Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

Whenever the craving for something delicious strikes, I turn to my favorite comfort food: Baked Ground Chicken Tacos. These tacos are a go-to meal in my household, especially during busy weeknights. With tender, flavorful ground chicken combined with vibrant veggies and spices, each bite is a burst of savory goodness. I remember the first time I made these—my friends were over for a casual dinner, and I wanted to impress them without spending hours in the kitchen. The Baked Ground Chicken Tacos were the perfect solution! Not only did they come together in no time, but everyone loved them. The best part? You can easily customize the toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes, making it an effortless crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Required for Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

When it comes to creating delicious meals, the right ingredients can make all the difference. The philosophy behind the ingredients for Baked Ground Chicken Tacos revolves around freshness and flavor. Each component plays a crucial role in building a delightful taco experience. From the savory ground chicken to the vibrant green bell pepper, these ingredients work in harmony to create a meal that is satisfying and delicious.

• 1 pound ground chicken: The star of the dish, offering a lean protein that absorbs all the wonderful spices.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• 1 small yellow onion, small dice: Provides sweetness and texture, complementing the ground chicken.
• 1 green bell pepper, cored and small dice: Brings color and crunch to the filling.
• 1 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes: Introduces a smoky flavor and juiciness to the mixture.
• 1 8 ounce can diced green chiles: Adds a subtle heat and contributes to the Tex-Mex flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon chili powder: A key spice for that classic taco taste.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a wonderful smokiness that enhances the flavor.
• 1 teaspoon cumin: Offers an earthy depth that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for balancing all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Provides a herbal note that complements the meat.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a kick of spice; adjust to taste based on your preference.
• 12 crunchy/hard corn taco shells: The perfect vessel for your tasty filling.
• 3/4 cup shredded cheese: Melts beautifully on top, adding richness and flavor.
• Minced white onion, optional, for topping: Adds a fresh crunch if desired.
• Minced cilantro, optional, for topping: Brightens the dish with fresh herbaceous notes.
• Thinly sliced radish, optional, for topping: A crunchy, refreshing garnish to top off your tacos.

How to Prepare Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

Preparing Baked Ground Chicken Tacos is a straightforward and enjoyable process. You’ll be amazed at how quickly everything comes together! Let’s dive into the steps for making this delicious dish.

1. Start by setting a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken, garlic, yellow onion, and green bell pepper. As the ingredients hit the pan, you’ll hear that satisfying sizzle, which means they’re starting to cook. Use a spatula to break up the ground chicken so that it cooks evenly.
2. Cook the mixture until the ground chicken is no longer pink, and the vegetables have softened slightly, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the onions to become translucent and the bell pepper to lose its crunch, indicating they are just right.
3. Next, stir in the fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. This is where the flavors really start to build! Mix everything together thoroughly, ensuring the spices coat the chicken and vegetables well.
4. Allow the mixture to sauté until the juices have cooked down, and the filling thickens. This process usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Look for a rich consistency that clings nicely to the chicken.
5. Now it’s time to assemble the tacos! Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) while you prepare your taco shells. Lay the taco shells in a 9 by 13 inch baking dish.
6. Fill each shell with an equal amount of the ground chicken taco filling. I like to use a spoon to help pack it in, making sure each shell gets a generous portion of the tasty filling.
7. Once filled, top each taco generously with shredded cheese. This will create a gooey, delicious layer on top as it melts. You won’t want to skimp here!
8. Place the filled taco dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’ll know they’re ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
9. Finally, remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool for a minute or two. This is the perfect time to add your favorite toppings, such as minced onion, cilantro, and radishes, to enhance the flavor and presentation.

Expert Tips about Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

Now that you’re ready to make your Baked Ground Chicken Tacos, here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to regain some of the original texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the taco filling before baking. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Thaw before using, and then follow the baking instructions.
• Pairing: Consider serving these tacos with a side of fresh guacamole or sour cream to enhance the flavor and add a creamy element.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
• Taco Shells: Try different types of taco shells, such as soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Side Dish Ideas for Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

Serving Baked Ground Chicken Tacos can be made even more enjoyable with the right side dishes. Here are some ideas to complement your meal:

• Mexican Rice: A side of flavorful Mexican rice provides a hearty accompaniment to the tacos and helps soak up any extra juices.
• Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are another classic pairing, adding protein and a wonderful texture contrast.
• Fresh Salad: Serve a vibrant garden salad topped with avocado and lime vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the savory tacos.
• Chips and Salsa: Don’t forget some crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa on the side for a crunchy snack before the main event!
• Grilled Corn: Sweet and smoky grilled corn on the cob drizzled with lime juice makes for a delightful summer side.
• Guacamole: A bowl of guacamole adds a creamy and flavorful component that’s always a hit.

FAQ

Conclusion

Baked Ground Chicken Tacos are truly a delightful dish that brings joy to any meal. Their combination of flavor, texture, and ease of preparation makes them a staple in my kitchen. I encourage you to try them tonight! You’ll find that they are not only satisfying but also adaptable to your taste preferences, making every taco experience unique and enjoyable.

Baked Ground Chicken Tacos

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Ground Chicken Tacos are easy to make and packed with flavor. Juicy ground chicken mixed with vibrant vegetables and spices creates a savory filling that's sure to please. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tacos will satisfy your cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound ground chicken
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 small yellow onion small dice
• 1 green bell pepper cored and small dice
• 1 15 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 8 ounce can diced green chiles
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 12 crunchy/hard corn taco shells
• 3/4 cup shredded cheese
• minced white onion optional, for topping
• minced cilantro optional, for topping
• thinly sliced radish optional, for topping

Equipment

• Cutting Board
• Skillet
• Oven
• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Baking Sheet

Method

 

1. Set a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium high heat and add ground chicken, garlic, yellow onion, and green bell pepper.
2. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink and the vegetables just start to soften, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3. Add in the fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, kosher salt, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
4. Mix to combine and sauté until the juice has cooked down and the meat mixture is thick.
5. Add taco shells to a 9 by 13 inch dish and fill each shell with an equal amount of ground chicken taco filling.
6. Top each taco with shredded cheese.
7. Add to the oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
8. Remove from the oven and top your tacos as desired. In the photos, they were topped with minced onion, cilantro, and radishes.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to regain some of the original texture.
• Tip 2: You can freeze the taco filling before baking. Simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Thaw before using, and then follow the baking instructions.
• Tip 3: Consider serving these tacos with a side of fresh guacamole or sour cream to enhance the flavor and add a creamy element.
• Tip 4: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
• Tip 5: Try different types of taco shells, such as soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"