Dinner

Baked Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe

Name: Baked Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons oil (divided into 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp); 1 small onion, finely diced; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1 pound ground chicken; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ cup low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup salsa; 15 corn tortillas (white or yellow); 2 to 2½ cups shredded cheese

ByLila Prescott February 24, 2026February 24, 2026

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Introduction

These baked ground chicken tacos are a flavorful and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, seasoned chicken pairs beautifully with melted cheese inside crispy tortillas, creating a satisfying dish the whole family will love.

Two folded tacos with crispy golden-brown shells filled with reddish, textured chicken mixture sit on a bed of bright green lettuce leaves, arranged on a white plate. Beside the tacos are dollops of creamy white sour cream and chunky green guacamole. A wedge of lime rests on the right edge of the plate, adding a pop of light green. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, with hints of other dishes partially visible around the edges. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 tablespoons oil (divided into 1 tbsp and 2 tbsp)
1 small onion (finely diced)

½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 pound ground chicken
3 tablespoons taco seasoning

1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¾ cup chicken broth (low sodium)

½ cup salsa
15 corn tortillas (white or yellow)
2 to 2½ cups shredded cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two sheet pans with parchment paper.
Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the salt and minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula so it cooks evenly.

Step 4: Sprinkle the taco seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder over the chicken. Mix briefly to combine, no need for perfect mixing.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and salsa, stirring everything together. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking.
Step 6: While the chicken simmers, warm your tortillas. Wrap the stack in a slightly damp towel and microwave on high for 60 seconds, or wrap in foil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.

Step 7: Arrange the tortillas on the parchment-lined sheet pans. Brush or spray one side of each tortilla with olive oil and place them on the pan oil side down.
Step 8: On half of each tortilla, sprinkle about a tablespoon of shredded cheese. Top with approximately 2½ tablespoons of the ground chicken mixture, then add a little more shredded cheese on top.
Step 9: Bake the assembled tacos for 5 minutes, then remove them and carefully fold each taco over so the filling is enclosed. Return the folded tacos to the oven and bake for an additional 13 to 15 minutes until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice or fresh cilantro before serving.
Substitute ground turkey or beef if preferred.
Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend for varied taste.

If you like spicy food, add chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture.

Storage

Store leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to keep the tortillas crispy. Microwaving may soften the shells.

How to Serve

Two folded, golden-brown tacos filled with a reddish-orange mixture sit on a bed of fresh, bright green lettuce leaves on a white plate. On the plate next to the tacos are two dollops, one of creamy white sour cream and the other of chunky green guacamole. A lime wedge peeks out from behind the tacos, adding a pop of light green. The plate rests on a white marbled surface with a small bowl of guacamole and a red napkin partially visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Assemble and bake the tacos just before serving for the best texture.

What type of cheese works best for these tacos?

Cheeses that melt well like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are ideal for these baked tacos, providing creamy flavor and stretchiness.