If you’re looking to capture the bright, smoky flavors of summer in every bite, Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are a must-try. Picture perfectly grilled, cumin-spiced chicken wrapped in warm tortillas and finished with a creamy, zippy mayo and lush avocado salsa on top. This recipe pulls everything together: the char from the grill, a hint of heat, vibrant vegetables, and that irresistible freshness only a good salsa can bring. It’s a go-to meal for lively dinners with friends or a quick weeknight treat that never fails to impress.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of uncomplicated ingredients, you’ll create an explosion of flavors and textures! Every component—from the juicy chicken to the creamy, tangy spiced mayo and the bright, velvety avocado salsa—plays a crucial part in making these tacos so memorable.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 pound): Thighs stay perfectly juicy on the grill and have a rich, meaty flavor that’s tailor-made for tacos.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the spices adhere to the chicken and adds just a touch of richness.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): A staple in Mexican-inspired cuisine, brings warmth and depth to the chicken.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Delivers subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with grilled meat.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Gives savory backbone without the hassle of peeling cloves.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds gentle sweetness and complexity to the spice blend.
Chili powder (½ teaspoon): Lends mild heat and that signature taco flavor.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Brings all the flavors into focus—don’t skip it!
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A finishing touch for just the right amount of sharpness.
Corn or flour tortillas (8 small): The perfect base to pile on all the delicious fillings—lightly char for extra flavor.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy foundation for your spiced mayo that ties everything together.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon + juice of 1 lime): Adds tang and brightness to both the mayo and the salsa, making every bite pop.
Chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Gives the spiced mayo its signature kick—choose chipotle for heat or paprika for rich smokiness.
Ripe avocados (2, diced): Creamy, buttery, and completely essential for topping tacos.
Small tomato (1, diced): Provides juiciness and a burst of color in the salsa.
Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): Sharp, sweet, and a little crunchy for contrast.
Fresh cilantro (¼ cup, chopped): No taco is complete without its leafy brightness.
Salt (to taste): Elevates the salsa and brings out the flavors of your avocado, tomato, and onion.

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

Step 1: Season and Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing the olive oil with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in this aromatic mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. This quick marinade is all you need to infuse the chicken with warmth, smokiness, and just a hint of heat.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. Once hot, lay the chicken thighs on the grates and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side—let them develop a nice char for that unbeatable grilled flavor. The thighs will finish juicy and perfectly tender. When done, set aside to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing, allowing the juices to settle for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Mix Up the Spiced Mayo

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, a tablespoon of lime juice, and chipotle chili powder (or smoked paprika, if you’d rather keep things milder). This creamy, tangy mixture instantly takes your tacos to another level by balancing the smokiness of the chicken and the freshness of the salsa.

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Salsa

Make the salsa by gently combining your diced avocados, tomato, red onion, chopped cilantro, juice of one lime, and a big pinch of salt in a bowl. Give it a gentle toss—be careful not to mash the avocado—to create a fresh, chunky topping that’s creamy, acidic, and herby all at once. This salsa is the secret to unforgettable Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa.

Step 5: Warm the Tortillas

Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for just a few seconds per side. This quick step gives your tortillas a touch of char and makes them soft and pliable, primed for all those luscious fillings.

Step 6: Assemble and Enjoy

Spread a generous spoonful or two of spiced mayo onto each tortilla, top with sliced grilled chicken, and finish with heaps of avocado salsa. Serve your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa immediately for the freshest flavor and best texture.

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

Garnishes

You can make your tacos even more special by adding garnishes like extra fresh cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeños, crumbled queso fresco, or a few squeezes of extra lime juice. Each little finishing touch adds another layer of flavor or a pop of color—customize your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa however you like!

Side Dishes

Pair these tacos with crisp shredded cabbage, a big bowl of tortilla chips and salsa, charred street corn, or a refreshing Mexican slaw. These sides are easy and elevate your taco night from great to truly spectacular, making Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa a meal everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your tacos on a big wooden board, family style, so everyone can help themselves and customize their own. Or make a taco bar with different salsas, toppings, and hot sauces for a hands-on dinner party that’s sure to be a hit. Individual cast iron skillets or colorful plates also make Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa look as amazing as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken, mayo, and salsa can all be stored in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can assemble fresh-tasting Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa even on busy days. Just wrap your tortillas in foil and keep them at room temperature.

Freezing

The cooked, grilled chicken freezes beautifully—just cool completely and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. However, skip freezing the avocado salsa (it won’t retain its texture) and the mayo, as they’re best fresh to keep the flavor and creaminess for your next round of Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the chicken slices in a skillet over low heat or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven. Refresh the tortillas in a hot pan, then reassemble your tacos with fresh salsa and mayo for a meal that tastes just as good the next day.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works too, though you’ll want to keep a close eye on the grill to avoid drying it out. Thighs just tend to be juicier and more forgiving if you’re new to grilling.

What if I don’t have a grill?

A grill pan or even a regular skillet will do the trick. You might miss a bit of smokiness, but your Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa will still be full of flavor.

How spicy is the spiced mayo?

The heat level is pretty mild, but you can make it as fiery as you like! Add more chipotle chili powder or a splash of hot sauce to crank it up, or use smoked paprika for a gentler flavor.

What tortillas are best for these tacos?

Both corn and flour tortillas are amazing. Corn lends authentic flavor and texture, while flour tortillas are super soft—choose your favorite, or offer both for variety.

Can I make any components ahead for a party?

Definitely! You can grill the chicken, whip up the mayo, and prep the salsa a few hours ahead. Just store everything separately and assemble Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa right when you’re ready to serve for ultimate freshness.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner that’s every bit as lively as it is delicious, give these Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa a try! It’s a fiesta of flavor, color, and texture that’s guaranteed to make even an ordinary night feel like a celebration. So gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready to wow your taste buds!

Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings (about 2 tacos per person) 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Grilled Chicken Tacos with Spiced Mayo and Avocado Salsa are a perfect blend of flavors, featuring juicy grilled chicken thighs seasoned with a mix of spices, creamy spiced mayo, and fresh avocado salsa. A delicious and satisfying meal for any day of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

Grilled Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Spiced Mayo:

½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lime juice
½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder or smoked paprika

Avocado Salsa:

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Grilled Chicken: Mix olive oil with cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub over chicken thighs. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side.
Make the Spiced Mayo: Whisk together mayonnaise, lime juice, and chipotle chili powder until smooth.
Create the Avocado Salsa: Combine avocado, tomato, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt in a bowl. Toss gently to mix.
Warm the Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a skillet or over a gas flame.
Assemble the Tacos: Spread spiced mayo on each tortilla, add grilled chicken, and top with avocado salsa. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra heat, consider adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the avocado salsa or mayo.
Enhance with shredded cabbage or queso fresco for added texture and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired