Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea, Baked Chicken Tacos are the perfect solution. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, a flavorful taco seasoning, and melty cheese, all packed into crispy taco shells. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a game-day party, these baked tacos are sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love Baked Chicken Tacos

1. Quick and Easy: A straightforward recipe that takes less than an hour from start to finish.
2. Customizable: Add your favorite toppings to make each taco unique.
3. Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for make-ahead meals or leftovers.
4. Kid-Friendly: A fun, mess-free way to enjoy tacos.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Filling

1. Cook the Onion
   • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil.
   • Sauté the diced onions until they are translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
2. Combine Ingredients
   • Add the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the skillet.
   • Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the seasoning.
3. Simmer the Mixture
   • Reduce the heat to low and let the chicken filling simmer for 5–7 minutes.
   • Stir occasionally until most of the liquid has evaporated, leaving a flavorful mixture.
4. Set Aside
   • Remove the skillet from heat and let the filling cool slightly.

Step 2: Assemble the Tacos

1. Preheat the Oven
   • Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Arrange the Taco Shells
   • Line the taco shells upright in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Fill the Shells
   • Spoon the chicken mixture into each taco shell, filling them about three-quarters full.
4. Add Cheese
   • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken filling in each shell.
5. Optional Cilantro
   • Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro over the cheese for added flavor.

Step 3: Bake the Tacos

1. Cover with Foil
   • Gently cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent the shells from over-browning.
2. Bake
   • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Remove Foil and Continue Baking
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 4: Add Toppings and Serve

1. Garnish
   • Top each taco with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
2. Serve Hot
   • Serve the tacos immediately, paired with rice, beans, or a fresh salad.

Tips for Perfect Baked Chicken Tacos

1. Prevent Soggy Shells
   • To keep the shells crispy, brush the insides lightly with oil and bake for 3–5 minutes before filling.
2. Use Rotisserie Chicken
   • Save time by using store-bought rotisserie chicken for the filling.
3. Cheese First for Crunch
   • Place a small layer of cheese at the bottom of each shell before adding the chicken mixture. This creates a barrier and helps maintain crunch.

Variations

1. Spicy Baked Tacos
   • Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
2. Vegetarian Tacos
   • Replace the chicken with black beans or a mix of sautéed vegetables.
3. Buffalo Chicken Tacos
   • Swap the taco seasoning for buffalo sauce and add ranch dressing as a topping.
4. Breakfast Tacos
   • Use scrambled eggs and sausage as the filling, topped with shredded cheese.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Dishes: Pair these tacos with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a corn salad.
2. Drinks: Serve with margaritas, iced tea, or lime-infused water for a refreshing complement.
3. Dessert: End the meal with churros, flan, or a fruit salad.

Why This Recipe Works

Baking the tacos gives them a perfectly melted, cheesy topping and warms the shells without making them soggy. The seasoned chicken filling is flavorful and juicy, making these tacos a reliable hit for any occasion. Their versatility allows you to customize toppings and fillings to suit everyone’s taste.

Yield: 10

Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe

Print

If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea, Baked Chicken Tacos are the perfect solution. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, a flavorful taco seasoning, and melty cheese, all packed into crispy taco shells. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a game-day party, these baked tacos are sure to be a hit.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 1 packet taco seasoning (or homemade taco seasoning)
• ½ cup chicken broth or water
• 10 hard taco shells
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
• ½ cup salsa
• Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   In a skillet over medium heat, combine the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and chicken broth or water. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened.
   
2. Step 2: Assemble the Tacos
   Arrange the taco shells upright in a 9x13-inch baking dish. You can use crumpled aluminum foil to help keep the shells upright if needed.
   Spoon a layer of the chicken mixture into each taco shell.
   Add a spoonful of salsa on top of the chicken in each shell.
   Sprinkle shredded cheese generously over the filling in each taco.
   
3. Step 3: Bake the Tacos
   Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are slightly golden and crisp.
   
4. Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
   Carefully remove the tacos from the oven.
   Top each taco with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, or jalapeños.
   Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead: The chicken mixture can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Customizable Fillings: You can add black beans, corn, or diced onions to the chicken mixture for extra flavor and texture.

Cheese Options: Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or queso fresco for a unique flavor.

Taco Shells: For extra crispy shells, lightly brush the outsides with oil before baking.