These baked chicken tacos are quick, tasty, and ready in just 20 minutes! With shredded chicken, cheese, and your favorite toppings, they’re a family favorite for a reason.
Honestly, who doesn’t love tacos? I like to set up a mini taco bar with toppings so everyone can customize their own. It’s fun and makes for a colorful dinner table! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for easy prep, but you can also poach or bake chicken breasts. If you’re vegetarian, consider using black beans or lentils as an alternative!
Cheese: Cheddar cheese works well, but you can mix it up with a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for an extra kick. Dairy-free cheese options are also available if you want to keep it vegan.
Salsa: The salsa adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have any, a mix of diced tomatoes and spices like cumin and chili powder can do the trick. Fresh pico de gallo is another fresh option!
Corn Tortillas: Corn tortillas are traditional, but flour tortillas are a good substitute. If gluten-free, look for corn tortillas marked as gluten-free.
How Do I Get the Tortillas Perfectly Crispy?
To achieve crispy tortillas, it’s important to lightly spray or brush them with oil before baking. This helps them crisp up nicely while preventing them from burning.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- After assembling your tacos, place them standing or slightly leaning against each other to help them maintain their shape while baking.
- Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking to avoid over-browning.
Following these tips will have you enjoying perfectly crispy tacos every time! Enjoy your meal! 🥳
Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Tacos in 20 Minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium, your choice)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing tortillas
- Optional toppings: sour cream, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh cilantro, guacamole
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prep and 12-15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure it’s nice and hot when your tacos go in. While the oven is heating, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or foil; this will help with easy clean-up later.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and all the chicken is coated in those delicious spices. Yum!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Lightly spray or brush both sides of each corn tortilla with a little oil. This step is crucial for getting those tortillas crispy and golden when baked.
4. Fill the Tortillas:
Now it’s time to fill them up! Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Top it off with a sprinkle of cheese so it melts beautifully.
5. Fold and Arrange:
Fold each tortilla in half to enclose that tasty filling. Arrange the folded tacos on the baking sheet, either standing up or resting slightly on their sides. This helps them cook evenly and become crispy!
6. Bake to Perfection:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid over-browning.
7. Garnish and Serve:
When your tacos are golden and crispy, carefully remove them from the oven. Garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and added flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your warm tacos with optional toppings like sour cream, diced tomatoes, and guacamole. Set up a little taco bar and let everyone customize their own! Enjoy your speedy, crispy, and cheesy baked chicken tacos!
FAQ for Quick and Easy Baked Chicken Tacos
Can I Use Any Type of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken makes it super easy, you can also use poached, grilled, or even canned chicken. Just make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded before mixing it with the other ingredients.
What Can I Use Instead of Corn Tortillas?
If you prefer flour tortillas, feel free to swap them in! They work well, too. For a gluten-free option, just look for gluten-free corn tortillas at your local store.
How Do I Store Leftover Taco Filling?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can easily reheat it on the stovetop or microwave it. When ready to eat, just fill up fresh tortillas and bake for a quick snack!
Can I Make These Tacos Spicier?
Definitely! You can add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños to the filling for a kick. For an extra layer of heat, try using a spicier salsa or topping with hot sauce before serving!
