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Dinner / Baked Chicken Tacos: Easy Recipe & Healthy Dinner Idea

Baked Chicken Tacos: Easy Recipe & Healthy Dinner Idea

July 6, 2025 by BriannaDinner

Baked Chicken Tacos: Prepare to revolutionize your Taco Tuesday! Forget standing over a hot stove, frying tortillas one by one. This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken tacos with minimal effort, all thanks to the magic of your oven. Imagine perfectly golden, crunchy taco shells filled with juicy, seasoned chicken – a symphony of textures and tastes that will have everyone reaching for seconds (and thirds!).

Tacos, a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, have a rich and vibrant history, evolving from simple street food to a globally beloved dish. While the exact origins are debated, the concept of wrapping fillings in a tortilla dates back centuries. Our Baked Chicken Tacos offer a modern, convenient twist on this classic, making it easier than ever to enjoy authentic flavors at home.

What’s not to love about tacos? They’re incredibly versatile, endlessly customizable, and undeniably delicious. The combination of savory filling, crunchy shell, and fresh toppings is simply irresistible. This baked version takes all the best aspects of traditional tacos and streamlines the process, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The oven baking method ensures even cooking and a satisfying crunch, while also being a healthier alternative to frying. Get ready to experience taco perfection with this easy and delicious recipe!

Baked Chicken Tacos this Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos

Preparing the Chicken Filling

Okay, let’s get started with the heart of our tacos – the chicken! This part is super easy and sets the stage for all the deliciousness to come.

  1. Cook the Chicken: First, you’ll want to cook your chicken. There are a few ways you can do this, depending on what’s easiest for you. You can boil the chicken breasts until they are cooked through (about 15-20 minutes), bake them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or even use a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours. I personally prefer baking because it keeps the chicken nice and moist. If you choose to bake, drizzle the chicken breasts with a little olive oil before putting them in the oven.
  2. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly so you can handle it without burning your fingers. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces. You can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment to shred the chicken quickly. Just be careful not to over-shred it!
  3. Season the Chicken: Now for the flavor! In a large skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and the taco seasoning packet. Stir well to coat all the chicken with the seasoning.
  4. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the water has mostly evaporated and the chicken is nicely coated with the taco seasoning. This step helps the flavors meld together and creates a really flavorful filling. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Give the chicken a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a pinch of salt or a little extra chili powder if you like it spicier. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Preparing the Tortillas

Now that our chicken is ready to go, let’s get the tortillas prepped. This step is crucial for preventing them from cracking when we bake them.

  1. Warm the Tortillas: The key to pliable tortillas is to warm them up slightly. You can do this in a few ways. My favorite method is to wrap a stack of tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30-45 seconds. You can also warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side, or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Assembling the Tacos

This is where the magic happens! We’re going to load up those tortillas with all the good stuff and get them ready for the oven.

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the tacos from sticking to the bottom.
  3. Fill the Tortillas: Take a warmed tortilla and spoon about 1/4 cup of the seasoned chicken mixture into the center. Top with a generous sprinkle of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Don’t be shy with the cheese – it’s what makes these tacos so gooey and delicious!
  4. Fold the Tacos: Gently fold the tortilla in half, creating a taco shape.
  5. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the filled tacos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pack them in snugly so they stay closed during baking.
  6. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of the tacos. This will create a beautiful, golden-brown crust.

Baking the Tacos

Almost there! Now it’s time to bake these beauties until they’re hot, bubbly, and golden brown.

  1. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
  2. Let Cool Slightly: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the tacos cool for a few minutes before serving. This will make them easier to handle and prevent you from burning your mouth.

Serving and Toppings

The best part! Time to load up your tacos with all your favorite toppings and enjoy!

  1. Add Toppings: Top the baked tacos with your favorite toppings. I love to add a dollop of sour cream, some diced avocado, a spoonful of salsa, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro. You can also add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos, or anything else your heart desires.
  2. Serve Immediately: Serve the baked chicken tacos immediately with lime wedges for squeezing.

Tips and Variations:

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for extra heat.
  • Use different cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as pepper jack, Colby jack, or even a Mexican cheese blend.
  • Add beans: Mix in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans to the chicken mixture for added protein and fiber.
  • Make it vegetarian: Substitute the chicken with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils for a vegetarian option.
  • Make it ahead: You can assemble the tacos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Freezing: Baked chicken tacos can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Baked Chicken Tacos

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Baked Chicken Tacos are truly a game-changer for weeknight dinners, weekend gatherings, or even just a satisfying solo meal. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of crispy tortillas, flavorful chicken, and your favorite toppings is simply irresistible.

Why is this recipe a must-try? Well, first and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. We’re talking minimal prep time and a straightforward baking process. No standing over a hot stove flipping tacos one by one! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover cooked chicken, making it both budget-friendly and a great way to reduce food waste. But beyond the convenience, it’s the taste that really seals the deal. The baking process creates a delightful crispiness in the tortillas while keeping the filling warm and gooey. It’s a textural symphony in every bite!

But the best part about these Baked Chicken Tacos is their versatility. Feeling adventurous? Try swapping out the chicken for shredded beef, seasoned ground turkey, or even black beans for a vegetarian option. Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken mixture or drizzle with your favorite hot sauce.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

* Taco Bar Extravaganza: Set out a variety of toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, guacamole, salsa, shredded cheese, pickled onions, and jalapeños. Let everyone customize their own tacos for a fun and interactive meal.
* Side Dish Sensations: Pair your tacos with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh corn salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
* Dessert Delight: Finish off your taco night with some churros, flan, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of chocolate sauce.

And don’t forget about variations! You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

* Gluten-Free Goodness: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a gluten-free option.
* Low-Carb Lifestyle: Skip the tortillas altogether and serve the chicken filling over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice.
* Spicy Sensation: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
* Cheesy Dream: Add a layer of shredded cheese to the bottom of the tortillas before adding the chicken filling for an extra cheesy delight.

I’m so confident that you’ll love these Baked Chicken Tacos that I can’t wait to hear what you think! Seriously, give this recipe a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving a delicious and satisfying meal.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience taco perfection. And when you do, please, please, please come back and let me know how they turned out! Share your photos, your variations, and your overall experience in the comments below. I’m always looking for new and creative ways to make this recipe even better, and your feedback is invaluable. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. I am sure this will become a family favorite.


Baked Chicken Tacos: Easy Recipe & Healthy Dinner Idea

Easy baked chicken tacos filled with seasoned shredded chicken, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and your favorite toppings. A crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner!

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Category: Dinner
Yield: 12 tacos
Save This Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/2 cup salsa
  • Lime wedges, for serving
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, black olives, jalapenos

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Boil, bake (375°F/190°C for 20-25 minutes), or slow cook the chicken breasts until cooked through. Drizzle with olive oil if baking.
  2. Shred the Chicken: Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
  3. Season the Chicken: Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and taco seasoning. Stir well to coat.
  4. Add Water and Simmer: Pour in the water and stir. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the water has mostly evaporated and the chicken is nicely coated. Stir occasionally.
  5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chicken and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds, warm in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
  7. Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  8. Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  9. Fill the Tortillas: Spoon about 1/4 cup of the seasoned chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla. Top with cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
  10. Fold the Tacos: Gently fold the tortilla in half.
  11. Arrange in Baking Dish: Place the filled tacos seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, packing them in snugly.
  12. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the tops of the tacos.
  13. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the tortillas are lightly golden brown.
  14. Let Cool Slightly: Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
  15. Add Toppings: Top with sour cream, avocado, salsa, red onion, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
  16. Serve Immediately: Serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Spice it up: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken.
  • Use different cheese: Experiment with pepper jack, Colby jack, or a Mexican blend.
  • Add beans: Mix in drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans.
  • Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with crumbled tofu or cooked lentils.
  • Make it ahead: Assemble tacos and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking (add a few extra minutes to baking time).
  • Freezing: Freeze baked tacos for up to 2 months. Cool completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer bag. Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.

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