Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are the edible embodiment of summer’s best flavors, all tucked into a warm tortilla. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, a cool and zesty avocado salsa, and a hint of smoky heat in a luscious spiced mayo—every bite is a little party for your senses. This taco recipe is a frequent request in my home, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it on repeat for weeknights, fiestas, or just when you crave something fresh and spectacular. Let’s turn your kitchen into the best taco spot in town!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these simple, everyday ingredients come together to create such vibrant, delicious tacos! Each one plays an important role—think juicy chicken, creamy avocado, spicy mayo, and that essential squeeze of lime to tie it all together.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 ½ lbs): The perfect cut for juicy, flavorful grilled chicken that won’t dry out on the grill.
Olive oil (2 tbsp): Helps the spices stick and keeps the chicken luscious and tender.
Ground cumin (1 tsp): Adds an earthy, bold note that’s absolutely essential for authentic taco flavor.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp for chicken, ½ tsp for mayo): Brings rich smokiness to both the marinade and the creamy sauce.
Chili powder (½ tsp): Lends just the right amount of heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Garlic powder (½ tsp for chicken, ¼ tsp for mayo): A savory anchor that boosts depth in both the marinade and mayo.
Salt (½ tsp for chicken, plus to taste for mayo and salsa): Highlights all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
Black pepper (¼ tsp): Adds subtle heat and complexity.
Lime juice (juice of 2 limes total: 1 for chicken, 1 for salsa and mayo): Adds brightness and tang that brings the whole taco to life.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the irresistible spiced mayo.
Hot sauce (1 tsp): Feel free to use your favorite for customizable levels of spicy punch.
Ripe avocados (2, diced): The star of the salsa, providing creaminess and a mellow flavor.
Red onion (1 small, finely chopped): Gives the salsa crunch and a mild bite.
Tomato (1 small, diced): Adds vibrant color and sweet juiciness to the salsa.
Fresh cilantro (¼ cup chopped, plus extra for garnish): Pops with fresh, herby brightness in both the salsa and as an optional flourish on top.
Corn or flour tortillas (8 small): Your edible vehicle—choose whichever you love most (corn for gluten free!).
Extra lime wedges: For squeezing over everything just before digging in.

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

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and fresh lime juice in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss them until fully coated—this marinade is what gives the chicken its irresistible flavor. Let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to soak up all those bold, zesty spices. If you can plan ahead, a longer marinate means even deeper flavor!

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Fire up your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Lay the marinated chicken thighs on the hot grates and let them sizzle away for 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’re looking for a sizzling char on the outside and juicy doneness within. Once they’re cooked through, let them rest for about 5 minutes—this keeps all that flavor-packed juice locked in. After resting, slice or chop the chicken into perfect taco-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Spiced Mayo

While the chicken’s grilling, whip up the creamy spiced mayo. In a small bowl, blend the mayonnaise, lime juice, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until smooth. This sauce is the flavor secret weapon, adding a smoky, spicy, tangy kick to every taco. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble!

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

In a separate bowl, gently combine your diced ripe avocados, chopped red onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, and just the right touch of salt and pepper. Stir carefully to keep the avocados chunky—this salsa is equal parts creamy and zippy, bringing freshness to balance the boldness of the chicken and mayo.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Give your tortillas that irresistible, just-grilled warmth by tossing them on the grill or using a hot skillet for 30 seconds on each side. When tortillas are warm and pliable, filling and folding them becomes so much easier—and they taste even better.

Step 6: Assemble Your Tacos

Spread each warm tortilla with a generous spoonful of spiced mayo, then layer on the sliced grilled chicken and a hearty scoop of avocado salsa. Garnish with extra cilantro and a squeeze of lime for that final, fresh touch. These Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are ready to take center stage at your table!

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

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes really make these tacos sing. Top your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa with sprigs of cilantro and plenty of lime wedges. If you’re feeling fancy, scatter some thinly sliced radishes or pickled onions for extra color, crunch, and zing. The right garnish can elevate each bite, so let your tastebuds (and eyes!) decide.

Side Dishes

Round out your taco night with classic sides like Mexican street corn, a tangy cabbage slaw, or cilantro-lime rice. Black beans or refried beans are always a hearty, flavorful pairing as well. Want to keep things light? Serve a fresh green salad tossed with lime vinaigrette for a zesty, healthy accompaniment that keeps the meal crisp and colorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn taco night into a festive feast by laying out all the components buffet-style—let your family and friends build their own perfect taco masterpiece. Or, for a showstopper presentation, arrange the assembled Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa on a platter and sprinkle with extra fresh herbs and colorful garnishes. You can even make mini “street taco” versions for parties or serve taco bowls if you want to skip the tortillas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store each taco component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The grilled chicken, spiced mayo, and avocado salsa will each keep well for up to three days. This method keeps everything fresh and ready for quick assembly, so you can satisfy a taco craving in minutes any night of the week!

Freezing

While Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the grilled chicken portions for up to two months. Let the chicken cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Avoid freezing the avocado salsa or mayo—they lose their texture and creaminess after thawing.

Reheating

To warm up your chicken, simply reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot. If reheating from frozen, let the chicken thaw in the refrigerator overnight before warming. Give the mayo a good stir and whip up fresh avocado salsa for the best flavor and texture every time you revisit these tacos.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa?

Yes, absolutely! Chicken breasts are a leaner option and work well, but be sure to grill them a little less as they cook faster and can dry out. Whichever you choose, the marinade ensures your chicken is flavorful and juicy.

Can I make the spiced mayo ahead of time?

Definitely! The spiced mayo actually gets even tastier after a few hours in the fridge, so feel free to prepare it a day in advance. Just cover and refrigerate until taco time.

What tortillas work best for Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa?

It’s all about personal preference! Corn tortillas lend a delicious, slightly nutty flavor and are perfect if you need a gluten-free option, while flour tortillas are soft and flexible. Grill them for extra flavor and sturdiness!

How can I customize the avocado salsa?

Feel free to make it your own by adding diced jalapeño for more heat, sweet corn for extra crunch, or even a splash of hot sauce. This salsa is incredibly versatile, so don’t hesitate to get creative with what you have on hand.

Are Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa good for meal prep?

They’re fantastic for meal prep! Make and store each component separately, and build your tacos fresh throughout the week. That way, everything stays vibrant and full of flavor, with minimal effort when hunger strikes.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, give Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa a spot on your dinner menu. Each bite is full of irresistible flavor and fresh texture, and I’m sure they’ll become a new favorite at your table. Gather your friends and family, fire up the grill, and let the taco magic begin!

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
Yield: 8 tacos 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Tender grilled chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices, paired with creamy spiced mayo, and topped with a fresh avocado salsa, all wrapped in warm tortillas.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
juice of 1 lime

For the Spiced Mayo:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
salt to taste

For the Avocado Salsa:

2 ripe avocados (diced)
1 small red onion (finely chopped)
1 small tomato (diced)
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1 lime
salt and pepper to taste

To Assemble:

8 small corn or flour tortillas
extra lime wedges
chopped cilantro (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice or chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa: Mix all spiced mayo ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use. In another bowl, gently toss together avocado, onion, tomato, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper for the salsa.
Assemble Tacos: Warm the tortillas. Spread spiced mayo on each tortilla, top with grilled chicken and avocado salsa. Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Notes

Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs but may cook faster.
Add shredded lettuce or pickled onions for extra crunch.
This recipe is great for meal prep—store components separately and assemble before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican-American