Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Tacos

Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Tacos are a quick, satisfying meal that combines seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, and golden, crispy taco shells all baked to perfection. Ideal for a busy weeknight or a casual gathering, these tacos are irresistibly crunchy on the outside and gooey-cheesy on the inside.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and cook time make this a weeknight favorite.
• Crispy and Cheesy: Baking yields the perfect crunch while melting the cheese to ooey-gooey perfection.
• Crowd-Pleaser: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Use your favorite toppings or swap in different proteins.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Filling can be prepped in advance for even faster meals.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 12 small taco shells (hard or soft that crisp in the oven)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (e.g., rotisserie)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ cup tomato sauce or salsa
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

this recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking dish or sheet with foil or parchment.
2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion until soft. Stir in the shredded chicken, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and tomato sauce or salsa. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until heated through and well combined.
3. Assemble the Tacos: Arrange taco shells in a baking dish so they stand up. Spoon chicken mixture into each shell, then top generously with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
4. Bake: Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crispy.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped cilantro, sour cream, diced tomatoes, avocado, or your favorite toppings. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 (2 tacos each)
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
• Vegetarian: Substitute chicken with black beans, corn, and bell peppers.
• Different Cheeses: Use pepper jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican blend.
• Buffalo Twist: Use buffalo sauce in the chicken mix and drizzle with ranch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to keep shells crisp, or microwave for a softer texture.
• Freezing: Freeze the filling separately and assemble tacos fresh for baking.

FAQs

Can I use soft tortillas?

Yes, just brush them lightly with oil and bake until crisp for a homemade hard shell effect.

How do I keep taco shells from getting soggy?

Pre-bake empty shells for 3–4 minutes before filling, or use less sauce in the filling.

Can I use ground chicken?

Yes, brown ground chicken with the seasonings and sauce before filling the tacos.

Are these gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free taco shells and seasoning for a gluten-free version.

What are the best toppings for these tacos?

Sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado, jalapeños, and cilantro are great options.

Can I prepare the tacos ahead of time?

Prepare the filling ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake just before serving for best texture.

Can I use a taco seasoning packet?

Yes, replace the spices with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning for convenience.

Do I need to grease the pan?

Lining with foil or parchment should prevent sticking, but a light spray of oil can help.

What’s the best cheese for maximum melt?

Monterey Jack and cheddar are ideal for melting and flavor.

Can I add beans to the filling?

Absolutely—black beans or refried beans work great for added heartiness.

Conclusion

Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Tacos are a family-friendly, flavor-packed solution to dinner that delivers on both taste and texture. Crispy, cheesy, and full of seasoned chicken goodness, they’re guaranteed to be a repeat request in any household. Customize them your way and serve with your favorite toppings for an easy win any night of the week.

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