Jun 26, 2023, Updated Sep 04, 2024
What ARE Baked Chicken Tacos? Maybe the BEST Tacos Ever!
Buckle up, taco enthusiasts! We’re giving the classic taco a crispy twist with a mouthwatering filling of seasoned ground chicken, all enveloped in a crisp oven-baked shell. Baked chicken tacos are a deliciously crispy variation of traditional tacos. Instead of being pan-fried or served soft as many traditional tacos are, baked chicken tacos are assembled on a baking sheet and then baked in the oven. This process allows the shell to become crisp, while the cheese inside the taco melts perfectly. The filling consists of ground chicken seasoned with Chicken Taco Seasoning. After the filling is added, cheese is sprinkled on top and the taco is folded over, creating a half-moon shape. These are then baked until the tortilla shells are crispy and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. Serve with plenty of Cilantro Lime Crema for dunking and a side of Instant Pot Mexican Rice.
Why You’re Going to Love This Baked Chicken Taco Recipe
Say goodbye to boring dinners and hello to a family favorite!
Quick and Easy: No complex culinary skills are needed here! These tacos are ready in a snap. Customizable: Make your tacos your way! Add in your favorite extras like jalapenos for some heat or different cheese (like a shredded Mexican cheese blend) for a twist. Instead of using ground chicken, make shredded chicken tacos using the meat from my fav Crockpot Chicken Taco recipe. Batch-able: This cooking method is particularly useful when you want to make a large batch of tacos at once, like for meal prep, a party or family gathering. They are also commonly enjoyed for a fun and easy weeknight meal.
Gather Your Ingredients
You’re about to enter the fun world of crispy baked chicken tacos. Here are your key players:
Ground Chicken: The hero of our dish, seasoned to perfection and cooked to create a filling that’s rich in protein and flavor. It’s lean and absorbs the flavors of the Mexican spice blend well. ( Oil: Olive oil helps to cook the chicken evenly and keeps it juicy. Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning: This blend of spices with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin and chili powder will give your chicken that perfect taco flavor we all know and love. (But if you prefer to skip the homemade taco seasoning, feel free to swap in a packet of store-bought taco seasoning). Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheese melts beautifully to create a gooey, cheesy filling. Swap in a grated Mexican cheese blend if you like. Store-bought or homemade flour tortillas or Corn Tortillas: The vehicle for your taco filling. They crisp up perfectly in the oven for a satisfying crunch. Cooking Spray: Helps your tortillas achieve that perfect golden-brown finish. Cilantro Lime Crema: This delicious Mexican crema with sour cream and lime juice a cool, tangy contrast to the spicy chicken. Minced Cilantro and Sliced Jalapeno: Optional toppings for those who like a little extra kick and freshness.
How to Make Baked Chicken Tacos: Easy Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create some crispy magic? Let’s get cracking.
Preheat Oven and Prep Pan: This helps ensure that your tacos will cook evenly and have that perfect crispness. Cook the Chicken: Cook your chicken with the taco seasoning. This step infuses your main protein with flavor.
Assemble Tacos: This is where the fun happens. Layer your chicken mixture and cheese onto your tortillas before they head into the oven. Bake the Tacos: Baking the tacos makes the tortillas crispy and melts the cheese to perfection. Add Toppings and Serve: A final flourish of cilantro lime crema, cilantro, and jalapeno (if you wish) adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your masterpiece. Enjoy!
Grab these Tools
Equip your kitchen with these essentials for a smooth taco-making experience.
Large skillet: For perfectly cooking your ground chicken. Baking sheets: Two are needed to achieve that delicious, crisp taco shell. Spatula or wooden spoon: For breaking up the ground chicken into crumbles.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Tacos
Serve these crunchy parcels of joy in style.
Presentation: Line your crispy tacos on a colorful platter. Sauces: Accompany with guacamole, baja sauce, avocado crema, cilantro-lime crema and/or taco salsa for tons of added flavor. Toppings: Don’t forget the extras! Sliced jalapenos, avocado, quick pickled red onion, minced cilantro or even some chopped white onions for a flavorful punch.
Choose the Perfect Side Dishes
Balance your meal with these delicious pairings.
Rice: Cilantro lime rice would complement your tacos beautifully. Salad: A simple green salad or Mexican corn salad would make for a refreshing side. Beans: A bowl of refried beans or black beans for added protein and a comforting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
Want to plan ahead or save some for later? Here are some tips.
Make Ahead: You can cook your ground chicken taco meat and store it in the refrigerator a day ahead. When you’re ready to eat, assemble your tacos and bake. Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Crisp them up in the oven before serving again.
Variations and Substitutions
Shake things up with these alternatives!
Protein Swap: Substitute ground chicken with ground turkey, whole chicken breasts, or ground beef if you like. You can make an even quicker version by swapping in rotisserie chicken for a shredded chicken version. Whichever you choose, keep quantities the same and season it the same way. Veggie Version: Substitute ground chicken with a meatless alternative or cooked, mashed beans for a vegetarian twist. Cheese Varieties: Try using Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a change. Spice Blend: Experiment with different spice blends like fajita seasoning for a different flavor profile. Air Fryer Chicken Tacos: if you love air fryer recipes as much as I do, these can alternatively be made in your air fryer instead of in the oven. Air fry 2-3 tacos at a time (to keep them in a single layer for crispy taco shells) and air fry for about 3 minutes on each side.
Now you’re all set to whip up these crunchy chicken tacos. Enjoy the process, and most importantly, enjoy your meal!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the BEST Baked Chicken Tacos
These little pointers will help elevate your taco game to the next level:
Choose the Right Tortilla: If you want to go for ease, I prefer a soft, pliable flour tortilla. If you prefer to use corn tortillas, it’s best to wrap them in damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds before assembling the tacos (because they’re more delicate, they sometimes break). Drain Your Meat: If your ground chicken releases a lot of liquid while cooking, be sure to drain it off before assembling so the tacos crisp up properly. Double the baking sheet: If your tacos won’t stay folded shut, place another baking sheet on top until the cheese melts and the shape sets in the oven. Keep ’em Warm: If you’re serving these at a gathering, keep them warm in a low oven until ready to serve. They’re best enjoyed hot! Play with Toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. From avocado slices to fresh pico de gallo, the possibilities are endless!
Other Flavorful Taco Recipes You’ll Love
Never run out of delicious options to satisfy your taco cravings with these recipes:
Spicy Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw + Lime Crema Crockpot Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Ground Beef Tacos Kimchi Breakfast Tacos The Ultimate Fried Tacos Taco Salsa Baja Fish Tacos
Next reading: Check out my 39+ best Healthy Ground Chicken Recipes for even more ground chicken inspiration, plus What to Make with Leftover Taco Meat.
