Name: Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast; 1 tablespoon chili powder; 1 tablespoon cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ⅓ teaspoon dried thyme; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon chili flakes; 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; 8 soft shell tortillas; ¼ cup olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro; 2 tablespoons lime juice

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 23 reviews

If you are craving a taco night full of vibrant flavors and creamy textures, look no further than this Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe. This dish combines perfectly seasoned, tender chicken baked to perfection, wrapped in soft tortillas, and elevated with a luscious avocado sauce that adds the ideal cool contrast to the warm spices. It’s a delightful, easy-to-make meal that brings a burst of color and bold tastes to your table every time you make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two cooked chicken pieces with a browned, seasoned surface sit in a white baking dish. The chicken is covered with dark and red spices and herbs, creating a textured, slightly crispy look on top. The dish holds a layer of reddish-orange oil and juices mixed with spices around the chicken. Some green herbs are sprinkled on the right piece, adding color contrast. The white baking dish catches the dark spices around the edges that stick to it. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple while layering flavors that work together harmoniously. Each ingredient has a role, whether it’s building the spicy foundation for the chicken or adding freshness and creaminess to the sauce and toppings.

Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein that absorbs all the delicious spices and stays juicy when baked.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Melts beautifully over the chicken for gooey, savory goodness.
Olive oil: Keeps the chicken moist and helps the spices stick for maximum flavor.
Cilantro: Adds a burst of fresh, herby brightness to the avocado sauce and garnishes.
Lime juice: Gives a tangy twist to balance the richness of the dish.
Soft shell tortillas: Perfect for folding around all the fillings, they stay soft after baking.
Chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, chili flakes: A spice blend that creates a smoky, slightly spicy, and deeply aromatic flavor profile for the chicken.

How to Make Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Marinate the Chicken

Start by finely chopping or shredding the chicken breasts so the spices can permeate every bite. In a bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, thyme, cayenne, and chili flakes. Toss the chicken with olive oil and the spice mix until fully coated, then let it marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all those vibrant flavors.

Step 2: Bake the Spiced Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the marinated chicken evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges, locking in juiciness with every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Sauce

While the chicken bakes, mix a creamy avocado sauce by blending ripe avocado with chopped cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This sauce will add a fresh, buttery texture and a cooling effect that perfectly balances the spice from the chicken.

Step 4: Assemble and Add Cheese

Once the chicken is baked, warm your soft shell tortillas briefly to keep them pliable. Lay the chicken inside each tortilla, then sprinkle generously with shredded Mexican blend cheese. You can return the assembled tacos to the oven for just a couple of minutes to melt the cheese for that irresistible gooey layer.

How to Serve Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

The image shows four round tortillas placed on a baking tray lined with parchment paper on a white marbled surface. Each tortilla has two layers: the bottom layer is light brown shredded meat or chicken spread in the center, and the top layer is a generous amount of shredded pale yellow cheese covering half of each tortilla in a thick, uneven texture. The tortillas are arranged in a 2x2 grid with some space between them, and the edges of the tortillas are plain with no toppings. The overall colors are warm tones of beige, light brown, and pale yellow. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes take these tacos to the next level. Squeeze extra lime for zing, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for color and herbal notes, and add sliced jalapeños if you want to dial up the heat. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of diced onions can also add fantastic texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Complement your tacos with light, fresh sides like a crisp cabbage slaw, black beans, or Mexican street corn. These add crunch and additional flavors, rounding out the meal perfectly without competing with your Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the chicken and avocado sauce taco filling in mini taco bowls or on a shared platter where everyone can build their own. You can also layer the ingredients in a casserole dish for a taco bake version that’s just as delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your taco feast, wrap any leftover chicken and tortillas separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. Store the avocado sauce in a sealed container, covering the surface with plastic wrap to prevent browning.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked spiced chicken in portions for up to two months. Avoid freezing the avocado sauce, as it tends to lose its fresh texture and color upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven to maintain its texture, then assemble your tacos fresh. The avocado sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so add it after reheating for that perfect creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While boneless skinless chicken breasts are preferred for their lean texture, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier result. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.

Is the avocado sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! It’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare—just blend a few fresh ingredients, and you get a silky, flavorful sauce that brightens the entire dish.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the shredded cheese or use a dairy-free cheese alternative. The avocado sauce will still provide plenty of creaminess and flavor.

How spicy is the dish?

The spice level is moderate, thanks to the balanced use of chili powder and cayenne. You can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the cayenne pepper and chili flakes according to your preference.

What can I use instead of soft shell tortillas?

If you prefer, you can use hard taco shells or even lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Both work well with the baked chicken and avocado sauce.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about this Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe that makes it a reliable favorite to whip up any day of the week. The blend of spices, the baked juiciness of the chicken, and the creamy avocado sauce come together in perfect harmony. I promise, once you try this recipe, it will become a go-to meal for your taco cravings and casual gatherings alike. So go ahead, make it your own, and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need