Ultimate Grilled Taco Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa: Your Go-To Summer Recipe

Master the **Summer Chicken Recipe** that will make your cookouts legendary! This grilled taco chicken, elevated by a fresh, zesty avocado corn salsa, is a culinary masterpiece that’s surprisingly easy to create. Prepare for rave reviews and empty plates as this vibrant dish becomes your new seasonal favorite.

From the Author

Why This Grilled Chicken Recipe Shines All Summer Long!

There’s something truly magical about the combination of sweet corn and creamy avocado, especially when they’re at their peak ripeness during summer. Charred corn right off the grill brings a smoky depth, while perfectly ripe avocados add a luxurious, smooth texture. Together, they create a salsa that’s bursting with flavor and freshness – it’s pure bliss!

But don’t underestimate the star of the show: the grilled taco chicken. Far from being just a canvas for the salsa, this chicken is marinated in a simple yet incredibly flavorful blend of pantry staples. The quick marinade ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with a delicious spice. Basting it as it cooks seals in those magnificent flavors, resulting in chicken so good, it’s hard to resist sneaking pieces straight off the cutting board.

This **Avocado Corn Salsa with Grilled Chicken** isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of summer flavors. I genuinely believe you’ll want to enjoy this incredible dish every week until the season ends. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this spectacular **Summer Chicken Recipe**!

The Irresistible Magic of Grilled Taco Chicken and Avocado Corn Salsa

Few dishes encapsulate the essence of summer quite like this grilled taco chicken. Imagine succulent pieces of chicken, infused with a vibrant marinade, kissed by the smoky char of the grill. Then, picture it topped with a lively, colorful salsa where the sweetness of grilled corn meets the buttery richness of ripe avocado, all brightened by fresh lime and cilantro. This combination creates a symphony of textures and flavors – a perfect balance of savory, sweet, tangy, and a hint of spice – making it an ideal choice for a healthy, satisfying, and utterly delicious summer dinner.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, looking for an easy weeknight meal, or simply craving fresh, wholesome flavors, this recipe delivers. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to serve it as a main dish, in tacos, or as part of a vibrant grain bowl. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a meal that tastes like sunshine on a plate!

Key Ingredients for Your Perfect Summer Chicken Recipe

The full, detailed recipe card is provided below, but here are some essential notes on selecting and preparing the star ingredients that make this **Grilled Taco Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa** truly exceptional:

• Chicken: For this recipe, our taco chicken marinade is a proven winner, consistently ranking as a top recipe. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—choose your preference. Breasts offer a lean, tender bite, while thighs bring extra juiciness and flavor. Ensure they are of similar thickness for even cooking.
• Corn: Fresh corn straight off the grill is unparalleled for its sweet, smoky flavor and satisfying bite. If fresh corn isn’t in season or readily available, high-quality frozen corn works wonderfully. For an extra touch of flavor, char the frozen corn in a hot skillet before adding it to the salsa.
• Avocados: Aim for perfectly ripe, but still firm, avocados. This balance is crucial; they should yield slightly to gentle pressure but not be mushy. This ensures they hold their shape beautifully in the salsa while providing that creamy, rich texture we all love. Learn how to ripen an avocado if needed.
• Cilantro: This herb adds an incredible burst of fresh, bright, and citrusy flavor that is indispensable to the salsa. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, or have the genetic predisposition to find it soapy, feel free to substitute with fresh parsley for a similar green note, or omit it entirely.
• Red Onion: Finely diced red onion provides a sharp, pungent bite that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the corn and richness of the avocado. A quick rinse under cold water can mellow its intensity if you prefer.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is a non-negotiable ingredient. It brightens all the flavors in the salsa, adding a crucial tangy zest that ties everything together.
• Spices: Cumin, garlic, and optional red pepper flakes are key to building depth of flavor in both the chicken marinade and the salsa. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.

Expert Chicken Marinating & Grilling Tips for a Perfect Cookout

Achieving perfectly juicy and flavorful grilled chicken is an art, but with these tips, you’ll master this **Summer Chicken Recipe** every time. While grilling imparts an unmatched smoky flavor, don’t worry if you don’t have a grill; a hot stovetop skillet works just as well!

• Slice or Pound for Even Cooking & Flavor Absorption: If using thick chicken breasts, slice them horizontally to create two thinner cutlets, or pound them to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This ensures quicker, more even cooking and allows the marinade to penetrate more effectively, leading to maximum flavor in every bite.
• Always Oil Your Grill Grates: To prevent your delicious chicken from sticking, thoroughly clean your grill grates and then oil them just before adding the chicken. The easiest way is to use a wad of paper towels soaked in high-smoke-point oil (like avocado or vegetable oil), held with tongs, and wipe it over the hot grates. This creates a non-stick surface and those beautiful grill marks.
• Save Some Marinade for Basting: Before adding the raw chicken to the marinade, set aside about 1/4 cup of the fresh marinade. Use this reserved portion to baste the chicken as it grills. This technique adds layers of flavor and helps keep the chicken moist, creating a tantalizing glaze as it cooks.
• Monitor Temperature for Perfect Doneness: The key to juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Use an instant-read meat thermometer and pull the chicken off the grill when it reaches 160°F (71°C). The internal temperature will continue to rise to a safe 165°F (74°C) due to “carryover cooking” as the chicken rests.
• Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in incredibly tender and succulent chicken that’s bursting with flavor. Slicing it too soon will cause the juices to run out, leaving you with dry chicken.

By following these simple yet effective tips, your grilled taco chicken will be nothing short of perfection, setting the stage for an unforgettable summer meal.

What to Serve with Your Summer Chicken & Avocado Corn Salsa

This **Grilled Taco Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa** is a complete meal in itself, but a few thoughtfully chosen sides can truly elevate the experience. Here are some fantastic pairings to make your summer spread even more delightful:

• Cilantro Lime Rice: The bright and zesty flavors of cilantro lime rice perfectly complement the vibrant salsa and seasoned chicken. It’s a classic pairing that adds substance and a refreshing tang to your plate.
• Warm Tortilla Chips: For scooping up any extra, irresistible avocado corn salsa, warm tortilla chips are a must-have. They add a satisfying crunch and make for a fun, interactive eating experience.
• Black Beans or Pinto Beans: These hearty beans offer a fantastic source of protein and fiber, making the meal even more filling and balanced. Season them simply with a little cumin and garlic for an authentic touch.
• Simple Green Salad: Keep it light and refreshing with a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette, or better yet, a cilantro-lime dressing to tie in with the meal’s flavors.
• Sweet Watermelon or Fruit Salad: The sweetness and juiciness of fresh fruit, especially watermelon, mango, or a mixed fruit salad, provide a wonderful contrast to the smoky chicken and savory salsa. It’s the perfect refreshing palate cleanser.
• Grilled Vegetables: Consider adding other grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus, lightly seasoned and charred alongside the chicken. They add more nutritional value and a delicious smoky flavor.

Unleash the Flavors of Summer with This Easy Grilled Chicken Recipe!

As you can see, this **Grilled Taco Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa** is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the best of summer’s bounty. From the zesty, perfectly marinated chicken to the creamy, sweet, and tangy salsa, every component works in harmony to create a dish that’s both satisfying and incredibly refreshing. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for entertaining, making it truly adaptable for any occasion.

So fire up your grill, gather your fresh ingredients, and prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds. This healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make chicken dish is poised to become a staple in your summer meal rotation. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create unforgettable memories around the table with this outstanding **Summer Chicken Recipe**.

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Summer Chicken Recipe: Grilled Taco Chicken with Avocado Corn Salsa

By
Chelsea Lords

This **Summer Chicken Recipe** features juicy, smoky grilled taco chicken piled high with fresh, creamy avocado corn salsa – a dish so good, you’ll be making it all season long!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Marinating Time:
45 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Recipe Video

Equipment

• Grill or large nonstick skillet

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Serving

• 1 batch Taco Chicken (click the link and follow directions for marinating and grilling)
• Cooked rice (optional, for serving)

For the Corn Avocado Salsa

• 4 ears sweet corn (or 4 cups frozen corn, thawed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 2 large ripe avocados (diced)
• 3/4 cup finely diced red onion (approximately 1 small onion)
• 1 small red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/3 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

• 1. Prepare the Taco Chicken: Follow the directions linked in the ingredient list to marinate and cook the Taco Chicken. Whether you grill, pan-fry, or bake, ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and rested for maximum juiciness.
• 2. Cook the Corn: Choose your preferred method for preparing the corn:

  Grilled Corn on the Cob: Remove husks and silks. Lightly brush the corn with olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Grill over medium-high heat (around 400°F/200°C), turning every 3 minutes, until kernels are lightly charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes total. Allow to cool slightly, then carefully cut the kernels off the cob.

  Stovetop Corn (Frozen or Canned): In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add thawed frozen corn (or drained canned corn) and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn is lightly browned and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let cool completely.

• 3. Assemble the Avocado Corn Salsa: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled corn, fresh lime juice, diced ripe avocado, finely diced red onion, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, ground cumin, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper to taste (a good starting point is 1/4 teaspoon of each). Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the avocado.
• 4. Serve: Slice the rested grilled taco chicken into strips or dice it. Arrange the chicken on plates, either on its own or over a bed of cooked rice (if desired). Generously spoon the fresh avocado corn salsa over the chicken. Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer!

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken and avocado corn salsa separately in airtight containers. The chicken will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the salsa, ensure it’s tightly covered and refrigerate for 1-2 days. It’s truly best enjoyed fresh, as avocados tend to soften and can brown over time, even with lime juice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 718kcal |
Carbohydrates: 62.2g |
Protein: 34.5g |
Fat: 44.4g |
Cholesterol: 82.7mg |
Sodium: 111.3mg |
Fiber: 12.9g |
Sugar: 15.1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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