This baked chicken tacos recipe is your go-to for an easy, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal. With crunchy taco shells filled with seasoned shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, these tacos are perfect for weeknights, parties, or game-day gatherings. They’re quick to prepare, customizable, and full of flavor. Make a batch of these baked chicken tacos and watch them disappear in no time!
Baked Chicken Tacos
These baked chicken tacos are a combination of crispy taco shells, shredded chicken, melted cheese, and vibrant toppings. Perfect for a quick dinner or a fun party snack, these tacos are ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 10-12 hard taco shells
- 3 cups shredded chicken rotisserie or pre-cooked
- 1 4.5 oz can diced green chiles, drained
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro chopped
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream, avocado, salsa, pico de gallo, lettuce, jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, diced green chiles, taco seasoning, and lime juice until well combined.
- Crisp the Taco Shells: Place the taco shells in the baking dish and bake for 5 minutes to crisp them up.
- Fill the Shells: Remove the shells from the oven. Fill each shell halfway with the chicken mixture.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh cilantro and your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
- Substitutions: Use ground beef, turkey, or black beans for a different filling.
How to Serve
- With Sides: Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh chopped salad.
- Toppings Galore: Add toppings like avocado, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños for extra flavor.
- Party Platter: Perfect for gatherings – set up a taco bar with different toppings so everyone can customize their tacos.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves tacos, and these are customizable with various toppings.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Great way to use up leftover chicken.
- Make-Ahead: Prep the chicken mixture in advance to save time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties, game nights, or family dinners.
Tips & Variations for the Best Baked Chicken Tacos
- Add Beans: Mix in black beans or refried beans for extra protein and fiber.
- Cheese Choices: Try cheddar, Monterey Jack, or queso fresco.
- Spice It Up: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
- Make it Healthier: Use whole-wheat taco shells and load up on fresh veggies.
Craving More Mexican-Inspired Recipes?
Here are a few more irresistible Mexican-inspired dishes to spice up your week:
- Mexican Lasagna with Tortillas
This is comfort food with a twist! Layers of soft tortillas, seasoned ground beef, creamy refried beans, and melty cheese come together in a hearty casserole that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make. - Easy Chicken Fajita Recipe (30-Minute Meal)
For a quick and delicious dinner, look no further! Juicy chicken strips, sautéed with colorful bell peppers and onions, are seasoned with a zesty spice blend and wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that delivers big flavor fast! - Grilled Fish Taco Recipe
Looking for something light yet packed with flavor? These grilled fish tacos feature tender, flaky white fish, a refreshing yogurt-based slaw, and warm tortillas for a fresh and satisfying bite. Perfect for taco nights with a twist! - Ground Beef Tacos
A timeless favorite that never goes out of style! Perfectly seasoned ground beef nestled in soft tortillas, topped with crunchy lettuce, ripe tomatoes, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream. Easy, comforting, and always a hit.
Why stick to just one dish? Explore these recipes and let the fiesta continue all week long!
Did you make this recipe?
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