Easy Maple Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Creamy Avocado Crema

These chipotle chicken tacos feature maple-chipotle chicken thighs and a creamy avocado crema. An easy chicken tacos recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.

These chipotle chicken tacos are a quick and easy weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients and tons of flavor. Juicy, tender chipotle chicken thighs are cooked until perfectly seasoned and then finished with a creamy avocado crema for the ultimate bite. This recipe is not only healthy and satisfying, but also great for meal prep—make a big batch of the chicken and enjoy it throughout the week. Serve it as easy chicken tacos, load it into quesadillas, taco bowls, salads, or whatever you’re craving for a versatile, stress-free dinner.

Quick & Satisfying Dinner

• Minimal prep: The marinade comes together quickly with simple ingredients, keeping prep time short and stress-free.
• Quick to cook: The chicken cooks fast in a skillet or air fryer, making this an ideal weeknight dinner.
• Versatile: Use the chicken for tacos, quesadillas, bowls, salads, or wraps depending on what you’re craving.
• Flavorful and filling: Smoky chipotle flavor paired with a touch of sweetness makes this meal satisfying without feeling heavy.
• Great for meal prep: It’s easy to cook a large batch of chicken and use it throughout the week for quick, ready-to-go meals.

Ingredients

For the Maple Chipotle Chicken Thighs

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, perfect for soaking up the maple chipotle marinade without drying out.
• Avocado oil: A neutral, high-heat oil ideal for searing the chicken.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and helps balance the smoky heat from the chipotle peppers.
• Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: Bring smoky, spicy flavor and depth to the chicken. Adjust the amount to control the heat.
• Lime juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness of the chicken.
• Garlic powder: Enhances flavor without overpowering the marinade.
• Onion powder: Adds savory depth and rounds out the seasoning.
• Paprika: Contributes mild warmth and color to the chicken.
• Salt: Enhances and brings together all of the flavors.
• Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and extra seasoning.

For the Avocado Crema

• Sour cream: Creates a creamy, tangy base.
• Avocados: Add richness and a smooth, buttery texture.
• Cilantro: Brings freshness and a light, herby flavor.
• Lime juice: Brightens the crema and balances the richness of the avocados.
• Jalapeño (optional): Adds a mild kick of heat—adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
• Salt: Enhances all of the flavors and ties everything together.

For Serving the Tacos

• Maple chipotle chicken thighs (prepared)
• Avocado crema (prepared)
• Tortillas
• White onion, finely chopped
• Fresh cilantro

How to Make Maple Chipotle Chicken Thighs

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, chipotle peppers with adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss until fully coated in the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 3 hours (or overnight for deeper flavor).

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely caramelized. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then slice it into bite-sized pieces, making it easy to assemble into tacos.

How To Make Avocado Crema

Add the sour cream, avocados, cilantro, lime juice, jalapeño, and salt to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

How to Serve Maple Chipotle Chicken Tacos with Avocado Crema

To serve, add the sliced maple chipotle chicken to warm tortillas and top with avocado crema, chopped white onion, and fresh cilantro. This recipe makes about 12–16 tacos, serving approximately 6–8 people, depending on how full you like your tacos. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Recipe Tips & Alternatives

• Marinate for more flavor: If time allows, let the chicken marinate for 3 hours or even overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender the chicken will be.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan: When cooking in a skillet, give the chicken space to sear properly. Cook in batches if needed for the best caramelization.
• Warm the tortillas: For the best flavor and texture, warm your tortillas before serving. I like to char them slightly over an open flame on the stovetop, but you can also warm them in a skillet, oven, or microwave.
• Great for meal prep: This recipe is perfect for making ahead and using throughout the week in tacos, bowls, or quesadillas.
• Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup adds a rich, slightly smoky sweetness, but honey works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
• Adjust the heat: For a milder version, use fewer chipotle peppers and less adobo sauce. You can always add more later if you want extra heat.
• Air fryer option: The chicken can be cooked in the air fryer instead of a skillet. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly caramelized, flipping or shaking halfway through.

Storage & Reheating

For best results, store all components separately. Keep the cooked maple chipotle chicken, avocado crema, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

• Storage: The chicken will keep well for up to 4 days. The avocado crema is best enjoyed within 2–3 days, and pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface can help prevent browning.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Assemble tacos fresh with warmed tortillas and cold toppings when ready to serve.

Storing everything separately makes this recipe great for meal prep and easy to assemble throughout the week.

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