Baja Chicken Tacos

When I think of summer evenings, one dish that always comes to mind is Baja Chicken Tacos. There’s something magical about gathering with friends or family around a table filled with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients. I remember one particular summer night, the sun was setting, and the aroma of marinated chicken sizzling on the grill filled the air. As we assembled our tacos, each bite was bursting with flavor, and the laughter and stories shared over dinner made the moment even more special. These Baja Chicken Tacos have become a staple in my home; they’re not just a meal but a celebration of good times and great company.

Ingredients Overview for Baja Chicken Tacos

These Baja Chicken Tacos rely on a combination of fresh and flavorful ingredients that work harmoniously together. The core of the dish is tender, marinated chicken, which is complemented by tangy lime and orange juices. The addition of jalapeños and various spices brings in a kick, while toppings like cilantro, pickled onions, and avocado add freshness and texture. This combination not only creates a delicious meal but also a colorful presentation.

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons lime juice (juice of about 2 limes)
• ¼ cup orange juice (juice of about 1 orange)
• 2 jalapeños (sliced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil (divided)
• ½ cup greek yogurt
• ½ cup salsa verde
• ½ cup cilantro (about ½ bunch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (juice of about 1 lime)
• 1 clove garlic
• 12 corn tortillas (or other wrap)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable, canola, or similar)
• ½ cup pickled red onion (prepared)
• ½ cup quartered grape tomatoes
• ¼ cup feta cheese
• 1 avocado (smashed)
• 2 radishes (chopped)

Cooking Method for Baja Chicken Tacos

Cooking these Baja Chicken Tacos is a fun and engaging process that yields mouthwatering results. With a few simple steps, you can transform fresh ingredients into a delicious meal your family will love.

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F. This is an essential step, as it prepares the cooking environment for the chicken, ensuring it cooks evenly and reaches the perfect temperature.
2. Place the chicken breast in a zip top bag, or covered container. Add the lime juice, orange juice, jalapeño slices, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the cooking oil. Mixing these ingredients thoroughly will create a flavorful marinade that infuses the chicken with zest and spice.
3. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3 hours if you have the time. The longer it sits, the more intense the flavors will be.
4. Heat the remaining oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s hot enough when the oil shimmers and a drop of water sizzles upon contact.
5. Once hot, add the chicken breast to the skillet and let it sit on the first side for 2 to 3 minutes without moving. This will create a beautiful golden-brown sear, locking in the juices.
6. Once a nice golden brown sear has formed, flip the chicken and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes. At this point, you should be able to smell the wonderful aroma of the spices mingling in the air.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 10 to 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165˚F. If you don’t have an oven-proof skillet, don’t worry; just transfer the chicken to a baking sheet or casserole dish, but keep in mind it may take a couple of extra minutes to cook.
8. Let the chicken sit for 5 minutes to rest; this step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and tender.
9. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to layer into your Baja Chicken Tacos.
10. Place all sauce ingredients — cilantro, greek yogurt, and additional lime juice — in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This sauce will elevate the flavor profile of your tacos.
11. Heat a little cooking oil in a skillet over high heat. Once hot, add a tortilla and cook on each side for 30 to 45 seconds until lightly browned. This step creates crispy taco shells, setting the perfect base for your toppings.
12. Repeat with all tortillas to create the taco shells. As you go, feel free to stack them to keep them warm.
13. Assemble the tacos by layering a taco shell with diced chicken, pickled onions, tomatoes, feta, the cilantro sauce, and top with smashed avocado and fresh cilantro. Enjoy the vibrant colors and aromas as you create your personal masterpiece!

Helpful Hints

To make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable, here are some helpful hints that will elevate your Baja Chicken Tacos:

• Storage: Store leftover ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to maintain freshness.
• Freezing: The cooked Baja Chicken freezes well. Wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month for easy future meals.
• Pairing: Serve with a light salad or corn on the cob to complete the meal.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled if feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions without a problem.
• Serving Style: Set up a taco bar where everyone can assemble their own tacos with toppings of their choice for a fun, interactive meal.

Great Combinations for Baja Chicken Tacos

Pairing your Baja Chicken Tacos with the right sides and drinks will enhance the overall experience. Here are some great combinations:

• Refreshing Beverages: Serve with chilled beverages like agua fresca or a light Mexican beer for a refreshing pairing.
• Fresh Salads: A simple green salad or corn salad brightens the meal, making it even more enjoyable.
• Fruits: Fresh fruits like watermelon or mango can provide a sweet contrast to the savory tacos.
• Seasonal Extras: Consider incorporating seasonal ingredients like fresh corn or tomatoes to keep it fresh and relevant.
• Occasions: These tacos are perfect for summer barbecues, casual dinners, or even game nights.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Baja Chicken Tacos are a vibrant and flavorful dish perfect for summer gatherings or a quick family dinner. With a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can create a meal that not only satisfies but also brings everyone together around the table. I encourage you to try making these tacos; they’re sure to become a favorite in your household, just like they are in mine!

Baja Chicken Tacos

The ultimate summer dish, Baja Chicken Tacos are bursting with fresh flavors and vibrant ingredients. With tender, marinated chicken and a variety of toppings, this easy weeknight dinner is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for gatherings or a quick family meal, you'll find yourself craving these tacos again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast boneless, skinless
• 2 tablespoons lime juice juice of about 2 limes
• 0.25 cup orange juice juice of about 1 orange
• 2 jalapeños sliced
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil divided
• 0.5 cup greek yogurt
• 0.5 cup salsa verde
• 0.5 cup cilantro (about ½ bunch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice juice of about 1 lime
• 1 clove garlic
• 12 corn tortillas (or other wrap)
• 1 tablespoon cooking oil vegetable, canola, or similar
• 0.5 cup pickled red onion prepared
• 0.5 cup quartered grape tomatoes
• 0.25 cup feta cheese
• 1 avocado smashed
• 2 radishes chopped

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Oven
• Blender
• Skillet
• Cutting Board
• Chef's Knife
• Mixing Bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat the oven to 350˚F.
2. Place the chicken breast in a zip top bag, or covered container. Add the lime juice, orange juice, jalapeño slices, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and half of the cooking oil. Mix well.
3. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
4. Heat the remaining cooking oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium high heat.
5. Once hot, add the chicken breast to the skillet and let sit on the first side for 2-3 minutes without moving.
6. Once a nice golden brown sear has formed, flip the chicken and cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Transfer the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until chicken reaches 165˚F internal temperature.
8. Let sit for 5 minutes, then dice the chicken.
9. Place all sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
10. Heat a little cooking oil in a skillet over high heat. Once hot, add a tortilla and cook on each side for 30-45 seconds until lightly browned.
11. Repeat with all tortillas to create the taco shells.
12. Assemble the tacos by layering a taco shell with chicken, pickled onions, tomatoes, feta, cilantro sauce, and top with smashed avocado and fresh cilantro.

Notes

• Chicken: boneless, skinless chicken thighs will also work.
• Greek yogurt: sour cream is an acceptable substitute.
• Tortillas: taco-sized flour tortillas or your favorite flatbread are all fine.
• Pickled red onion: can sub thinly sliced fresh red onion.
• Feta cheese: cotija cheese is also good.
• Avocado: store-bought guacamole will also work.
• How to Store: Store ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• How to Freeze: The Baja Chicken in this recipe freezes well. It’s best frozen after cooking. Just wrap the cooked chicken tightly and store in the freezer for up to a month.
• How to Reheat: The chicken and tortillas can be reheated in the microwave in 30 second increments, or cover with tin foil and place into the oven to reheat. Top with fresh ingredients.
• How to Scale: This recipe can easily be doubled if you are feeding a crowd or halved for smaller portions.

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Meet Margot Vance

Founding Savor Feasts was my way of celebrating the art of generous cooking. I believe that food should be abundant, flavorful, and memorable. I personally cook, test, and photograph our recipes to ensure they bring a sense of occasion to your table, whether it is a simple dinner or a grand holiday celebration.