Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa

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

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 taco and burrito recipe, ready in about 85 minutes, pairs boneless chicken thighs, tequila, fresh lime juice 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: 70 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb boneless chicken thighs to the marinade, coating thoroughly, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

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). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Tequila-Lime Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.

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.

Related recipes