Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema

Name: Baked Chicken Tacos with Chipotle Crema
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, diced into small cubes; 3 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ancho chili powder; 1 tsp salt; 6 small flour tortillas; 1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 chipotle pepper in adobo; 1 tsp adobo sauce (from the can); 1/2 lime, juiced; pickled red onions, for serving; fresh cilantro, for serving

These baked chicken tacos combine seasoned, crispy cubed chicken with a creamy, spicy chipotle crema on a single sheet pan. They're an easy weeknight dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.

🌍Mexican-inspired 🏷️Chicken tacos 🏷️Tacos 🏷️Chipotle crema 🏷️Weeknight dinner Easy recipe

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TikTok

Total

30 min

Servings

6

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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TikTok

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced into small cubes
3 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ancho chili powder
1 tsp salt
6 small flour tortillas
1.5 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 chipotle pepper in adobo
1 tsp adobo sauce (from the can)
1/2 lime, juiced
pickled red onions, for servingoptional
fresh cilantro, for servingoptional

16 Ingredients

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Instructions

1
In a small bowl, combine chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, ancho chili powder, and salt.
2
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and the spice mixture.
3
Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and browned. Set aside.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5
Arrange the tortillas on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and use a brush to coat both sides.
6
Spoon the cooked chicken onto one half of each tortilla, then top with about 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
7
Fold the tortillas over the filling and press firmly to close.
8
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top of the tacos.
9
Bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
10
While the tacos are baking, prepare the chipotle crema. In a small food processor or blender, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
11
Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
12
Serve the baked tacos warm, drizzled with the chipotle crema and topped with optional pickled red onions and fresh cilantro.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Cut chicken into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and crispiness; aim for ½ to ¾ inch pieces.
Stir the chicken halfway through baking at 400°F to promote even browning and prevent drying out.
Let the chipotle crema rest in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and texture set.
Don't skip the second drizzle of olive oil — it's key to achieving crispy, golden-brown edges on the chicken.

Substitutions

Chicken breast → boneless thighs (more forgiving, slightly longer bake time)
Mexican cheese blend → sharp cheddar or cotija (cotija adds tangy crumble texture)
Flour tortillas → corn tortillas (authentic alternative, warm before serving)
Ancho chili powder → smoked paprika or additional chili powder (adjust heat level to taste)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a 350°F oven or skillet. Chipotle crema keeps for 4 days refrigerated. Assemble tacos fresh just before serving.

Common Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes. Thighs will stay more moist and may take 2–3 minutes longer to bake. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F.

How do I make the chipotle crema?

Blend sour cream with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, garlic, and salt until smooth. Adjust spice and consistency to taste.

Can these tacos be made ahead?

Yes. Bake and season the chicken, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm before serving and assemble with fresh toppings and crema.

What's the best way to get crispy chicken in the oven?

Use small, evenly-sized cubes, toss well with oil and spices, spread in a single layer, and bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, stirring halfway through.