These Grilled Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a burst of flavor in every bite! Tender, smoky grilled chicken paired with a creamy, tangy avocado salsa makes for a light yet satisfying meal. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend get-together, these tacos are quick, fresh, and packed with delicious ingredients that everyone will love.
Key Information
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Number of Servings: 4 servings (3 tacos per person)
- Serving Size: 3 tacos per person
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fat: 18g
(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary based on toppings and portions.)
Ingredients List
For the Grilled Chicken
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 breasts)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Avocado Salsa
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup (75g) diced tomato
- 1/4 cup (60g) red onion, finely chopped
- 1 jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped (optional for spice)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Tacos
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup (50g) crumbled queso fresco (or shredded cheddar cheese)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Detailed Method of Preparation
Marinate the Chicken:
In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes if you have more time.Prepare the Avocado Salsa:
While the chicken is marinating, make the avocado salsa. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocados, tomato, red onion, jalapeño (if using), cilantro, and lime juice. Gently toss everything together, being careful not to mash the avocados. Season with salt and pepper to taste.Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.Warm the Tortillas:
While the chicken is resting, warm the tortillas on the grill for 30 seconds on each side or heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute until they’re warm and pliable.Assemble the Tacos:
Place the warmed tortillas on a serving platter. Evenly distribute the grilled chicken slices among the tortillas. Top each taco with a generous spoonful of the avocado salsa, crumbled queso fresco, and a few fresh cilantro leaves.Serve:
Serve the tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of freshness. Enjoy with your favorite salsa, hot sauce, or a side of rice and beans!
Tips for Culinary Success
Use Boneless, Skinless Thighs for Extra Juiciness:
For even juicier chicken, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. They are more forgiving on the grill and packed with flavor.Adjust the Spice:
If you like your tacos spicier, add more jalapeño to the avocado salsa or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.Make Ahead:
The avocado salsa can be made ahead of time, just make sure to cover it tightly to prevent browning. If you’re meal prepping, you can also grill the chicken in advance and slice it when ready to serve.Perfect Tortillas:
To prevent your tortillas from falling apart, warm them just before assembling the tacos. This softens them and makes them more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
A: While you can prepare the avocado salsa and marinate the chicken in advance, it’s best to grill the chicken and assemble the tacos just before serving to ensure the chicken stays juicy and the tortillas don’t get soggy.
Q: What if I don’t have a grill?
A: If you don’t have a grill, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat. Just cook each side for 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I use other toppings?
A: Absolutely! You can add toppings like sour cream, salsa verde, pickled onions, or even a little shredded lettuce for extra crunch.
Q: Can I make these tacos gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just use gluten-free corn tortillas or any other gluten-free tortillas, and the recipe will be completely gluten-free.