Name: Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1¼ lbs. chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 tsp paprika; 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce NOT buffalo sauce; ½ cup plain Greek yogurt; ¼ cup fresh lime juice; ¼ cup cilantro chopped; 2 garlic cloves; ½ tsp salt; Cabbage sliced thin; Green onion; Avocado diced; Flour tortillas

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are packed with bold flavors, crispy chicken, and a refreshing creamy sauce.
The buffalo chicken is perfectly baked and shredded, then tossed in tangy Frank’s Red Hot Sauce, making each bite flavorful and spicy.
Topped with a cilantro lime crema, fresh avocado, and crunchy cabbage, these tacos are the ultimate combination of heat, coolness, and crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos are the perfect fusion of spicy and creamy.
The buffalo chicken gives you that classic spicy kick, while the cilantro lime crema adds a cool and tangy contrast.
With the fresh toppings like avocado and cabbage, each taco is bursting with flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Plus, they’re baked, making the chicken tender and juicy while still keeping the prep easy and hassle-free.

Ingredient Highlights

Buffalo Chicken: Chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts are coated in a simple seasoning blend of paprika and garlic powder, then baked and shredded before being tossed in Frank’s Red Hot Sauce for the perfect buffalo flavor.
Cilantro Lime Crema: A combination of Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro creates a creamy, zesty sauce that perfectly balances the heat from the buffalo chicken.
Tacos: Flour tortillas serve as the base for the tacos, with fresh toppings like cabbage, green onion, and avocado that add texture, flavor, and a cooling effect.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Use Chicken Tenders for Easy Shredding: Chicken tenders are ideal for this recipe as they cook quickly and shred easily. You can also use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but they may take slightly longer to cook.
Make the Crema Ahead of Time: For convenience, you can prepare the cilantro lime crema ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.
Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer your buffalo chicken less spicy, reduce the amount of hot sauce or add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce to mellow out the heat.

How to Make Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema

Step 1: Make the Cilantro Lime Crema

In a food processor, combine Greek yogurt, lime juice, chopped cilantro, garlic cloves, and salt.
Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Buffalo Chicken

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Mix the paprika and garlic powder together and sprinkle it evenly over both sides of the chicken tenders.
Place the chicken tenders in the prepared baking dish and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Once the chicken is done, shred it using two forks directly in the pan.
Add ½ cup of Frank’s Red Hot Sauce and mix until the chicken is fully coated.

Step 3: Make the Tacos

Warm the flour tortillas and layer each one with the buffalo chicken, cilantro lime crema, sliced cabbage, and diced avocado.
Add green onions for extra crunch, and squeeze some extra lime juice on top for added freshness.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos immediately while they’re warm. They make a perfect meal for family dinner, taco night, or even a weekend gathering.

Serving Ideas

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos are perfect when served with crispy fries, Mexican street corn, or a side of guacamole.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, serve them with a green salad or grilled vegetables.
They can also be paired with a cold beer or a margarita for the perfect taco night vibe.

Storage

Store any leftover buffalo chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
The cilantro lime crema will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.
While the tortillas will lose their crispness after storing, you can reheat the chicken and crema before assembling your tacos again.

FAQs

Can I use a different sauce for the chicken?
Yes, you can substitute Frank’s Red Hot Sauce with sriracha, buffalo sauce, or your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level.

Can I make the tacos ahead of time?
While the chicken can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, it’s best to assemble the tacos just before serving to keep the tortillas fresh.

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work perfectly with this recipe, and they’ll add a slightly different texture and flavor to the tacos.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more hot sauce to the chicken mixture or sprinkle some jalapeños or cayenne pepper in the crema for an extra kick.

Final Thoughts

These Baked Buffalo Chicken Tacos with Cilantro Lime Crema are a flavor-packed and easy-to-make meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
With a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and freshness, they’re ideal for taco nights or casual dinners with family and friends.
Give them a try for your next meal, and you’ll be hooked!