Baked Crunchy Chicken Tacos Recipe

Tacos are a universal favorite, beloved across cultures and generations for their versatility, deliciousness, and ease of preparation. Among the many variations of tacos, baked crunchy chicken tacos stand out as a delightful blend of crispy textures, juicy chicken, and savory toppings. These baked tacos are perfect for anyone who loves the crunch of a taco shell but desires a healthier, easier way to prepare them without frying.

In this recipe, the chicken is seasoned to perfection, baked in taco shells, and topped with a medley of cheese, lettuce, and other fresh ingredients. The oven-baked method ensures a crispy exterior without the mess and calories associated with frying, making this dish a crowd-pleasing option for weeknight dinners, game days, or casual gatherings.

This guide will take you through every step of making baked crunchy chicken tacos, from selecting your ingredients to cooking and assembling them. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will help you achieve perfect baked chicken tacos every time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Start by cooking your chicken. If using chicken breasts, you can cook them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using chicken thighs, cook for 30-35 minutes. You can also cook the chicken on the stovetop in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.

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2. Shred the Chicken:
   Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for 5 minutes before shredding it with two forks. This helps to retain moisture and makes shredding easier.

3. Season the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the shredded chicken to the skillet, then add the taco seasoning and lime juice. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning mix.

4. Simmer:
   Add 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth to the skillet to help create a slight sauce. Let the chicken simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with salt, pepper, or more taco seasoning.

5. Set the Chicken Filling Aside:
   Once the chicken is well-seasoned and the flavors have had time to develop, remove it from the heat and set it aside. This filling will go into your taco shells next.

Step 2: Preparing the Taco Shells

1. Heat the Taco Shells:
   If you’re using store-bought taco shells, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange the taco shells on a baking sheet. Heat them for 5-7 minutes until they’re warm and crispy. Alternatively, you can make your own taco shells from soft tortillas by brushing them with a small amount of oil and baking them in the oven. You can also crisp the shells on the stovetop, but baking them in the oven is the easiest and most consistent method.

2. Arrange the Taco Shells:
   After the shells are heated, arrange them upright on a baking sheet to prepare them for filling. You can line the sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Assembling the Baked Crunchy Chicken Tacos

1. Fill the Taco Shells:
   Begin by spooning the seasoned chicken filling into each taco shell, filling them generously but not overstuffing them. Leave some space at the top for cheese and other toppings.

2. Top with Cheese:
   Sprinkle a small handful of shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of the chicken in each taco shell. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, gooey texture as the tacos bake.

3. Bake the Tacos:
   Place the filled taco shells into the oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes or until the taco shells are crispy and the cheese has melted. Be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 4: Preparing the Toppings

1. Chop the Vegetables:
   While the tacos are baking, chop the fresh ingredients for your toppings. Slice the avocado, chop the cilantro, dice the onion, and prepare the pico de gallo or salsa.

2. Prepare Sour Cream and Lime:
   If you’re serving with sour cream, scoop it into a small bowl. You can also cut lime wedges for garnish and squeezing over the tacos.

3. Pickle the Jalapeños (Optional):
   If you want to make your own pickled jalapeños, slice the jalapeños and submerge them in a mixture of vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let them sit for at least 10 minutes for the flavors to develop.

Step 5: Assembling and Serving

1. Fill and Garnish the Tacos:
   Once the tacos are out of the oven and the cheese has melted, arrange them on a serving platter. Top each taco with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, diced onions, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream. Add a spoonful of salsa or pico de gallo on top for added freshness.

2. Serve with Lime Wedges:
   Serve the baked crunchy chicken tacos with lime wedges on the side for a burst of citrus that will bring all the flavors together.

Tips for Success

1. Choosing the Right Chicken:
   Chicken thighs tend to retain moisture better than chicken breasts, making them a good option for tacos. However, if you prefer chicken breasts for their leaner profile, just be sure not to overcook them to avoid dryness.

2. Homemade Taco Seasoning:
   If you prefer to use homemade taco seasoning, combine 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. This mix will give you the ideal taco flavor without any added preservatives.

3. Crispy Taco Shells:
   To achieve perfectly crispy taco shells without deep frying, be sure to bake them at the right temperature and for the correct time. Don’t overstuff the shells, as this can make them soggy.

4. Meal Prep:
   You can make the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken, assemble the tacos, and bake.

Variations

Cheesy Chicken Tacos:

For an even cheesier taco, add cheese both inside and outside the taco shell. Brush the outer part of the taco shell with melted butter or oil and sprinkle with cheese before baking. This will give the taco a cheesy, crispy crust.

Vegetarian Baked Tacos:

For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or seasoned vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, peppers, and onions. These fillings can be equally satisfying and flavorful when seasoned well.

Spicy Chicken Tacos:

Add extra heat to the chicken filling by mixing in some diced fresh jalapeños or a bit of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce. You can also make a spicy salsa with serrano chilies or a spicy crema.

Conclusion

Baked crunchy chicken tacos offer the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken, crispy taco shells, and fresh toppings creates a satisfying and delicious meal. This recipe is incredibly customizable, allowing you to adjust the toppings, fillings, and spice levels to suit your personal preferences. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, these tacos are sure to be a hit.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently make baked crunchy chicken tacos that are not only easy to prepare but also absolutely bursting with flavor.

Yield: 12 Tacos

Baked Crunchy Chicken Tacos Recipe

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Tacos are a universal favorite, beloved across cultures and generations for their versatility, deliciousness, and ease of preparation. Among the many variations of tacos, baked crunchy chicken tacos stand out as a delightful blend of crispy textures, juicy chicken, and savory toppings. These baked tacos are perfect for anyone who loves the crunch of a taco shell but desires a healthier, easier way to prepare them without frying.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Filling:
• 1 lb ground chicken (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• 1/4 cup water (or as directed on the seasoning packet)
• 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Tacos:
• 12 crunchy taco shells (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican cheese blend)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce (for garnish)
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup sliced olives (optional)
• Sour cream and salsa (for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

1. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it's browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). If using shredded rotisserie chicken, just add it to the skillet and warm it through.
   
2. Season the Chicken:
   Add the taco seasoning to the cooked chicken, along with 1/4 cup of water (or follow the seasoning packet's instructions). Stir well to combine, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
   

Assemble the Tacos:

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Prepare the Taco Shells:
   Arrange the taco shells in a baking dish (or on a baking sheet, ensuring they stand upright). If you want extra crispy shells, you can lightly brush the outside of the shells with a bit of olive oil before baking.
   
3. Fill the Taco Shells:
   Spoon the seasoned chicken mixture into each taco shell, evenly dividing it among the 12 shells. Top with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
   
4. Bake the Tacos:
   Place the filled taco shells in the preheated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are golden and crispy.
   

Serve:

1. Garnish the Tacos:
   Once the tacos are baked, remove them from the oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, olives (if using), and any other desired toppings.
   
2. Serve with Salsa and Sour Cream:
   Serve your baked crunchy chicken tacos with salsa and sour cream on the side, or drizzle some inside the tacos for extra flavor.

Notes

• Customizations: You can add extra toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or cilantro for extra flavor.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to use any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.
• Spicy Variation: If you like spice, try adding some chopped green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture.
• Taco Shells: For an extra crunchy texture, bake the taco shells for 5-7 minutes before adding the filling. This will give them a crispier finish.