Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that brings the bold flavors of Mexican-inspired grilling to your table in a fresh, delicious way. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and charred, the creamy spiced mayo adds just the right amount of zing, and the chunky avocado salsa ties everything together with refreshing brightness. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, whipping up a quick weeknight dinner, or craving something festive, this recipe delivers irresistible taste and color with every bite. Trust me, after one bite of these tacos, you’ll find yourself making them on repeat!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa is how every ingredient truly shines — each one is handpicked for maximum flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Even though this recipe keeps things simple and straightforward, every component pulls its weight and contributes something special to your finished tacos.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy, tender, and full of flavor, they’re perfect for grilling and make every bite satisfying.
• Olive Oil: Locks in moisture during grilling and helps the spices stick beautifully to the chicken.
• Cumin: Adds warm, earthy notes that instantly evoke those classic taco flavors.
• Smoked Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness that makes the chicken irresistibly aromatic.
• Chili Powder: Delivers a gentle heat without overpowering the other elements.
• Garlic Powder: Rounds out the spice mix with that beloved savory depth.
• Salt and Black Pepper: The must-have duo for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
• Lime Juice: Bright, zesty, and essential for marinating the chicken and keeping everything fresh.
• Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for that swoon-worthy spiced mayo.
• Hot Sauce: Gives just the right amount of kick to the mayo — you can use your favorite brand!
• Red Onion: Adds sharpness and crunch to the avocado salsa, balancing out the creamy elements.
• Ripe Avocados: The superstar in your salsa; they bring velvety richness that pairs perfectly with the grilled chicken.
• Fresh Tomato: Adds juiciness and a pop of summery color.
• Fresh Cilantro: For that burst of herby freshness in both the salsa and for garnish.
• Corn or Flour Tortillas: The perfect soft, warm base for building your tacos.
• Extra Lime Wedges: Because a final squeeze of lime brightens up everything on your plate.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice. Toss the chicken thighs in this fragrant marinade until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes — a little patience here is well worth it! The marinade works its magic, infusing the chicken with bold flavor and ensuring that signature tenderness.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once hot, lay the chicken down and let it sizzle away for about 5–6 minutes per side. You’re looking for those beautiful grill marks and a nice slight char. Trust your senses: the aroma will tell you it’s ready! After grilling, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. Then, slice or chop it into bite-sized pieces, setting the stage for taco perfection.

Step 3: Mix the Spiced Mayo

While the chicken grills, grab a small bowl and stir together the mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. The spiced mayo should be zesty and just a little smoky, with a subtle heat. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble the tacos — this gives the flavors a chance to come together beautifully.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

For the salsa, gently combine diced avocado, chopped red onion, diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Give it a delicate toss so the avocados keep their chunky shape. The salsa should look vibrant and inviting, with flecks of green, purple, and red. This is the freshness that brings your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa to the next level.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Toss your tortillas on the grill or briefly warm them in a skillet. This quick step wakes up their flavor and gives them some toasty character. Look for soft, slightly charred spots — they should be pliable and ready to cradle all those tasty fillings.

Step 6: Assemble the Tacos

Now comes the fun part! Spread a hearty spoonful of spiced mayo onto each warm tortilla, then pile on the juicy grilled chicken and a generous scoop of avocado salsa. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro and extra lime wedges on the side. The combination of creamy, zesty, and smoky flavors in every bite is simply unbeatable. Serve your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa immediately and enjoy the happy silence as everyone digs in!

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

Garnishes

A handful of fresh cilantro and juicy lime wedges make these tacos pop — visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkling extra cilantro over the top adds a fragrant, herby touch, while a final squeeze of lime brightens the whole experience. If you’re in the mood for extra crunch, thinly sliced radishes or a scattering of pickled onions are delicious additions.

Side Dishes

Pair your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa with classic sides like Mexican street corn, a crisp jicama slaw, or just a simple bowl of tortilla chips and your favorite salsa. Light black bean salad or cilantro-lime rice are also fantastic complements, and they make any taco night feel instantly festive.

Creative Ways to Present

For an interactive dinner, set up a taco bar! Put each component — chicken, spiced mayo, avocado salsa, garnishes, and warm tortillas — in separate bowls and let everyone build their own tacos. Or try mini taco sliders for an appetizer spread. You can even serve the grilled chicken and avocado salsa over a bed of greens for a taco salad twist. No matter how you serve them, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa always steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover grilled chicken, spiced mayo, and avocado salsa in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the tortillas or salsa from turning soggy. The chicken will stay tasty for up to three days, while the mayo and salsa are best enjoyed within two days for maximum vibrancy.

Freezing

The grilled chicken freezes exceptionally well — slice or chop it first, then pack into freezer-safe bags or containers for up to two months. Spiced mayo and avocado salsa, however, don’t freeze as kindly; mayo can change texture, and avocados tend to brown or get mushy after thawing. For best results, freeze only the chicken and make fresh salsa and mayo when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, use a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until just warmed through, or pop it in the microwave in short bursts. If heating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first. Only assemble your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa when everything is warm and ready for the freshest taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just fine in this recipe, but keep an eye on them as they tend to cook a bit quicker than thighs. Make sure not to overcook, and slice them thinly for the juiciest results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas, your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are naturally gluten-free. Double-check your hot sauce and spice blends to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten if that’s a concern.

How spicy is the spiced mayo?

It’s mildly spicy, thanks to the hot sauce and smoked paprika, but you can adjust the heat to your liking. Add more or less hot sauce depending on your spice preference, or leave it out entirely for a kid-friendly version.

Can I make any components ahead of time?

Definitely! The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance and cooked ahead of time. You can also prep the spiced mayo a day ahead. For the freshest flavor and color, make the avocado salsa close to serving time since avocados brown fairly quickly.

What toppings go best with these tacos?

Along with avocado salsa and spicy mayo, you can try toppings like shredded lettuce, pickled red onions, diced jalapeños, or queso fresco for a little cheesy kick. The real beauty of these tacos is you can tailor them to your favorite flavors!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to elevate your next taco night, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are just the ticket. With bold, balanced flavors and a super-fun assembly, they’ll win over anyone who loves vibrant, satisfying food. Give them a try — your taste buds (and your friends!) will thank you.

Print