Pin These Avocado Lime Crema Chicken Tacos are my go-to dinner when I crave something fresh, vibrant, and satisfying. You get juicy, succulent chicken, a creamy zing from the avocado lime crema, and a medley of vegetables—a combination that brightens any weeknight or get-together.
The first time I made these, my kitchen filled with the warm scent of cumin and lime—now, every time I serve them, friends and family beg for the recipe after the very first bite.
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: These deliver tender and juicy meat. Chicken thighs tend to be more flavorful but breasts work well for a lighter bite
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps the spices stick to the chicken look for a fruity variety for extra depth
- Ground cumin and smoked paprika: Give a smoky earthy backbone for real Mexican-inspired flavor
- Chili powder: Adds gentle heat and beautiful color choose a fresh blend with a bright aroma
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Provide savory depth without chopping mess
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding out the spice blend use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for best results
- Lime juice: Fresh lime lifts and tenderizes the chicken skip the bottled variety if possible
- Ripe avocado: The heart of the crema It must give slightly to pressure for the creamiest texture
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Creates a luscious base for the crema Greek yogurt lightens things up with extra protein
- Lime zest and juice: Gives bright punch and tang always zest before juicing for ease
- Fresh cilantro: Offers classic herbal flavor Sniff for fresh leaves and avoid wilted bunches
- Garlic clove: For sharp undertones in the crema use a small fresh clove not jarred garlic for a real zing
- Water: Loosens the crema as needed add a bit at a time until perfectly pourable
- Corn or flour tortillas: The foundation of every taco I adore the toasty aroma of corn tortillas but flour works if you prefer
- Shredded red cabbage: Gives crunch and beautiful color Pick a small head with vibrant purple outer leaves
- Diced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet Choose ripe tomatoes with a deep red hue
- Thinly sliced red onion: Adds tangy crunch Seek out ones that feel firm and heavy with papery skins
- Fresh cilantro leaves: For garnish Snip just before serving
- Lime wedges: Bright squeeze to finish the tacos
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine chicken with olive oil cumin smoked paprika chili powder garlic powder onion powder salt black pepper and lime juice in a bowl Massage well so the chicken is fully coated Let sit for ten to fifteen minutes for best flavor
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium high Let it get hot before adding the chicken Lay chicken in the pan and cook for five to seven minutes per side Flip once browned and cooked through Remove and let rest for two to three minutes so juices stay inside Slice into strips with a sharp knife
- Blend the Avocado Lime Crema:
- Add ripe avocado sour cream or yogurt lime juice and lime zest minced garlic cilantro and salt to a food processor or blender Blend until totally smooth Scrape down the sides Add water a tablespoon at a time until it is creamy but spoonable
- Warm the Tortillas:
- Place tortillas one at a time in a dry skillet over medium heat for about twenty seconds per side until warm and pliable Cover with a towel to keep soft Microwaving wrapped in a damp towel works too
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Divide sliced chicken among tortillas Top each with shredded red cabbage diced tomatoes and sliced red onion Drizzle on plenty of avocado lime crema Sprinkle on cilantro leaves and serve with extra lime wedges for squeezing
Pin I never get tired of creamy avocado as the base of the sauce—it is the one ingredient I always check for ripeness in the store, and I have many memories of my kids helping to blend the crema and sneaking little tastes before it hits the table. Watching everyone build their own tacos at family Taco Night always reminds me of how food brings us together.
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Layer parchment between tortillas and wrap tightly to keep them soft Place extra avocado lime crema in a small airtight jar and press plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent browning
Ingredient Substitutions
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a lighter crema and extra protein Swap chicken for shrimp or roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian version If you do not have smoked paprika regular paprika with a touch of chipotle powder gives a similar flavor
Serving Suggestions
These tacos shine with a side of charred corn salad or black bean salsa For extra crunch pile on the cabbage right before serving They pair perfectly with a crisp lager or a pitcher of homemade margaritas
Cultural Notes
While this recipe is inspired by classic Mexican street tacos the addition of avocado lime crema is a personal twist Blending tangy yogurt and creamy avocado mirrors the rich flavors found in many regions of Mexico yet is ultra approachable for home cooks Traditional tacos would be finished with a squeeze of fresh lime and a scattering of herbs just as above
Seasonal Adaptations
Swap tomatoes for roasted butternut squash in the fall In summer add grilled corn or diced cucumber for cool freshness For winter use pickled onions for extra tang when fresh vegetables are scarce
Success Stories
One friend made a big batch for a game day party and messaged me that none were left by halftime My sister-in-law (who always claimed not to like cilantro) now asks for extra crema on her tacos
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cooked chicken slices freeze well in a zip bag for up to three months Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently Crema is best made fresh or the day before assembly Tortillas freeze well when wrapped tightly in plastic
Pin These tacos are a weeknight savior and a crowd-pleaser alike. Enjoy the freshness that brightens up any meal occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I keep the chicken moist and flavorful?
Marinate the chicken with spices, olive oil, and lime juice before cooking. Don’t overcook—let it rest before slicing.
- → Can I prepare the avocado lime crema ahead of time?
Yes, the crema can be made up to a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed against the surface.
- → Are there alternative proteins I can use?
Feel free to substitute grilled shrimp or roasted vegetables for the chicken for different flavors and textures.
- → What’s the best way to warm tortillas?
Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp towel until soft and pliable.
- → How can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternative in the avocado lime crema to suit your dietary needs.