Description
Delicious, crispy, and flavorful Baked Chicken Tacos ready in under 30 minutes. This recipe features tender, seasoned chicken baked in crunchy tortillas with melted cheese and fresh toppings, perfect for a healthy, quick, and family-friendly meal any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized strips or chunks
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning blend (chili powder, cumin, garlic, paprika)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Tortillas and Cheese
- 8 corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, queso fresco, or preferred variety)
Fresh Toppings
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized strips or chunks. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil and taco seasoning, ensuring each piece is fully coated for maximum flavor.
- Assemble the Tacos: Lay tortillas on a baking sheet. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken inside each tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken. Drizzle remaining olive oil around the tortilla edges to help them crisp while baking.
- Bake Until Crispy and Cooked: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake tacos for 12-15 minutes, until chicken is cooked through, tortillas are golden and crispy, and cheese is melted.
- Add Fresh Toppings and Serve: Remove tacos from oven and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken with spices for 10-15 minutes for deeper flavor.
- Use a wire rack on the baking sheet for extra crispy tortillas on all sides.
- Do not overload tacos with filling to avoid soggy shells.
- Layer some cheese inside the tacos and some on top for melty goodness and crunch.
- Let tacos rest a minute after baking to allow flavors to settle and prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg