Short Description
Baked chicken tacos are a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on traditional tacos. Shredded chicken is mixed with taco seasoning, salsa, and cheese, then stuffed into crispy taco shells and baked until golden and melty. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, game day snack, or meal prep, these tacos are sure to be a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and cheesy – Baking the tacos makes them extra crunchy with gooey melted cheese.
- Quick and easy – A simple 30-minute meal with minimal prep.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd – Make a batch of tacos all at once in the oven.
- Customizable – Add your favorite toppings and fillings.
- Great for meal prep – Leftovers reheat well for another delicious meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Filling:
- Cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- Taco seasoning
- Salsa
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
- Diced green chilies (optional for extra flavor)
For the Tacos:
- Crunchy taco shells
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Avocado or guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Jalapeños (optional)
Directions
- Preheat the oven – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Make the filling – In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with taco seasoning, salsa, and green chilies.
- Assemble the tacos – Place taco shells upright in a baking dish. Fill each shell with the chicken mixture and top with shredded cheese.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.
- Add toppings – Remove from the oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.
- Serve immediately – Enjoy warm with your favorite salsa or hot sauce!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 tacos
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy version – Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- Soft tacos – Use small flour tortillas and bake in a dish with cheese on top.
- Buffalo chicken tacos – Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce instead of salsa.
- BBQ chicken tacos – Swap salsa for BBQ sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Vegetarian option – Use black beans or sautéed mushrooms instead of chicken.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftover filling and toppings separately for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the chicken mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw before using.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken filling in a skillet and bake tacos at 350°F for 5 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of shredded?
Yes! Brown ground chicken in a pan and mix it with the seasonings and salsa.
How do I keep taco shells from getting soggy?
Bake the shells for 5 minutes before filling them to keep them crispy.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
You can prep the filling in advance, but assemble and bake right before serving for best results.
What’s the best cheese for baked tacos?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend melt well and add great flavor.
Can I use soft tortillas instead of crunchy shells?
Yes! Use small flour tortillas and fold them into taco shapes before baking.
What’s the best salsa to use?
Any salsa works, but chunky salsa adds great texture. Try mild, medium, or spicy based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free taco shells and check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free.
How do I make these tacos extra cheesy?
Add an extra layer of shredded cheese inside the taco shell before baking.
What sides go well with baked chicken tacos?
Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or chips and guacamole.
Can I air-fry these tacos instead of baking?
Yes! Air-fry at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Conclusion
Baked chicken tacos are a quick, crispy, and cheesy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a party, these easy tacos will be a hit. Try them today and enjoy a delicious twist on classic tacos!
Print
Baked Chicken Tacos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 10 tacos 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
These Baked Chicken Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with juicy shredded chicken! Made with seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and crunchy taco shells, this easy weeknight dinner is ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for Taco Tuesday or any time you’re craving a flavorful, baked taco!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1/2 cup salsa (or diced tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 cup black beans or corn (optional)
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend
For the Tacos:
- 10 hard taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and black beans (if using).
Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
- Arrange taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each shell with chicken mixture, then top with shredded cheese.
Step 3: Bake the Tacos
- Bake uncovered for 10–12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and shells are crispy.
Step 4: Add Toppings & Serve
- Remove from oven and top with lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro, and jalapeños.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Spicy: Add ½ tsp chili powder to the chicken or drizzle with hot sauce.
- Soft Shell Option: Use small flour tortillas and bake them flat on a baking sheet.
- Meal Prep: Store baked tacos (without toppings) in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add queso or extra cheese before baking.