Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken marinated in tequila and lime juice, topped with a zesty avocado salsa, wrapped in warm corn tortillas for a vibrant Mexican-inspired meal. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 85 minutes blends boneless chicken thighs, tequila, fresh lime juice 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup tequila
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 diced ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 seeded and minced jalapeño
- 2 tbsp for salsa fresh lime juice
- 1/4 tsp for salsa salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup tequila, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp salt to form a marinade.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Grill marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Step 4: To prepare avocado salsa, combine 1 diced ripe avocado, 1/4 cup diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 minced seeded jalapeño, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl. Stir gently to combine.
- Step 5: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill or stovetop until pliable. Fill each tortilla with sliced chicken and top with a spoonful of avocado salsa. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (70 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?
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 Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?
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 Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa 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 Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?
Mexican tacos & burritos 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.
