Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe – Easy Family-Friendly Dinner Idea
This crispy baked chicken tacos recipe is crunchy, cheesy, and flavorful, made with seasoned chicken, tortillas, and fresh toppings. Perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, or a Mexican-inspired comfort food dish.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Wire rack or parchment paper
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and knife
- Oven
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (seasoned with cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper)
- 8 taco shells (corn or flour)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or blend)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Salsa, lettuce, avocado, cilantro, lime wedges (for toppings)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Season and cook chicken until tender, then shred. (Shortcut: use rotisserie chicken.)
- Assemble Tacos: Place taco shells on a baking sheet lined with parchment or fitted with a wire rack. Fill with chicken and sprinkle with cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly brush shells with oil. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese melts and shells are golden.
- Top & Serve: Add salsa, lettuce, avocado, cilantro, or lime juice. Serve hot for maximum crunch.
Notes
- Brush shells lightly with oil for crispiness.
- Layer cheese beneath and above chicken for gooey pockets.
- Don’t overfill shells—this helps them stay intact.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven, not the microwave, to restore crunch.
- Customize with proteins (beef, turkey, beans) or toppings (pickled onions, jalapeños, mango salsa).