Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Soft corn tortillas filled with spiced grilled chicken and topped with a smoky chipotle salsa and fresh cilantro for a vibrant Tex-Mex experience. This mexican-inspired tacos & burritos ready in about 40 minutes blends pound boneless skinless chicken thighs, olive oil, chili powder 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 320 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.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chipotle salsa by blending 2 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, and 1/4 cup finely diced red onion until smooth with some texture.
  3. Step 3: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred.
  4. Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Slice the grilled chicken into strips and assemble each tortilla with chicken slices and 2 tbsp smoky chipotle salsa. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (25 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Smoky Chipotle 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.

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