Dinner

Spicy Chili-Lime Turkey Tacos with Avocado Cream Recipe

Byluca Carter November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

These Spicy Chili-Lime Turkey Tacos bring a zesty twist to a classic favorite. Juicy ground turkey seasoned with bold spices is topped with a creamy avocado sauce, fresh veggies, and tangy cheese for a satisfying meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.

A wooden board holds six yellow taco shells filled with layers from bottom to top, starting with brown cooked ground meat, topped with green lettuce leaves, then sprinkled with diced red tomatoes, shredded orange cheese, white crumbled cheese, fresh green cilantro leaves, and drizzled with white sour cream. In the background, cut lime halves and whole limes sit next to a white bowl filled with white cheese cubes. The setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground turkey
2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste

Black pepper, to taste
1 whole lime (zest and juice)
8 small corn or flour tortillas

1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
½ cup crumbled queso fresco or feta cheese

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
1 ripe avocado
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

1 whole lime (juice)
Salt, to taste (for avocado cream)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the avocado cream by blending the ripe avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning as needed and set aside.

Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the turkey begins to brown.
Step 3: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the turkey. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with spices. Mix in the lime zest and juice. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to develop the flavors.
Step 4: Warm the tortillas in a separate pan or on a griddle for about 30 seconds on each side until they become pliable and slightly toasted.

Step 5: Assemble the tacos by spooning a generous amount of the seasoned turkey onto each tortilla. Top with shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crumbled cheese, and a drizzle of avocado cream.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce.

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the avocado cream for a tangier and higher-protein option.
Swap ground turkey for ground chicken or beef based on your preference.
Serve with pickled onions or jalapeños for an added tangy crunch.

Storage

Store any leftover turkey mixture and avocado cream separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the turkey gently in a skillet or microwave. The avocado cream is best served fresh but can be kept chilled and stirred before serving.

How to Serve

A row of six tacos stand upright on a wooden board with bright green lime wedges and chopped cilantro scattered around. Each taco has three distinct layers: the bottom layer is a crispy golden shell filled with brown, crumbly cooked meat; the middle layer contains shredded pale orange cheddar cheese with fresh light green shredded lettuce; the top layer is topped with white sour cream dollops, diced bright red tomatoes, crumbled white cheese, and chopped green cilantro. On the side, there is a stack of white tortillas. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

You can prepare the turkey mixture and avocado cream a day in advance, but it’s best to warm the tortillas and assemble the tacos just before serving to keep them fresh and avoid sogginess.