Description
These crispy baked chicken tacos are a quick and easy dinner option that’s perfect for busy nights. With just a handful of ingredients, they come together in under 20 minutes, making them ideal for beginners. The combination of seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, and crispy corn tortillas creates a flavorful, satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. cooked shredded seasoned chicken breast (about 3–4 cups)
- 8 oz. shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 20–24 street taco corn tortillas
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Serve With
- Sour cream
- Salsa
- Fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush both sides of the tortillas with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay the tortillas flat on the baking sheet. Add a heaping tablespoon of shredded chicken to each tortilla, followed by a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- Melt the Cheese: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 2 minutes, just until the cheese starts to melt. This makes the tortillas more pliable and easier to fold.
- Fold and Bake Until Crispy: Carefully fold each tortilla in half, gently pressing them together in a taco shape. Return the tacos to the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the shells are crispy and golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the tacos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Garnish with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
Notes
- Shredded Chicken Options: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken, slow-cooked shredded chicken, or even canned chicken for convenience.
- Alternative Fillings: Add black beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- Storage: Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best texture.
- Freezing Tips: Assemble the tacos and freeze them unbaked for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Air Fryer Method: Cook at 400°F for 5-8 minutes, flipping halfway, for a quicker alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 101
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 131.6mg
- Fat: 4.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7.3g
- Fiber: 1.1g
- Protein: 7.5g
- Cholesterol: 23.8mg