Baked Chicken Tacos

Craving a taste of Mexico? Dive into our irresistible Baked Chicken Tacos recipe! Perfectly seasoned shredded chicken, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings nestled in crispy taco shells. Quick, easy, and oh-so-delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you embark on your culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 packet of taco seasoning
• 1/2 white onion, diced
• 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 can (4.5 oz) of chopped green chiles, drained
• 10 flat-bottom taco shells
• 1 can of refried beans
• 2 cups of Mexican blend shredded cheese
• Lettuce, shredded, for topping
• Sour cream, for topping
• Salsa, for topping

Let’s Get Cooking: Preparation Steps

1. Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Sauté the Onion: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, which usually takes around 2-3 minutes.
3. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Stir in the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, and chopped green chiles. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
4. Prepare the Taco Shells: While your chicken mixture is simmering, arrange the taco shells in the greased baking dish. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the taco shells for 5 minutes to warm them up.
5. Assemble the Tacos: Once the taco shells are warm, remove them from the oven. Begin assembling the tacos by spooning 1-2 tablespoons of refried beans into each shell. Next, add a generous portion of the chicken mixture on top of the beans, followed by a sprinkle of Mexican blend shredded cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly: Return the baking dish to the oven and bake the tacos for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are golden brown.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the baked tacos from the oven and top them with your favorite toppings, such as shredded lettuce, sour cream, and salsa. Get ready to indulge in a flavor-packed fiesta!

These Baked Chicken Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos, combining savory chicken, zesty seasonings, and gooey melted cheese for a truly irresistible meal. Whether you’re serving them up for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, these tacos are sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a fiesta in every bite!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken?
   Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that can save you time in the kitchen.
2. I’m not a fan of spicy food. Can I adjust the level of heat in this recipe?
   Of course! Feel free to customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of taco seasoning and green chiles to suit your taste preferences.
3. Can I make these tacos vegetarian-friendly?
   Yes, you can easily make these tacos vegetarian-friendly by omitting the chicken and using additional beans or your favorite meat substitute instead.
4. How should I store any leftovers?
   Store any leftover baked tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
5. Can I use corn tortillas instead of taco shells?
   Certainly! Corn tortillas can be used in place of taco shells for a more authentic twist on this recipe.