Baked Chicken Tacos

Welcome to a delightful and flavorful journey with our Baked Chicken Tacos! This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet easy to prepare. These oven-baked chicken tacos are loaded with flavor and take the hassle out of dinner preparation, making them ideal for serving a crowd. With over 2 million pins and 6 million views, this is the most beloved recipe on The Cookie Rookie. Let’s get started on making the best tacos ever for your dinner tonight!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Baked Chicken Tacos recipe is the ultimate in easy cooking. Perfect for gatherings, potlucks, tailgating parties, and of course, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, these tacos can be customized to suit any flavor preference. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast tacos or a BBQ twist, the options are endless. Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes, they’re a favorite at our house. And let’s not forget the melty cheese—what’s not to love?

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 baking dish
• Medium skillet
• Nonstick spray
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 pound cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
• 1 ounce Taco Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1 can diced tomato, 14.5 ounces, fully drained
• 1 can chopped green chiles, 4.5 ounces, fully drained
• 10 Stand and Stuff Taco Shells (Old El Paso recommended)
• 8 ounces refried beans (1/2 can)
• 2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese, shredded
• Toppings: sliced jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, or your favorite taco toppings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, drained tomatoes, and drained green chiles. Mix well and reduce the heat to simmer for 5-8 minutes.
5. Place the taco shells upright in the baking dish. Fit 10 taco shells by adding 2 on each side.
6. Bake the taco shells alone for 5 minutes to crisp them up. Remove from the oven.
7. Spoon 1 tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each taco shell. Fill with the chicken mixture to near the top of each shell.
8. Generously sprinkle each shell with shredded cheese.
9. Bake for 7-10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the shell edges are browned.
10. Remove from the oven and top with your choice of jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa.
11. Enjoy your delicious baked chicken tacos!

Tips for Success

• Ensure the tomatoes and chiles are fully drained to prevent soggy tacos.
• For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in taco seasoning overnight.
• Use a cheese blend that melts well for the best results.

Additional Tips and Variations

• Add black beans or corn to the chicken mixture for more texture and flavor.
• Switch up the cheese with a spicy pepper jack for a bit of heat.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

Calories: 250 | Protein: 15g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fat: 12g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I make these tacos ahead of time? Yes, prepare the chicken filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the tacos when ready to serve.
• How do I store leftovers? Keep the leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
• Can I freeze the chicken filling? Absolutely, freeze the filling in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.

Conclusion

These Baked Chicken Tacos are a delightful and easy way to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal fuss. Perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. We invite you to try this recipe and share your experience with us. Happy cooking!