If you’re craving a meal that’s gorgeously colorful, exploding with lively flavors, and just plain fun to eat, you need to put Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa at the very top of your list. These tacos are a celebration in every bite: smoky grilled chicken, creamy spiced mayo with a little kick, and a super-fresh avocado salsa all bundled into a warm tortilla. It’s a dinner that feels like a party, whether you’re serving friends on Taco Tuesday or just treating yourself to a special night in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of simple, everyday ingredients transform into the irresistible layers of taste and texture in these tacos. Every component has a role to play: bold spices for the chicken, creamy elements for the mayo, and bright, crisp veggies for the salsa. Here’s what you’ll need to make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa a reality in your kitchen:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and perfect for grilling, thighs hold up to bold seasonings and deliver maximum flavor.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and keeps everything moist on the grill.
- Ground Cumin: Brings an earthy, toasty note that’s classic in taco seasoning.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky depth, enhancing both the chicken and the spiced mayo.
- Garlic Powder: Lends savory punch without overpowering the mix.
- Chili Powder: Just enough heat to wake up your tastebuds, without scorching them.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out every flavor—don’t skimp on this one!
- Black Pepper: A dash of sharpness to round out the seasoning blend.
- Corn or Flour Tortillas: Choose your favorite for the perfect vessel—small ones are ideal for handheld bites.
- Ripe Avocado: Creamy and buttery, this is the star of your vibrant salsa.
- Tomato: Juicy, sweet, and colorful, tomatoes make the salsa sing.
- Red Onion: Adds crunch and a punchy little zip in every bite.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Brightens everything up and keeps your avocado salsa fresh and lively.
- Fresh Cilantro: Infuses the salsa with a burst of herbaceous freshness—skip if it’s not your jam.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your spicy spread—it mellows out the heat and ties everything together.
- Hot Sauce: Pick your favorite for a just-right spicy backbone in the mayo.
- Extra Smoked Paprika (for Mayo): Amplifies the smokiness in your spread for even more flavor.
- Lime Wedges: Finishing touch for squeezing over the tacos right before digging in.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This vibrant spice blend is what gives your chicken its irresistible flavor. Toss the chicken thighs until they’re evenly coated, then cover the bowl and let them chill out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to several hours if you have extra time). This brief rest lets all those gorgeous spices soak in—totally worth it for juicy, tasty chicken!
Step 2: Mix the Spiced Mayo
While the chicken’s soaking up flavor, quickly whisk together the mayonnaise, hot sauce, and a touch more smoked paprika in a small bowl. This creamy, smoky-spicy spread will be layered onto your tortillas for a pop of flavor and a cooling contrast to the grilled chicken. Feel free to adjust the hot sauce levels to match your heat preference—go bold, or keep it mellow!
Step 3: Make the Avocado Salsa
In another bowl, combine the diced avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro. This chunky salsa is bright, fresh, and oh-so-satisfying—each ingredient brings something essential and delicious. Give it a gentle toss, taste for seasoning, and set it aside. If you love extra heat, this is the perfect place to toss in some chopped jalapeño, too.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay on the marinated chicken thighs and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they’re cooked through and have those beautiful charred marks. The aroma will make it almost impossible to wait! Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling, then slice it into strips or bite-size chunks—it stays super juicy this way.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
While the chicken’s resting, quickly warm your tortillas one by one on the grill or in a hot, dry skillet. Just a minute or so is all they need to become pliable and slightly charred—this little step makes a huge difference in flavor and texture!
Step 6: Assemble Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa
Now for the best part: assembly! Spread a generous schmear of spiced mayo on each warm tortilla, pile on that juicy grilled chicken, then crown it with plenty of avocado salsa. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing and watch as everyone dives in—these tacos are irresistible right away.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa
Garnishes
When serving Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa, extra touches make them even more delicious and vibrant. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, sliced radishes, or a few quick-pickled onions can all add sparkle, crunch, and color to the finished tacos. And of course, don’t forget the lime wedges for that final, juicy zing!
Side Dishes
There are so many ways to round out your taco feast! Classic sides like Mexican street corn (elote), black beans, or a tangy cabbage slaw work beautifully with the flavors in Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa. Even a light watermelon salad or tortilla chips with salsa makes a casual, perfect pairing for these summery tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your taco night a step further by serving everything “DIY” style—set out platters of grilled chicken, bowls of spiced mayo, avocado salsa, warm tortillas, and all your favorite garnishes so guests can build their own perfect tacos. Or try mini taco shells for a playful appetizer spread. However you present them, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are sure to steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (a big if!), store the chicken, salsa, and spiced mayo in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken stays juicy for up to 3 days, while the salsa is best eaten within a day or so—avocado browns quickly, but a squeeze of lime helps preserve the color.
Freezing
The grilled chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Slice or chop it before freezing for convenient, quick taco nights down the road. Salsa and spiced mayo are best made fresh, as the textures change after freezing—so save those for the day you plan to serve.
Reheating
To reheat chicken for your next taco craving, a quick flash in a hot skillet with a touch of oil revives the flavor and keeps it juicy. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry the chicken out. Once hot, assemble your tacos as before and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work if you prefer a leaner option, but thighs really shine in this recipe since they’re naturally juicier and more flavorful after grilling. If using breasts, keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
How spicy are Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa?
The heat level is mild to moderate as written, but totally customizable. Add more hot sauce to the mayo, toss diced jalapeño into the salsa, or keep it mild for sensitive palates—these tacos flex to your liking.
Can I make the spiced mayo dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap regular mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based alternative and you’ll have a dairy-free version of the spiced mayo that still brings creamy, tangy, and spicy goodness to your tacos.
What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
The grill or a hot, dry skillet is your best friend for warming tortillas. Just a quick turn on each side until soft and lightly charred makes them so much tastier than microwaving—and keeps them from cracking or getting soggy.
Can I prep Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa in advance for a party?
You bet! Marinate and grill the chicken ahead of time, mix your spiced mayo, and chop the salsa veggies (add avocado right before serving to prevent browning). Everything’s ready to go for a fast, festive assembly line at party time.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll roll up your sleeves and welcome these Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa into your own kitchen—they’re my personal go-to when I want a meal that’s equal parts comforting and exciting. From the smoky chicken to the zippy salsa, every bite is guaranteed to brighten your dinner table. Give them a try and let them bring a fiesta of flavor to your next meal!
Print
Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Tender, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection and paired with a creamy spiced mayo and a fresh avocado salsa for a mouthwatering meal.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 8 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 small tomato, diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for mayo)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss chicken thighs in the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Spiced Mayo: Mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, and smoked paprika in a bowl.
- Make the Avocado Salsa: Combine avocado, tomato, red onion, lime juice, and cilantro in a separate bowl.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Assemble Tacos: Warm tortillas, spread spiced mayo on each, add chicken strips, and top with avocado salsa. Serve with lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, add jalapeños to the avocado salsa.
- Thighs provide more flavor and juiciness compared to chicken breasts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
