These Blackened Chicken Tacos are packed with bold flavors! Juicy grilled chicken is seasoned with a smoky, spicy blackened rub, creating a deliciously crisp and flavorful crust. The sweetness of mango and the creaminess of avocado balance the heat, while crunchy radishes and fresh cilantro add a refreshing touch. Drizzled with a zesty chipotle lime sauce, these tacos deliver a restaurant-quality meal at home! Perfect for taco nights, summer gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner, these tacos come together in just 25 minutes! Pair them with a side of Mexican rice or black beans for a complete meal. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking for an easy and delicious taco recipe, this dish is sure to be a hit!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast (sliced in half lengthwise)
For the Mango Avocado Salsa:
- 1 mango, cubed
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 5 radishes, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- ½ lime, juice of
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For Assembly:
- 8–10 corn tortillas, warmed
- Shredded lettuce (Romaine, butter, or cabbage)
- Queso fresco or crumbled feta
- Chipotle lime sauce (Greek yogurt, mayo, chipotle in adobo sauce, fresh lime juice)
Directions:
- Prepare the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix together smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Halve the chicken breasts lengthwise for thin, even cooking.
- Drizzle chicken with olive oil and coat evenly with seasoning.
- Heat a grill or cast iron pan over medium-high heat and brush with oil.
- Grill chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Mango Avocado Salsa: Combine mango, avocado, radishes, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice.
- Drizzle with olive oil and honey, then sprinkle with salt. Toss to combine.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas over an open flame or in a skillet.
- Spread chipotle lime sauce on each tortilla.
- Layer with shredded lettuce, blackened chicken, and mango avocado salsa.
- Garnish with queso fresco, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately!
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 436 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
What Makes These Blackened Chicken Tacos Special?
1. The Perfect Blend of Spices for Blackened Chicken
The secret to these tacos lies in the blackened seasoning used to coat the chicken. This seasoning mix typically includes smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The blend of spices creates a smoky, slightly spicy crust when grilled or pan-seared, locking in the juiciness of the chicken while providing a bold depth of flavor.
Unlike traditional marinated chicken, blackened seasoning allows for an intense and flavorful crust without requiring hours of prep. The high heat used in cooking gives the chicken a slightly charred, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. If you’re a fan of Cajun or Creole cuisine, you’ll recognize that blackening is a common cooking technique that delivers a punch of flavor without relying on heavy sauces or excessive fat.
2. Sweet and Creamy Mango Avocado Salsa
To balance out the smoky heat of the blackened chicken, these tacos are topped with a refreshing mango avocado salsa. This salsa is a combination of juicy mango chunks, creamy avocado, crisp radishes, fresh cilantro, and a touch of jalapeño for heat. A squeeze of lime juice ties everything together, adding a zesty, citrusy brightness that enhances the natural sweetness of the mango.
The contrast between the spicy blackened chicken and the fresh, slightly sweet mango salsa makes each bite exciting and flavorful. The creaminess of the avocado also adds a luxurious texture, while the radishes provide a satisfying crunch. This salsa isn’t just limited to tacos—it can be used as a topping for grilled fish, served as a dip with tortilla chips, or spooned over rice bowls for an extra burst of freshness.
3. A Creamy, Zesty Chipotle Lime Sauce
No taco is complete without a great sauce, and in this case, a chipotle lime sauce takes these blackened chicken tacos to the next level. Made with Greek yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, and fresh lime juice, this sauce is rich, tangy, and slightly smoky.
The chipotle lime sauce adds creaminess to the tacos and helps mellow out the spice from the blackened chicken. It also complements the tropical flavors in the mango avocado salsa. Drizzling this sauce over the tacos before serving enhances both the taste and presentation, making these tacos feel like something straight off a gourmet restaurant menu.
Why These Blackened Chicken Tacos Are a Must-Try
1. They Are Packed with Nutrients
This recipe is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense. Chicken breast is a fantastic source of lean protein, while mango provides vitamins A and C, and avocado contributes healthy fats. Cilantro, jalapeños, and lime juice offer additional antioxidants and essential nutrients. Unlike many tacos that rely on heavy cheeses or fried elements, these tacos are a lighter, healthier alternative that still packs a ton of flavor.
2. Perfect for Meal Prep and Easy Dinners
If you’re looking for a meal that can be prepped ahead of time, these tacos are a great option. The chicken can be seasoned and stored in the fridge until ready to cook. The mango avocado salsa can also be prepared a few hours in advance, and the chipotle lime sauce stays fresh for days in an airtight container.
When it’s time to eat, all you need to do is grill the chicken, warm the tortillas, and assemble the tacos making this a quick and easy dinner that can be on the table in under 30 minutes.
3. Great for Entertaining and Family Dinners
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering, feeding a hungry family, or just making dinner for yourself, these blackened chicken tacos are a crowd-pleaser. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors make them visually appealing, and they’re easy to customize based on personal preferences.
For kids or those who prefer milder flavors, you can omit the jalapeño from the salsa and reduce the cayenne in the blackened seasoning. You can also serve the components separately, allowing everyone to build their own tacos to their liking.
Pairing Suggestions
To make the most of your taco night, consider pairing these Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa with some complementary sides and drinks:
- Side Dishes:
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Black beans or refried beans
- A side salad with citrus vinaigrette
- Grilled corn on the cob with chili-lime butter
- Beverage Pairings:
- A classic margarita (try a mango or spicy jalapeño version for extra fun!)
- A refreshing agua fresca (such as watermelon or cucumber-lime)
- A crisp, cold Mexican lager or a light IPA
With these pairings, your meal becomes even more enjoyable, transforming a simple taco dinner into a full-flavored fiesta.
Conclusion:
Blackened Chicken Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa are the perfect balance of spicy, smoky, sweet, and creamy flavors. With tender, well-seasoned chicken, a refreshing salsa, and a zesty chipotle lime sauce, these tacos are packed with layers of deliciousness.
Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also versatile, healthy, and satisfying ideal for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of blackened seasoning, fresh fruit, and creamy elements makes every bite an explosion of flavor.