Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe

If you love vibrant flavors, fresh textures, and the irresistible charm of hand-held comfort food, these Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa will become a fast favorite. Imagine juicy, smoky chicken nestled in warm tortillas, swirled with zippy spiced mayo, and finished with a burst of creamy avocado salsa. Every bite is a celebration of bright, bold Mexican-inspired taste, perfect for laid-back weeknights or lively gatherings with friends. Trust me, you’ll want to make these tacos on repeat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I adore about Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa is how simple, fresh ingredients come together to create something seriously crave-worthy. Each component—spices, salsas, tortillas—brings its own magic to the party, blending texture and flavor in every bite.

• Chicken Thighs (1½ pounds boneless, skinless): Juicy and flavorful, thighs stay tender and soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps distribute the spices and keeps the chicken moist as it grills.
• Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds a smoky, complex depth and gorgeous color to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory flavor without overpowering.
• Ground Cumin (½ teaspoon): Brings earthiness and warmth, essential for that classic taco profile.
• Chili Powder (½ teaspoon): Adds a mild kick and a pop of color.
• Salt (½ teaspoon): Pulls all the flavors forward.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): A subtle undercurrent of heat and sharpness.
• Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base for our spiced mayo.
• Lime Juice (1 tablespoon, plus juice of 1 lime): Essential for bright, zesty acidity—used for both the mayo and salsa.
• Chipotle Chili Powder (½ teaspoon or more): Packs a smoky, spicy punch that brings the mayo to life.
• Avocados (2 ripe, diced): Offer unbeatable creamy texture for the salsa.
• Red Onion (½ small, finely chopped): Delivers sharpness and color to balance the richness.
• Jalapeño (1 small, seeded and minced): For a floral, spicy flair (adjust as you like for heat).
• Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): Infuses brightness; a must-have for salsa flavor.
• Salt (to taste): To balance and amplify the salsa.
• Corn or Flour Tortillas (8 small): Soft, warm vessels to hold all the delicious fillings.

How to Make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Slather that fragrant mixture over your chicken thighs, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is huge for locking in flavor and tenderness—marinate longer if you have time for maximum impact!

Step 2: Make the Spiced Mayo

While your chicken chills, let’s whip up the sauce that steals the show in these Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa. Simply combine mayonnaise, lime juice, and smokey chipotle chili powder in a small bowl. Stir it up until smooth and taste for spice—you can add a pinch more chipotle if you crave extra heat. Cover and set aside until ready to assemble.

Step 3: Toss Together the Avocado Salsa

For ultimate freshness, dice your ripe avocados and toss them in a bowl with finely chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, a good squeeze of lime juice, and just enough salt to make the flavors pop. Gently fold the ingredients so the avocados don’t get mushy. This salsa is best made just before serving but can be refrigerated briefly to chill.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Fire up your grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken thighs for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until deeply charred and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes—this keeps the juices inside so every bite is moist and flavorful. Slice or chop the grilled chicken for easy taco filling.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Warm your tortillas, then get ready to build the ultimate Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa. Spread a generous spoonful of spiced mayo on each tortilla, pile on the juicy grilled chicken, and crown each with a scoop of that irresistible avocado salsa. Serve right away, and watch them disappear!

How to Serve Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle extra chopped cilantro, a few thinly sliced radishes for crunch, or even some pickled onions for sweet-tangy zing over your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa. A wedge of lime on the side lets everyone brighten up their own taco just the way they like it.

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with sides that enhance the meal without stealing the spotlight—think classic Mexican rice, black beans, or a light corn and tomato salad. Chips and salsa or guac are perfect for nibbling while the tacos are being devoured!

Creative Ways to Present

Having a crowd? Lay out all the components and let guests build their own custom Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa. Or, for a playful presentation, serve the tacos open-faced on a platter with all the toppings arranged in colorful piles. Mini taco shells also make a fun appetizer version for parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra chicken or salsa, store each component separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, while the avocado salsa is best enjoyed within 24 hours to keep it vibrant and fresh.

Freezing

The marinated or grilled chicken freezes beautifully—simply cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Wait to make the salsa and mayo until just before serving, as the fresh ingredients don’t hold up well to freezing.

Reheating

To reheat leftover chicken, gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Once hot, assemble your tacos with fresh tortillas, spiced mayo, and new avocado salsa for a meal that tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While thighs are more forgiving and stay super juicy, sliced chicken breast works well—just take care not to overcook so it remains tender.

What’s the best way to ripen avocados quickly?

If your avocados are rock-hard, tuck them in a paper bag with a banana or apple for a day or two. The natural ethylene gas speeds up ripening for perfect salsa avocados in no time.

Can I make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa ahead for a party?

Definitely! Marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time, then gently reheat and serve with freshly made spiced mayo and avocado salsa just before your guests arrive for optimum taste and texture.

Are these tacos gluten-free?

Yes, if you use corn tortillas, your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa will be entirely gluten-free, making them a delicious choice for everyone at the table.

What other toppings work well with these tacos?

Shredded lettuce, crumbled queso fresco, or even a drizzle of hot sauce can elevate these tacos even further—feel free to make them your own with all your favorite taco fixings!

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving something fresh, bold, and downright fun to eat, give Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa a try. They’re guaranteed to bring a burst of sunshine to any meal and will have everyone reaching for another. Let me know how you make yours extra special!

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