Step into a world of vibrant flavors with my Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa. This dish is a harmonious fusion of bold spices, tender chicken, and a luscious avocado salsa that will transport your taste buds on a global culinary adventure. Get ready to indulge in a meal that’s both comforting and craveable, with every bite delivering a burst of smoky, zesty goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
These tacos are the perfect balance of bold, smoky flavors and fresh, creamy textures. The chipotle-marinated chicken is juicy and tender, while the avocado salsa adds a cool, bright contrast that will have your taste buds dancing. Plus, it’s a recipe that’s easy to customize and perfect for feeding a crowd, making it a go-to choice for any taco night or casual gathering. Get ready to wow your family and friends with this flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
The key ingredients for these Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa are boneless, skinless chicken thighs, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, avocados, lime juice, cilantro, and a variety of aromatic spices. Together, they create a harmonious blend of smoky, zesty, and creamy flavors that will elevate your taco experience.
- 1 lb – boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2-3 tbsp – chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 2 – avocados, diced
- 1 – lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup – chopped cilantro
Ingredient Substitutions
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: 1 tsp smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne pepper (similar smoky, spicy profile)
- Sour cream: plant-based alternative (for a dairy-free option)
How to Make Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
Begin by marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, and oregano. This will infuse the meat with a delightful smoky-spicy profile. While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado salsa by dicing the avocados, onion, and tomatoes, then tossing them with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Step 1: Prep Work
Begin by marinating the chicken in a flavorful mixture of chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic, cumin, and oregano. This will infuse the meat with a delightful smoky-spicy profile. While the chicken marinates, prepare the avocado salsa by dicing the avocados, onion, and tomatoes, then tossing them with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side. Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Warm the tortillas according to package instructions, then build your tacos by layering the shredded chipotle chicken, avocado salsa, and a dollop of sour cream or crumbled cotija cheese. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a vibrant, fresh touch.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Corn tortillas: Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a more authentic Mexican flavor.
- Protein swaps: Experiment with different proteins, such as ground beef or shredded pork.
- Crunchy toppings: Add some crunch with thinly sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, or toasted pepitas.
- Extra heat: Feel free to add a few extra chopped chipotle peppers to the salsa for a spicier kick.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: warm tortillas, additional avocado salsa, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Storage: Store the shredded chicken and avocado salsa separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the tacos just before serving for maximum freshness.
Reheat: The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop. The salsa is best served at room temperature or chilled.
Make-Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and the salsa can be prepared a day ahead. Just store the components separately until ready to assemble.
Nutrition Information
These Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa are a nutritious and balanced meal, providing a good source of protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the avocado, and a variety of vitamins and minerals from the fresh produce. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 25 grams of protein, 20 grams of fat, and 30 grams of carbohydrates.
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25 g
- Carbs: 30 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to grill the chicken?
To ensure juicy, tender chicken, I recommend marinating the thighs for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours) before grilling. This will help the meat stay moist and flavorful. When grilling, be sure to use medium-high heat and flip the chicken only once during cooking.
Can I make this recipe in the oven?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To amp up the heat, you can add extra chopped chipotle peppers to the marinade or the avocado salsa. You can also serve the tacos with a side of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños for those who want an extra kick.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components in advance. The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours ahead, and the avocado salsa can be made a day in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble and serve the tacos.
What are some good toppings to add to these tacos?
In addition to the avocado salsa, you can top the tacos with shredded cabbage or lettuce, diced onion, crumbled queso fresco, a drizzle of crema or sour cream, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
Try These Next
- smoky chipotle bacon tacos with avocado salsa
- spicy chipotle chicken tacos with avocado cream
- smoky chipotle street tacos with crispy bacon slaw
Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🌍 Global Flavors & Street Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Smoky Chipotle Chicken Tacos are bursting with flavor, topped with a fresh avocado salsa for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Ideal for a quick weeknight meal or a fun get-together!
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken breast, diced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 2 tablespoons chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 small corn tortillas
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
– Lime wedges, for serving
Avocado Salsa:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 small red onion, diced
– 1 jalapeño, minced (optional)
– 1 lime, juiced
– Salt, to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. In a bowl, combine diced chicken, olive oil, chipotle in adobo, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
3. 2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken mixture for 7-10 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly charred.
4. 3. While the chicken cooks, prepare the avocado salsa by combining diced avocados, red onion, jalapeño (if using), lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Gently mix to combine.
5. 4. Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
6. 5. Assemble the tacos by placing a portion of the chicken on each tortilla, topping with avocado salsa, and garnishing with fresh cilantro.
7. 6. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking.
– You can substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein option.
– These tacos are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: tacos, chicken, chipotle, avocado