Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken seasoned with smoky spices, served in warm tortillas topped with fresh avocado crema and crunchy slaw. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 35 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, olive oil, chili powder 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mix evenly over 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts.
  2. Step 2: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, toss 2 cups shredded red cabbage with 2 tbsp lime juice and a pinch of salt to make a fresh slaw.
  4. Step 4: To prepare the avocado crema, blend 1 ripe avocado, 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, and 2 tbsp water in a blender or food processor until smooth and creamy.
  5. Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly charred.
  6. Step 6: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken, a spoonful of cabbage slaw, and a drizzle of avocado crema onto each tortilla. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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 Spicy Tex-Mex 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 Tex-Mex 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 Tex-Mex 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 Tex-Mex 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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