapeño.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 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 Spicy Southwest 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 Spicy Southwest 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 Spicy Southwest 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 Spicy Southwest 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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