Two-Player Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A lively taco recipe perfect for sharing, featuring spiced grilled chicken and a zesty avocado salsa that balances creamy and tangy flavors. This mexican-inspired game day ready in about 30 minutes pairs (about 12 oz) chicken breasts, olive oil, 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 3, 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.

★ 4.3 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 3 Mexican cuisine 320 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI →

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly over 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz total).
  2. Step 2: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside has nice grill marks; then remove and let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While chicken rests, prepare the avocado salsa by dicing 1 medium ripe avocado and mixing it with 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, and 1 small minced jalapeño. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips and warm 6 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side until pliable and slightly toasted.
  5. Step 5: Assemble tacos by placing a few slices of the spiced chicken on each tortilla and topping with 2-3 tbsp of the avocado salsa. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Two-Player Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa 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 Two-Player Spiced 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 (about 12 oz) chicken breasts from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Two-Player Spiced 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 Two-Player Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Two-Player Spiced Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa?

Mexican game day 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.

What others are saying

Related recipes