Baked Chicken Tacos – Experience the Tex-Mex delight with our delectable recipe, for Baked Chicken Tacos. These mouthwatering treats combine tender, chicken, flavorful taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and green chilies all lovingly wrapped in crispy taco shells. Topped with melted cheese these baked tacos are sure to please any crowd. Can be whipped up in no time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a delicious dinner option these tacos will satisfy your taste buds with their burst of flavors. Discover how simple ingredients can be transformed into a meal that’s ready in 25 minutes. Say goodbye to messy taco assembly and embrace the convenience of perfection. Get ready for a taco night that’s both mouthwatering and hassle-free!
The first time I prepared these Baked Chicken Tacos, the kitchen was filled with an aroma of spices and cheesy goodness. As I placed the bubbling tray on the table my husband and child couldn’t hide their excitement. With each bite they took, their faces lit up with delight. It was truly a taco night—a moment when ordinary ingredients came together to create something memorable. We added some jalapenos for a kick of spiciness, dollops of cream, for creamy indulgence, and sprinkled chopped cilantro to bring a refreshing touch to our creations. The combination of flavors and the crispy texture of the shells quickly made these tacos a family favorite. They’ve become a part of our dinner rotation bringing smiles and satisfying our hunger with every bite.
What makes this Baked Chicken Tacos truly special?
These Baked Chicken Tacos offer a twist, on traditional tacos that’s hard to resist. Firstly they’re incredibly quick and easy to make making them perfect, for weeknights. Using pre-made taco shells simplifies the process further. Secondly, these tacos boast a fusion of flavors. The seasoned shredded chicken, mixed with taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and green chiles creates a mouthwatering filling. Thirdly baking them takes this dish to the next level – it gives the taco shells a crispiness while perfectly melting the generous layer of Mexican blend cheese on top. Lastly, you can customize your toppings to suit your taste buds – from jalapenos to sour cream and cilantro – making each taco yours. With their combination of convenience, flavor explosion, and personalization options these Baked Chicken Tacos are guaranteed to be loved by everyone at your table.
What You Need To Make This Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe?
Chicken: To make an easy meal you can use cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works well for this.
Taco Seasoning: You have the option to use store-bought taco seasoning or make your own at home to add a personalized touch. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences whether you like it spicier or milder.
Onion: Diced onion gives a crunch. Adds a mild onion flavor. You can choose between red or white onions based on your liking.
Canned Ingredients: Make sure to drain the tomatoes and chopped green chiles to prevent the filling from getting too watery.
Taco Shells: For assembly go for Stand and Stuff Taco Shells. Of course, you can use other types of taco shells as well but they might need different baking times.
Refried Beans: The refried beans serve as a base, for the tacos. You can use canned ones. Or make your own at home.
Mexican Blend Cheese: Sprinkle generous amounts of Mexican blend cheese on top of the baked tacos for that gooey deliciousness. Feel free to use a cheddar blend or any other cheese variety you prefer.
Toppings: Customize your tacos with an array of toppings like jalapenos, sour cream, salsa chopped cilantro, and shredded lettuce, for your own personalized taco experience.
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Steps To Make Baked Chicken Tacos:
Step 1: Get ready for a taco night like no other. These Baked Chicken Tacos are about to rock your taste buds. First off, preheat that oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a nice spritz of nonstick spray – we want these babies to slide right out when they’re ready.
Step 2: Now, let’s dive into the good stuff. Heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in those diced onions and let them sizzle away for about 2-3 minutes until they’re all translucent and, oh boy, fragrant!
Step 3: Time to introduce our star players: the cooked chicken (Rotisserie chicken for the win!), taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought, your call), those diced tomatoes (drain them well), and those spicy green chiles (yep, drain ’em too). Combine these fabulous flavors and let them simmer for a cozy 5-8 minutes. The aroma alone is worth the wait.
Step 4: Now, grab your Stand and Stuff Taco Shells – I managed to fit ten of these beauties into the dish. We’re gonna give them a solo bake for 5 minutes to crisp up and get that perfect crunch. After that, we’ll spoon a tablespoon of refried beans into each shell. It’s the secret creamy base that’ll make these tacos unforgettable.
Step 5: Load up with that mouthwatering chicken mixture – go on, pile it up almost to the top. And don’t be shy with the shredded cheese – the more, the merrier! Slide these taco treasures back into the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese turns into golden rivers of gooey goodness.
Step 6: And now, for the grand finale, it’s topping time! Jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa – add ’em all, or mix and match to your heart’s content. These Baked Chicken Tacos are all about making it your own. Get ready to savor every bite!
Tip:
To take your Baked Chicken Tacos to the next level you can enhance them by combining a spoonful of zesty cream with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of salt. Pour this cream over your tacos before serving. The refreshing citrusy touch will enhance the flavors. Give them a boost!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Shredded Chicken for Baked Chicken Tacos?
Sure you have the option to use ground chicken instead of shredded chicken for the baked chicken tacos. Simply cook the ground chicken in a skillet, along with taco seasoning, onion diced tomatoes and green chiles until it is fully cooked.
How Do I Prevent the Taco Shells from Getting Soggy?
If you want to prevent the taco shells from becoming soggy there is a trick. Before filling them with beans, chicken and cheese it is important to pre-bake the taco shells for 5 minutes. This pre-baking process helps create a layer that keeps them crispy.
Can I Make These Tacos Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can easily make these tacos vegetarian-friendly. Just replace the chicken with seasoned beans or sautéed vegetables. Alternatively you can also use a meat substitute of your preference to achieve delicious vegetarian baked tacos.
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. cooked chicken shredded (I used cooked Rotisserie chicken)
- 1 oz. Taco Seasoning
- 1/2 c diced onion
- 1 can diced tomato 14.5 oz., fully drained
- 1 can Chopped Green Chiles 4.5 oz., fully drained
- 10 Stand and Stuff Taco Shells I used Old El Paso
- 8 oz. Refried Beans 1/2 can
- 2 c Mexican Blend Cheese shredded
- Toppings such as Old El Paso sliced Jalapenos sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, or any of your favorite taco toppings!
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Coat a 9×13 baking dish, with nonstick spray.
- Heat up some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion. Cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent and releases an enticing aroma.
- Mix in the chicken taco seasoning, diced tomatoes ( drained) and chopped green chiles (fully drained). Allow it to simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
- Arrange the taco shells in the baking dish standing upright. You can easily fit around 10 taco shells by placing 2 on each side.
- Place the taco shells in the preheated oven for 5 minutes to make them nice and crispy then take them out.
- Scoop out a tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each taco shell followed by the chicken mixture filling them to the brim.
- Generously sprinkle cheese on top of each shell.
- Bake for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and you notice a golden brown color on the edges of the shells.
- Take it out of the oven. Garnish with your preferred taco toppings, like jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro and salsa. Enjoy this meal!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!