Description
Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Tacos are an easy, crowd-pleasing dish featuring seasoned shredded chicken, melty cheese, and crunchy taco shells, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for weeknight dinners or game day gatherings.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
- 10 crunchy taco shells
- Cooking spray or oil (for shells)
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt until well combined.
- Stand taco shells upright in the prepared baking dish. If needed, use crumpled foil or rolled parchment to help hold them in place.
- Evenly divide the chicken mixture among the taco shells.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over each taco.
- Lightly spray the tops of the tacos with cooking spray or brush with oil for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until cheese is melted and shells are golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Swap in ground beef, turkey, or beans for variety.
- Serve with guacamole, salsa, or a squeeze of lime juice.
- To prevent soggy bottoms, place a layer of cheese in the shell before adding chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg