Laura Mariano
Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos are a fun, healthier alternative to traditional fried tacos, with all the crunch and flavor you love. The chicken is seasoned with a delicious blend of spices, baked until perfectly crispy, and then stuffed into crunchy taco shells. These tacos are quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or Taco Tuesday!
Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into small bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- For the Tacos:
- 8-10 soft corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend cheese)
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced red onion (optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Season the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and oregano (if using). Make sure the chicken is well coated with the seasoning.
- Bake the Chicken:
- Spread the seasoned chicken evenly in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the chicken for 12-15 minutes, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Toss the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Tortillas:
- While the chicken is baking, heat the tortillas. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds.
- Assemble the Tacos:
- Once the chicken is baked, reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the tortillas in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, and spoon some of the cooked chicken into each tortilla.
- Top the chicken with a generous amount of shredded cheese.
- Fold the tortillas into taco shapes, securing them closed with toothpicks if needed to keep them from opening up during baking.
- Bake the Tacos:
- Place the tacos in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve:
- Carefully remove the tacos from the oven, and remove any toothpicks if used.
- Serve the crispy baked chicken tacos with your favorite toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced red onion, cilantro, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
Tips and Variations:
- Crispier Tacos: For extra crispy taco shells, you can brush the outside of the tortillas with a little oil before baking.
- Shredded Chicken: If you prefer shredded chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken or cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker and shred it before adding the seasoning.
- Taco Shells: If you want to skip the step of folding tortillas, you can use store-bought hard taco shells. Just fill them with the baked chicken and cheese, and bake until warm and crispy.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with beans (black beans or pinto beans) or grilled vegetables (like bell peppers and onions) for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Toppings: Customize the tacos with your favorite toppings—try adding avocado slices, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Serve these crispy baked chicken tacos with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete meal.
- Dips: Pair with a creamy avocado dip, salsa verde, or a tangy lime crema for dipping.
Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. The combination of perfectly seasoned chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy tortillas makes for a taco experience that everyone will love!
