Name: Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound shredded cooked chicken ((use rotisserie chicken)); 1 ounce taco seasoning; 1 cup diced onion; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes ((fully drained)); 4.5 ounces diced green chiles ((fully drained)); 10 pieces hard taco shells ((use Old El Paso Stand 'N Stuff)); 8 ounces refried beans ((1 can)); 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese; to taste sliced jalapeños; to taste sour cream; to taste salsa; to taste shredded lettuce; to taste chopped fresh cilantro

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If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying dinner that brings the whole family together, this Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe is just what you need! With crispy taco shells filled with juicy, seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, these tacos are sure to become a weeknight staple. Plus, they’re easy to make and can be customized to fit everyone’s tastes. Let’s dive right into this delightful dish that’s bursting with flavor and simplicity!

Why This Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe Stands Out

This Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe is a winner for several reasons. First, it utilizes shredded chicken, which means you can easily use leftovers or grab a rotisserie chicken from the store, saving you time and effort. The combination of seasoned chicken, hearty refried beans, and gooey cheese creates a satisfying meal that’s not only delicious but also filling. Additionally, baking the tacos instead of frying them makes this dish a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on taste.

The Ingredient Lineup

To make these mouthwatering baked chicken tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound shredded cooked chicken (we used rotisserie chicken)
1 ounce taco seasoning (click for recipe!)
1 cup diced onion
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, fully drained (1 can)
4.5 ounces diced green chiles, fully drained (1 can)
10 hard taco shells (we used Old El Paso Stand ‘N Stuff)
8 ounces refried beans (1 can)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Chopped fresh cilantro

Essential Tools for Success

To ensure your baked chicken tacos turn out perfectly, gather these tools:

Mixing bowl: For combining the chicken, spices, and vegetables.
Baking dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for holding the taco shells.
Spatula: Great for mixing and serving.
Oven mitts: Safety first when handling hot dishes!

Build Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe Step by Step

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the tacos will bake evenly and become nice and crispy.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, olive oil, taco seasoning, diced onion, drained diced tomatoes, and drained diced green chiles. Mix everything thoroughly until the chicken is well-coated with the seasoning and the vegetables are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

Take your hard taco shells and place them upright in a baking dish. Spoon a layer of refried beans into the bottom of each taco shell, followed by the chicken mixture, and top with shredded Mexican blend cheese.

Step 4: Bake

Once all the tacos are assembled, place the baking dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are crisp.

Step 5: Add Toppings

Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Top with sliced jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, and chopped fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and flavor.

Nutrition-Minded Tweaks

If you’re looking to make some adjustments for a healthier version of this Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe, consider these options:

Use whole wheat or corn taco shells for added fiber.
Opt for low-sodium taco seasoning to reduce salt intake.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a protein boost.
Add more veggies, such as bell peppers or spinach, to the chicken mixture for extra nutrients.

Pitfalls & How to Prevent Them

While making baked chicken tacos is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:

Overfilling the tacos: Be careful not to overstuff the taco shells, as this can cause them to break. A generous but moderate amount of filling is ideal.
Burnt edges: Keep an eye on the tacos during baking. If they brown too quickly, you can cover them loosely with aluminum foil.
Soft taco shells: If you prefer a crispier shell, bake them for a few minutes longer, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Shelf Life & Storage

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store them:

The baked chicken tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For best results, avoid microwaving as it can make the shells soggy. If you want to enjoy them later, consider storing the filling and taco shells separately to maintain crispness.

Helpful Q&A

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the filling a day in advance and assemble the tacos when you’re ready to bake. Just make sure to store everything in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

What kind of cheese works best for these tacos?

A Mexican blend cheese is perfect for this Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe, but feel free to use your favorite cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.

Can I freeze baked chicken tacos?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled tacos before baking. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they’ll last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with these tacos?

These tacos pair wonderfully with sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, or even a refreshing corn salad. You could also check out my recipe for Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs One Pan for a delicious complementary dish!

Try These Next

If you love this Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe, be sure to check out these other delicious recipes:

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatballs In Cream Sauce
Chicken Enchiladas
Beef Tacos with Avocado Cream
Vegetable Quesadillas

Before You Go

This Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy with every bite. With its ease of preparation and customizable toppings, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. Whether you stick to the classic toppings or get creative with your favorites, these tacos are sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy every delicious moment!

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