Spicy Chicken Tacos Fresh Salsa

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

Experience a vibrant meal with tender, spice-coated chicken cooked to perfection and nestled inside warm tortillas. Fresh homemade salsa, made from ripe tomatoes, red onion, and cilantro, adds a bright and zesty touch. Topped with creamy avocado and crisp lettuce, these tacos offer a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Ready in just over half an hour, this easy dish suits any occasion and can be customized with your choice of toppings or protein alternatives.

Updated on Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:05:00 GMT
Juicy spicy chicken tacos with fresh salsa, a vibrant meal for taco night.  Save
Juicy spicy chicken tacos with fresh salsa, a vibrant meal for taco night. | olivedune.com

Juicy, seasoned chicken tucked into warm tortillas and topped with vibrant, homemade salsa make these tacos a lively and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

I often make these tacos when I want a flavorful meal that my family always requests again and again

Ingredients

  • For the Spicy Chicken: 500 g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp chili powder 1 tsp smoked paprika 1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Juice of 1 lime
  • For the Fresh Salsa: 3 medium ripe tomatoes diced 1 small red onion finely chopped 1 jalapeño seeded and minced 1/2 cup fresh cilantro chopped Juice of 1 lime Salt and pepper to taste
  • For Serving: 8 small corn or flour tortillas 1 avocado sliced 1/2 cup shredded lettuce 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional) Lime wedges

Instructions

Step 1:
In a bowl mix olive oil chili powder smoked paprika cumin garlic powder cayenne salt pepper and lime juice Add chicken and toss to coat evenly
Step 2:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat Cook chicken for 5 6 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly charred Transfer to a cutting board let rest for a few minutes then slice into strips
Step 3:
While the chicken cooks prepare the salsa In a bowl combine tomatoes red onion jalapeño cilantro lime juice salt and pepper Mix well and set aside
Step 4:
Warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable
Step 5:
Assemble tacos Fill each tortilla with sliced chicken top with fresh salsa avocado slices shredded lettuce and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt if desired Serve with lime wedges
Tender chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with zesty homemade salsa and avocado.  Save
Tender chicken wrapped in warm tortillas, topped with zesty homemade salsa and avocado. | olivedune.com

Making these tacos has become a fun family tradition especially during weekend dinners

Notes

For extra heat leave jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of hot sauce Swap chicken for shrimp fish or roasted vegetables for variety Pair with a crisp lager or a classic margarita

Required Tools

Large skillet Mixing bowls Knife and cutting board Tongs or spatula

Nutritional Information

Calories 350 Total Fat 12 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 28 g per serving

Delicious spicy chicken tacos served with colorful fresh salsa and lime wedges. Save
Delicious spicy chicken tacos served with colorful fresh salsa and lime wedges. | olivedune.com

These tacos are perfect for a quick delicious meal that everyone will love

Cooking Questions & Answers

How can I adjust the spice level?

Modify the amount of cayenne pepper and jalapeño seeds to suit your heat preference. Removing seeds lowers spiciness, while leaving them in or adding hot sauce increases it.

What are good alternatives to chicken?

Try substituting chicken with shrimp, fish fillets, or roasted vegetables like peppers and zucchini for variety and dietary preferences.

How do I keep tortillas soft and warm?

Warm tortillas briefly in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel until pliable and soft.

Can I prepare salsa in advance?

Yes, salsa can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated to allow flavors to meld, but fresh preparation offers the best brightness.

What sides pair well with this dish?

A crisp lager, classic margarita, or light salads complement the dish nicely and balance its bold flavors.

Spicy Chicken Tacos Fresh Salsa

Juicy chicken paired with fresh salsa and warm tortillas for a vibrant, flavorful meal.

Prep Duration
20 min
Time to Cook
15 min
Overall Duration
35 min
Creator: Clara Moretti


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican

Serves 4 Portions

Dietary Info Wheat-Free

What You Need

Spicy Chicken

01 1.1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1 tsp chili powder
04 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 1/2 tsp ground cumin
06 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
08 1/2 tsp salt
09 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
10 Juice of 1 lime

Fresh Salsa

01 3 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
02 1 small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced
04 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
05 Juice of 1 lime
06 Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving

01 8 small corn or flour tortillas
02 1 avocado, sliced
03 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
04 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional)
05 Lime wedges

Steps

Step 01

Prepare Chicken Marinade: Combine olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and lime juice in a bowl. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly.

Step 02

Cook Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked and lightly charred. Transfer to a cutting board, rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 03

Prepare Fresh Salsa: While chicken cooks, combine diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

Step 04

Warm Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.

Step 05

Assemble Tacos: Fill each tortilla with sliced chicken, spoon fresh salsa on top, add avocado slices and shredded lettuce. Optionally, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve with lime wedges.

Essential Tools

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Notice

Always review each component for allergens, and reach out to medical experts if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy if sour cream or Greek yogurt is used; gluten is present if flour tortillas are chosen. Use corn tortillas for gluten-free option.

Nutrition Breakdown (each portion)

These details are for general advice—please consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance.
  • Energy (kcal): 350
  • Lipids: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 28 g