Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
If you’re on the hunt for a simple yet irresistibly tasty way to enjoy dinner, this Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Crispy, cheesy, and packed with juicy chicken, these tacos bring together everything we love about Mexican-inspired flavors with a flawlessly baked twist that’s easy to prepare on a busy night. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new go-to for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful party snack that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the soft yet sturdily baked corn tortillas to the melty, golden cheddar cheese, every component is essential to create that perfect taco bite you’ll crave again and again.
- 6 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas: Using corn tortillas gives an authentic flavor and crisp up beautifully in the oven, plus they’re lighter and lend a nice texture contrast.
- 6 oz Cooked Chicken Breast, chopped or shredded: The star protein of the dish—cook it simply or jazz it up with your favorite seasoning to fit your taste.
- 1/2 cup (56g) Shredded Cheddar: Choose sharp or mild cheddar depending on your preference; it melts perfectly and adds a rich, gooey layer of yum.
How to Make Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by setting your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is crucial to get the tortillas golden and crispy without drying out the chicken inside. Preheating ensures an even bake from the moment the tacos hit the tray.
Step 2: Prepare Tortillas for Folding
To make folding easier and avoid cracking, wrap the tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave them for about 45 to 60 seconds, flipping halfway through. This softens them, setting you up for hassle-free taco assembly.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Place the chopped or shredded chicken on one half of each tortilla. Feel free to mix in some sautéed peppers or other veggies for extra flavor and color. Then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously on top before folding the tortilla over carefully, sealing your delicious filling inside.
Step 4: Press and Seal
Gently press down on each folded taco to compact the filling and hold the shape. For any tortillas that have slight tears, zap them in the microwave for an extra 15 to 30 seconds to soften and seal better.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the tacos on a baking sheet, then put a flat surface or another baking tray with some weight on top to press them down evenly during baking. Pop them into the oven for 8 to 12 minutes until the tortillas turn beautifully golden and crisp. Watch carefully so they don’t burn!
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings can truly elevate your baked chicken tacos to the next level. Fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, a dollop of sour cream or guacamole, or even some sliced jalapeños bring brightness, creaminess, and a touch of heat that perfectly balances the cheesy, savory filling.
Side Dishes
Pairing your tacos with a crisp Mexican slaw, black beans, or a refreshing corn salad makes for a complete and colorful meal. Rice pilaf or a simple avocado salad complements the dish well without overwhelming the bold flavors in your tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the tacos open-faced on a platter, allowing everyone to add their own garnishes and sides. Alternatively, stack them taco-style on a serving board for a rustic, casual vibe. Even cutting them into smaller bites turns them into perfect party finger food!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These baked chicken tacos keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, it’s best to store them without added toppings that can get soggy.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked tacos by wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes to bring back that crispy exterior and melty cheese center. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunchiness of the tortillas.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas will work just fine and tend to be softer. However, they won’t get quite as crisp in the oven as corn tortillas do, but they offer a nice, tender chew.
What other fillings can I use besides chicken?
Feel free to swap in ground beef, shredded pork, beans, or even roasted veggies. The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is, so make it your own with whatever protein or veggies you love.
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add some diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of chili powder in the chicken, or a dash of hot sauce before baking. Serving with spicy salsa or chipotle mayo on the side also amps up the heat.
Is it okay to prepare the tacos earlier in the day?
Yes! You can assemble them a few hours before baking and keep them covered in the fridge. Just add the baking time when ready to cook. This makes it a fantastic option for meal prep or entertaining.
What cheese works best for melting?
Cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend also melt beautifully and bring slightly different flavors. Pick what you enjoy most!
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly satisfying about the way this Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe combines simple ingredients into a crispy, cheesy delight that’s so easy to make and hard to put down. Give it a try next time you want a fuss-free meal that still feels special, and prepare for a new family favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 6 tacos 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Baked Chicken Tacos recipe features tender cooked chicken breast wrapped in extra thin corn tortillas and topped with melted cheddar cheese. The tacos are baked until golden and crispy, making for a deliciously easy and satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas (e.g., Mission brand)
- 6 oz Cooked Chicken Breast, chopped or shredded
- 1/2 cup (56g) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or your choice of cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the tacos.
- Prepare Tortillas: Wrap the six corn tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave them for 45-60 seconds, flipping halfway through. This softens the tortillas and makes them easier to fold without cracking.
- Add Filling: Place the chopped or shredded chicken along with any additional fillings like peppers onto one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the filling, then fold the tortillas over the filling.
- Seal Tacos: Gently press down on each folded taco to seal it. If any tortillas tear during folding, microwave for an additional 15-30 seconds to soften them further and repair tears.
- Press and Bake: Place the tacos on a baking sheet, then place another flat surface with some weight on top to press the tacos down firmly. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until the tortillas turn golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Notes
- You can customize the filling by adding sautéed peppers, onions, or your favorite vegetables.
- Use cooked rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
- For extra crispiness, brush the tortillas lightly with oil before baking.
- Serve with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
- Microwaving the tortillas with a damp paper towel is key to prevent breakage during folding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: baked chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, crispy tacos, baked tacos, simple taco recipe, Mexican chicken tacos
