Baked Chicken Tacos
When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s nothing quite like the joy of whipping up some Baked Chicken Tacos. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy evening, and I craved something comforting yet easy to prepare. I had a rotisserie chicken sitting in the fridge, and the thought of stuffing warm taco shells with seasoned chicken, savory beans, and melted cheese just felt right. As the aroma filled my kitchen, I could hardly wait to dig in. These tacos embody everything I love about cooking: they’re quick, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re always a hit with family and friends!
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
15 mins
10 mins
Medium
380 kcal
25 g
Keto, Gluten-Free
15 g
Oven
Why This Baked Chicken Tacos Works
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best things about Baked Chicken Tacos is how quickly they come together. In just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious meal on the table, making them perfect for busy evenings. I love that you can prep everything in advance and pop them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
Flavorful Ingredients
These tacos are all about bold flavors, from the seasoned chicken to the zesty taco seasoning. Each ingredient adds to the overall taste, creating a delightful combination that keeps you coming back for more. The use of diced tomatoes and green chiles brings a nice kick, while the refried beans add creaminess.
Customizable Toppings
Another reason to love Baked Chicken Tacos is the endless variety of toppings. Whether you’re a fan of spicy jalapeños or prefer cool sour cream, you can tailor each taco to your liking. I often set up a toppings bar at the dinner table, allowing everyone to create their perfect taco.
Great for Gatherings
If you’re hosting a gathering or family dinner, these tacos are a fantastic choice. They’re easy to make in large batches, and everyone can serve themselves. This makes for a low-stress meal that allows you to enjoy time with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
Leftovers That Last
After a night of enjoying Baked Chicken Tacos, I’m often left with delicious leftovers. They store well in the fridge and can be reheated for a quick lunch or dinner the next day. Just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy taco shell.
What’s In This Baked Chicken Tacos
The ingredients in these Baked Chicken Tacos are not just tasty but also work beautifully together. The savory chicken pairs perfectly with the diced tomatoes and green chiles, while the refried beans offer a creamy contrast. The taco shells provide the perfect vessel to hold all these fabulous flavors. Each bite is a delightful experience!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps to cook the onion and infuse flavor into the dish.
- ½ pound shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience and flavor.
- 1 ounce taco seasoning: A must-have for that classic taco flavor.
- ½ cup diced onion: Adds sweetness and texture.
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes: Fully drained, these provide moisture and acidity.
- 4.5 ounces diced green chiles: Adds a mild heat and depth of flavor.
- 10 hard taco shells: These are the foundation for your tacos.
- 8 ounces refried beans: Adds creaminess and richness.
- 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese: The more, the better for that cheesy goodness!
- Sliced jalapeños: Optional, for those who like a kick!
- Sour cream: Adds a creamy tang.
- Salsa: For an extra layer of flavor.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: A fresh garnish that brightens up the dish.
Preparation Steps for Baked Chicken Tacos
Making Baked Chicken Tacos is a simple and enjoyable process. Trust me; you’ll love how quickly they come together! Follow these steps for a delicious outcome that will make your taste buds dance.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is essential for getting those taco shells nice and crispy. While it heats, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The smell will be heavenly!
- Next, stir in the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Mix well to combine all the flavors and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let this cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together.
- Now, place the hard taco shells into the prepared baking dish, standing them upright. You should be able to fit all 10 shells by positioning them carefully.
- Before adding the filling, bake the taco shells alone for 5 minutes. This step helps them crisp up nicely, ensuring they hold all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and gently spoon 1 tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each taco shell. The beans will add flavor and help support the filling.
- Next, fill each shell almost to the top with the chicken mixture you’ve prepared. Don’t be shy; load them up!
- Sprinkle each taco generously with shredded cheese. Seriously, you can never have enough cheese!
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake the tacos for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the edges of the taco shells to become golden brown.
- Finally, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Top each taco with your favorite garnishes like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and salsa. Serve and enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Tacos!
Things Worth Knowing
- Keep an eye on the taco shells: Baking them too long can make them overly crunchy. You want them crisp but not burnt.
- Layering is key: Make sure to layer the ingredients thoughtfully in each taco shell for balanced flavors in every bite.
- Experiment with fillings: You can add other ingredients like black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for added texture.
- Cheese choices: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for unique flavors; pepper jack can add a nice kick!
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to mix things up, here are some fun variations for your Baked Chicken Tacos. Each suggestion offers a unique twist that can keep your weeknight meals exciting!
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled veggies or a plant-based protein for a delicious vegetarian meal.
- Spicy Twist: Add more jalapeños or use a spicy taco seasoning to amp up the heat.
- Fruit Salsa: Try topping your tacos with a fresh mango or pineapple salsa for a tropical twist.
- Different Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like feta or goat cheese for a gourmet touch.
- Crunchy Toppings: Add crushed tortilla chips or fried onions on top for an extra crunch.
- Wrap It Up: Instead of using taco shells, try using tortillas to make burritos with the same filling!
- Freezing: You can prepare the filling ahead of time and freeze it for quick meal prep later.
What Complements This Baked Chicken Tacos
Finding the perfect sides for your Baked Chicken Tacos can elevate the meal experience. Here are some ideas that pair wonderfully:
- Cilantro Lime Rice: This refreshing side complements the flavors of the tacos beautifully.
- Mexican Street Corn: A creamy, flavorful dish that adds a nice contrast to the tacos.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it makes for the perfect dip for your tacos.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve with salsa or queso for an exciting appetizer.
- Queso Dip: Perfect for dipping tortilla chips or drizzling over the tacos.
- Black Bean Salad: A light and healthy complement that adds extra fiber and protein.
- Seasonal Vegetables: Roasted or sautéed veggies are a great side that adds color and nutrition.
FAQ
Conclusion
In conclusion, Baked Chicken Tacos stand out as a quick, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. They’re not only satisfying but also allow for a variety of toppings and customization to suit your taste. I encourage you to try this recipe; you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious it can be!
Baked Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. This is essential for getting those taco shells nice and crispy. While it heats, spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once heated, toss in the diced onion. Sauté it for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant. The smell will be heavenly!
- Next, stir in the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles. Mix well to combine all the flavors and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let this cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, allowing all the ingredients to meld together.
- Now, place the hard taco shells into the prepared baking dish, standing them upright. You should be able to fit all 10 shells by positioning them carefully.
- Before adding the filling, bake the taco shells alone for 5 minutes. This step helps them crisp up nicely, ensuring they hold all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- Once baked, remove them from the oven and gently spoon 1 tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each taco shell. The beans will add flavor and help support the filling.
- Next, fill each shell almost to the top with the chicken mixture you’ve prepared. Don't be shy; load them up!
- Sprinkle each taco generously with shredded cheese. Seriously, you can never have enough cheese!
- Return the baking dish to the oven and bake the tacos for an additional 7 to 10 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and the edges of the taco shells to become golden brown.
- Finally, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a minute. Top each taco with your favorite garnishes like sliced jalapeños, sour cream, shredded lettuce, cilantro, and salsa. Serve and enjoy your delicious Baked Chicken Tacos!
