Name: Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos with Enchilada Sauce and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 recipe Homemade Enchilada Sauce (see recipe link); 4 cups shredded chicken (or use rotisserie chicken); 12 soft white corn tortillas; 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterrey, Oaxaca, or a blend); 1 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons lime juice; 1-2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 cup packed cilantro, finely chopped (measured before chopping); 2-4 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos (optional); 1/2 teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dried chives, dried dill; Salt and pepper to taste; Chipotle Sauce; Guacamole; Avocado Crema; Pico de Gallo; Pickled Red Onions; Hot Sauce; Corn Salsa; Avocado Corn Salsa

Jump to Recipe·4 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that perfectly balances crispy textures, bold flavors, and fresh, zesty finishes, then you’re going to love this Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos with Enchilada Sauce and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Recipe. Each bite offers juicy shredded chicken blanketed in a smoky, rich enchilada sauce, nestled inside corn tortillas that bake to crunchy perfection. Crowned with melty cheese and a vibrant cilantro lime sour cream, these tacos bring the kind of flavor and comfort that turn any weeknight into a festive occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up shot of shredded chicken mixed in a rich, red-orange sauce with visible pieces of green herbs scattered throughout. The chicken looks tender and moist, coated evenly by the sauce. It is served in a white plate with speckles, and two metal serving tongs are holding a portion of the chicken. The background shows a white marbled surface. The lighting highlights the texture and color of the dish, making it appear fresh and appetizing. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple yet vibrant ingredients makes all the difference here—each brings something essential to this taco fiesta. From the tender shredded chicken to the earthy enchilada sauce and the tangy cilantro lime sour cream, every component builds layers of taste, texture, and color.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce: The flavor powerhouse, smoky and rich, it coats the chicken with deliciousness.
Shredded chicken: Tender and juicy, the perfect protein base that soaks up all that sauce.
Soft white corn tortillas: Essential for that authentic texture, they crisp beautifully in the oven.
Shredded cheese: Choose cheddar, Monterey, Oaxaca, or a combo for gooey, melty goodness inside every taco.
Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: Forms the creamy base of the cilantro lime sour cream for brightness and coolness.
Lime juice: Adds zing and freshness, balancing out the richness of the sauce and cheese.
Fresh cilantro: Adds herbal brightness and a burst of green color to the sour cream and the dish overall.
Olive oil: Lightly brushed on tortillas for crisp, golden edges.
Optional toppings: Pickled jalapenos, chipotle sauce, guacamole, or pico de gallo to customize your flavor adventure.

How to Make Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos with Enchilada Sauce and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Enchilada Sauce and Chicken

Start by making your homemade enchilada sauce—it’s the secret to infusing these tacos with smoky, earthy depth. Once the sauce is ready, toss it generously with your shredded chicken. This combination ensures every bite is saucy and flavorful without being overwhelming.

Step 2: Soften and Oil the Tortillas

Softening the tortillas is a game changer. By microwaving them between damp paper towels, you make them pliable and easy to fold without cracking. Brushing them lightly with olive oil on one side sets the stage for that irresistible crunch once baked, so be sure the oiled side contacts the baking sheet.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Load each tortilla with a layer of shredded cheese followed by the saucy shredded chicken. Folding them in half and gently pressing helps keep everything snug and ready to crisp up during baking. If needed, flipping the tacos during assembly can secure their shape for the oven.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy Perfection

Bake the tacos at a hot 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes, then flip and bake for another 8 minutes. If you crave extra crunch, keep flipping and baking in 5-minute intervals until golden and crispy. That perfectly crisp exterior holds all the filling in glorious harmony.

Step 5: Make the Cilantro Lime Sour Cream

While the tacos bake, whip up the cilantro lime sour cream. Combine sour cream or Greek yogurt with fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro, a splash of milk for ideal consistency, and your choice of garlic, onion powder, and herbs. This creamy, tangy sauce elevates each bite with freshness and a touch of complexity.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos with Enchilada Sauce and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Recipe

The image shows two tacos on a white marbled surface. Each taco has a golden-yellow crispy shell with a slightly oily texture. Inside, there are shredded reddish-brown cooked meat pieces, topped with red tomato chunks, white onion bits, and green cilantro leaves. Several green jalapeño slices are scattered around the tacos. In the background, there is a white bowl with a speckled texture, filled with a fresh salad of diced tomatoes, white onions, and green herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Toppings make tacos personal and exciting. I love dolloping on chipotle sauce or avocado crema, sprinkling sliced pickled jalapenos for heat, or adding fresh pico de gallo for juicy brightness. The cilantro lime sour cream, of course, is a must—its cool tang cuts through the richness, making each bite shine.

Side Dishes

Serve these tacos alongside a fresh corn salsa or a zesty avocado corn salad for complementary flavors and textures. A simple black bean salad or a bright Mexican coleslaw also pairs beautifully, adding healthy crunch and balance to this comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn these crispy baked chicken tacos into a taco platter—arranged like little boats with all the toppings on the side for guests to customize. Or, stack smaller tortillas with layers of shredded chicken, cheese, and sauce to create crispy taco stacks that are just as eye-catching as they are delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To prevent sogginess, store the crispy tacos and sauces separately if possible, then assemble before reheating or serving.

Freezing

You can freeze these baked chicken tacos by placing them on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Frozen tacos reheat best when heated gently to preserve their crunch.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through and crispy again, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you’re in a pinch, as it tends to make the tortillas soft rather than crispy.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought enchilada sauce?

Absolutely! While homemade enchilada sauce packs incredible flavor, a good-quality store-bought version works well in a pinch and still delivers tasty results.

What’s the best cheese to use for these tacos?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Oaxaca cheese all melt wonderfully and bring a lovely flavor that complements the sauce and chicken. Feel free to mix and match to suit your taste!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Using soft white corn tortillas ensures this recipe remains authentically gluten-free. Just double-check your enchilada sauce ingredients to be certain there’s no gluten hidden in any seasoning blends.

How spicy are these tacos?

They can be as mild or spicy as you like. Leaving out pickled jalapenos and spicy toppings keeps them mild, but adding chipotle sauce and jalapenos amps up the heat deliciously.

Is the cilantro lime sour cream mandatory?

While optional, the cilantro lime sour cream adds a fresh brightness and creamy tang that balances the smoky, rich enchilada sauce perfectly. It’s definitely worth making!

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos with Enchilada Sauce and Cilantro Lime Sour Cream Recipe transform simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple. So go ahead, gather your ingredients and dive into this joyous taco experience—you’ll be so glad you did!