Spicy Chicken Tacos with Creamy Avocado Sauce

These spicy chicken tacos with creamy avocado sauce combine heat and freshness in the perfect balance. Not only are they packed with tender, flavorful chicken and crunchy veggies, but they are also topped with a rich, creamy avocado sauce. Best of all, they’re quick and easy to prepare, making them ideal for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends. Ready in just 30 minutes, these tacos bring big flavor with minimal effort. Let’s dive into how to make them!
Ingredients:
For the Spicy Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tacos:
- 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
First, combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated. Then, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until it is fully cooked through and slightly charred. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice it into thin strips.
Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. Simply combine the avocado, sour cream, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency.
Assemble the Tacos:
While the sauce is blending, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or microwave them for 15-20 seconds. Lay the tortillas on a plate and layer them with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced chicken. Be sure to arrange the ingredients evenly to get a balanced bite in every taco.
Add the Sauce:
Now, drizzle the creamy avocado sauce generously over the chicken and veggies. Top with thinly sliced red onion and fresh cilantro leaves for an extra burst of flavor. If you want to add more zest, squeeze a little lime juice over the top.
Serve:
Finally, serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy the spicy, creamy, and absolutely delicious tacos!
Tips for the Perfect Spicy Chicken Tacos:
- Adjust the Heat: If you prefer more heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the chicken rub or add some jalapeño slices to the tacos for extra spice.
- Taco Variations: For an added crunch, you could include shredded cheese or a dollop of salsa. Also, a little avocado on top will make the tacos even creamier.
- Meal Prep: Both the chicken and avocado sauce can be prepared ahead of time, which makes these tacos a perfect choice for a quick weeknight meal or for meal prep.