Ready to level up your taco night? Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa is a fresh, flavor-packed twist on a weeknight favorite. Each bite bursts with the char of marinated grilled chicken, creamy and tangy spiced mayo, and a vibrant avocado salsa that keeps things light and bright. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for friends, families, or anyone craving something colorful, satisfying, and easy enough to make even on a busy weeknight. Taco lovers, this one’s for you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list might look simple, but don’t let that fool you—each one adds its own magic to Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa. From the smoky marinade to that zippy salsa, every element is carefully chosen to create a harmony of bold flavors and juicy textures.
- Chicken (1 lb boneless skinless breasts or thighs): Thighs add extra juiciness, but either cut will work beautifully for tender, flavorful bites.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices cling to the chicken and keeps it moist on the grill.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat and rich color to the marinade.
- Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): Earthy and warm, cumin is key to authentic taco flavor.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a delicious hint of smokiness that mimics real grill-char.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the marinade with savory depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for drawing out the chicken’s flavor.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a peppery kick without overpowering the other spices.
- Lime juice (juice of 1 lime): Brightens everything up and tenderizes the chicken.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): The creamy base for the spiced mayo, turning up the comfort factor.
- Extra lime juice for mayo (1 tablespoon): Helps make the sauce pop with fresh citrus notes.
- Hot sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Choose your favorite for a personalized level of heat.
- Chili powder for mayo (1/4 teaspoon): Dials up the flavor in the creamy sauce.
- Pinch of salt (for mayo): Just a touch to balance out the tangy and spicy notes.
- Ripe avocado (1, diced): Creamy and rich, avocado adds luscious texture to the salsa.
- Small tomato (1, diced): Sweet and juicy, tomato keeps the salsa lively and colorful.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely chopped): Adds crunch and a mild bite.
- Fresh cilantro (1 tablespoon, chopped): Infuses the salsa with herbal brightness.
- Lime juice for salsa (juice of 1 lime): Keeps the avocado vibrant and boosts the salsa’s zesty qualities.
- Salt to taste (for salsa): Enhances and balances all the fresh flavors.
- Small corn or flour tortillas (8): The humble but essential vessel for piling on all these vibrant fillings.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Coat the chicken generously in this bold marinade, making sure every piece is fully covered. Let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes—just enough time to allow the spices and lime to tenderize and flavor the meat. This little pause is key: it transforms ordinary chicken into the juicy star of your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa.
Step 2: Whip Up the Spiced Mayo
While the chicken soaks up all those smoky flavors, mix up the spiced mayo. Simply combine the mayonnaise, extra lime juice, hot sauce, chili powder, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Give it a quick stir until smooth, then pop it in the fridge. This mayo couldn’t be easier, but it packs a punch—creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of fiery.
Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa
Now for the salsa! In a medium bowl, gently toss together the diced avocado, tomato, finely chopped red onion, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Stir just enough to combine—no need to mash the avocado completely, as you want those juicy chunks throughout. Set this aside so the flavors can mingle. It’s the freshest topper for Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa you’ll ever taste.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once it’s good and hot, grill the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until each piece is beautifully charred and the juices run clear. If you’re using thicker cuts, give them a smidge more time. When done, let the chicken rest on a plate for a few minutes, locking in all those savory juices before slicing thinly.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
You can’t have perfect tacos if the tortillas are cold! Warm them in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. A little heat makes them flexible, soft, and totally ready to cradle every delicious layer.
Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos
Now comes the fun part. Smear a swoop of spiced mayo onto each tortilla, lay a few slices of grilled chicken on top, and finish it all with a generous spoonful of the avocado salsa. Serve your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa immediately—trust me, these beauties disappear fast!
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa
Garnishes
Take your tacos to the next level by adding colorful toppings. Try a sprinkle of cotija cheese, shredded lettuce for crispness, or a handful of quick-pickled jalapeños for a tangy punch. A dash of extra cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime brings out the brightness in the salsa and amplifies the overall freshness of Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa.
Side Dishes
For a well-rounded meal, pair these tacos with easy sides like Mexican rice, black beans, chipotle-roasted corn, or a simple cabbage slaw. These accompaniments add extra color to your table and soak up every bit of flavor, making your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa feel like a fiesta.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd or just want to impress, arrange all the fillings in bowls and let everyone build their own tacos. Setting up a DIY taco bar with plenty of extra salsa, spiced mayo, and colorful garnishes turns dinner into a lively, interactive event. For a more elegant touch, stack tacos on a wooden plank and garnish each with lime wedges and cilantro for that irresistible, restaurant-style look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover grilled chicken and spiced mayo can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Store the avocado salsa separately as it’s best eaten fresh, but if you have any left, squeeze in extra lime to prevent browning. Keep tortillas sealed at room temperature for maximum freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer bags, label, and be sure to squeeze out any extra air. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating. Mayo sauces and avocado salsa don’t freeze well, so whip up those fresh when you’re ready for your next round of Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa.
Reheating
For the juiciest results, reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth. Microwave is fine in a pinch—just cover loosely to keep it from drying out. Warm the tortillas fresh, assemble with new salsa and spiced mayo, and your leftovers will taste just as good as day one.
FAQs
Can I make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa ahead of time?
Definitely! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead, and even grill it the day before serving. The spiced mayo holds up well in the fridge, too. Just make the avocado salsa just before serving for the freshest taste and color.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries at all. Use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even your oven’s broiler to cook the marinated chicken. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and beautiful caramelization, ensuring Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are always within reach.
Can I use another type Main Course
Absolutely! This recipe is ultra flexible. Try it with grilled shrimp, steak, or even portobello mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian option. The marinade and toppings are so tasty that they complement all sorts of fillings.
Are these tacos gluten-free?
As long as you use corn tortillas, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are totally gluten-free. Always check your labels to be sure and you’re set for a crowd-friendly meal!
How spicy are these tacos?
The heat level is completely adjustable. Use a milder chili powder or hot sauce to keep things gentle, or add more for extra kick. That’s the beauty of customizing at home—your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa can be as fiery or as mild as you like!
Final Thoughts
Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again—bursting with color, bursting with flavor, and incredibly easy to pull together. Grab your favorite toppings, gather some friends, and let taco night shine!
Print
Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are a delicious and healthy option for taco night. Tender grilled chicken is seasoned with a flavorful marinade, then paired with a zesty spiced mayo and creamy avocado salsa. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner that the whole family will love!
Ingredients
For the chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lime
For the spiced mayo:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- pinch of salt
For the avocado salsa:
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1 small tomato (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
- juice of 1 lime
- salt to taste
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Coat the chicken with the marinade and let it rest for 15–30 minutes.
- Prepare the spiced mayo: Mix the mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, chili powder, and salt in a bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make the avocado salsa: Combine avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Set aside.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest before slicing.
- Assemble the tacos: Warm tortillas, spread with spiced mayo, add chicken, top with avocado salsa. Serve.
Notes
- Add shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, or pickled jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- The chicken and sauces can be made a day ahead for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
