Name: Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 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 Cilantro, chopped; 2 tablespoon Lime juice; 1 ripe avocado; ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lime juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 78 reviews

If you’re searching for a flavorful, vibrant meal that’s both comforting and exciting, look no further than the Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe. This dish combines tender, spiced chicken with the creamy freshness of avocado sauce, all tucked inside warm tortillas and topped with melty Mexican blend cheese. With a perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, these tacos are as joyful to eat as they are simple to make, bringing a fiesta right to your dinner table without any fuss.

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

Getting the ingredients together for this recipe is a breeze, and each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these tacos truly memorable.

Boneless skinless chicken breast: The star protein, easy to slice and bakes beautifully with spices.
Shredded Mexican blend cheese: Adds gooey, cheesy richness that melts perfectly over the chicken.
Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken for even cooking and adds a touch of smoothness.
Cilantro (chopped): Fresh herbaceous lift that brightens up each bite.
Lime juice: Brings sharp acidity that balances the spices and creaminess.
Soft shell tortillas: The cozy vessel that holds all the deliciousness together.
Chili powder: Provides warm, smoky depth to the chicken seasoning.
Cumin: Earthy and slightly nutty, it blends perfectly with chili powder.
Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky sweetness.
Onion powder: Enhances savory undertones without the texture of fresh onions.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
Dried oregano: Gives a hint of herbal brightness.
Dried thyme: A subtle floral note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
Cayenne pepper: For that spark of heat to awaken your taste buds.
Chili flakes: Optional extra kick for those who love it spicy.

How to Make Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Mix and Chicken

Begin by combining chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, and chili flakes in a small bowl. This vibrant blend creates the foundation of flavor. Next, drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and rub the spice mixture evenly onto them, ensuring every inch is covered in that fragrant, colorful seasoning.

Step 2: Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the seasoned chicken breasts on a baking tray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy. The high heat locks in moisture while the spices develop a delicious crust. Once done, let the chicken rest briefly before shredding or slicing for your tacos.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your soft shell tortillas just enough to make them pliable. Layer each tortilla with a generous amount of shredded chicken, sprinkle with the cheesy Mexican blend, and place them on a baking sheet. Pop the tacos back into the oven for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, creating that irresistible gooey texture.

Step 4: Make the Avocado Sauce

While the tacos are baking, whip up the creamy avocado sauce by blending ripe avocado with lime juice and chopped cilantro until smooth and vibrant green. This sauce brings a fresh, cooling contrast that perfectly complements the warm spices and melted cheese.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the tacos from the oven and drizzle generously with the avocado sauce. This final touch elevates the dish to new heights, adding creaminess and tang that ties every flavor together beautifully.

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

The right garnishes can transform these tacos from simple to show-stopping. Fresh slices of radish, a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a few thinly sliced jalapeños for those who want extra heat, or even some diced red onions add texture, color, and vibrant flavor contrasts. A wedge of lime on the side invites your guests to add a splash of brightness to each bite.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, consider light, fresh sides like a crisp cabbage slaw dressed with lime and chili flakes, or a simple Mexican street corn salad. Beans and rice work beautifully too if you want hearty accompaniments, creating a filling feast that feels authentic and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist and easy serving, line a platter with tortilla chips and layer the baked chicken and avocado sauce over the top for taco nachos. Or serve the tacos with colorful small bowls of garnishes and let everyone personalize their own creations. Presentation can be lively and casual, perfect for sharing stories and smiles around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep leftover chicken and avocado sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them apart helps preserve the freshness of the avocado sauce and the texture of the chicken.

Freezing

The seasoned baked chicken freezes well in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Freeze the shredded chicken without the cheese or tortillas to maintain the best flavor and texture. The avocado sauce is best made fresh, but if needed, it can be frozen for a shorter time with slight texture changes.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, then assemble your tacos with fresh cheese and sauce. Avoid overheating the avocado sauce to keep its creamy consistency intact.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While a shredded Mexican blend cheese is traditional and melts beautifully, you can substitute with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even queso fresco depending on your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. The chicken can be cooked and stored ahead, and the avocado sauce made fresh each day. Assemble your tacos quickly when you’re ready to enjoy them for a fast, tasty meal.

Can I make this recipe spicy or mild?

You’re in control here. Adjust the cayenne pepper and chili flakes to dial up or down the heat so the tacos are perfectly balanced for your taste buds.

What’s the best way to keep the tortillas soft?

Warming your tortillas wrapped in a damp towel in the microwave or briefly on a skillet will keep them soft and pliable for folding without cracking.

Can I prepare the avocado sauce in advance?

While you can prepare it ahead, avocado tends to brown quickly. Adding extra lime juice helps preserve its vibrant color, but for the freshest taste and appearance, it’s best made just before serving.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, flavorful Baked Chicken Tacos with Avocado Sauce Recipe. Its blend of spices, melty cheese, and creamy sauce is a delicious hug on a plate. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or the star of your next gathering, these tacos are guaranteed to bring smiles and satisfy cravings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a beloved favorite in your kitchen!