Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Spiced Avocado Crema
Soft corn tortillas filled with seasoned grilled chicken and topped with a creamy avocado sauce spiced with cumin and lime for a zesty twist. This mexican-inspired mexican ready in about 30 minutes pairs pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin (for crema)
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1 small, seeded and finely chopped (optional) jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice blend evenly over 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Step 3: To make the avocado crema, blend 1 ripe avocado, 2 tbsp lime juice, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until pliable.
- Step 5: Assemble tacos by layering sliced chicken, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, and a spoonful of avocado crema. Add 1 small finely chopped jalapeño if desired for heat, then serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Spiced Avocado Crema take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Spiced 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 chili powder from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Spiced 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Spiced 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 Tex-Mex Chicken Tacos with Spiced 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.