Baked Chicken Tacos

Whenever I find myself craving something warm and satisfying, I immediately think of Baked Chicken Tacos. There’s just something about the combination of flavors and textures that brings me back to my favorite meals. I remember the first time I made these for a gathering; the aroma filled the house, and I could hardly wait to dig in. As the tacos baked, I felt a wave of anticipation, knowing that everyone would love this dish. They were a hit, with friends asking for seconds and even thirds! Now, Baked Chicken Tacos have become a staple in my meal rotation, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Baked Chicken Tacos

When it comes to Baked Chicken Tacos, the ingredients are simple yet flavorful. The key players come together to create a delightful mix of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for more. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness.
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon ground chili powder – Provides the signature taco flavor.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin – Adds warmth and earthiness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika – Contributes a subtle smokiness.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Boosts the onion flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds an extra layer of garlicky goodness.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano – For a touch of herbaceous flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper – Adds a bit of heat.
• 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder – Intensifies the chicken flavor.
• 1 pound ground chicken – The star ingredient that holds everything together.
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce – Adds moisture and richness.
• 1-3/4 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese – Melts beautifully over the tacos.
• 12 stand-up crispy corn tortillas – The perfect vehicle for the filling.
• 1 lime – For zesting and juicing.
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic – For the sauce.
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro – Adds freshness and color.
• 1/2 tablespoon minced jalapeño – For those who like a bit of heat.
• 1/4 cup mayo – Creaminess for the sauce.
• 1/4 cup sour cream – To top off the tacos.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt – For the sauce.
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper – For a hint of spice.
• Toppings as desired – Customize your tacos!

Recipe Steps for Baked Chicken Tacos

Making Baked Chicken Tacos is a delightful process that results in a satisfying meal. Let me walk you through each step so you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time!

1. Start by zesting the lime with a zester to get about 1/4 teaspoon of zest. Juice the lime using a citrus juicer to extract about 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Set these aside for later.

2. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large sheet pan or two smaller ones to prepare for the tacos.

3. In a food processor, add all the sauce ingredients (including the lime juice, minced garlic, and cilantro) and blend or pulse until smooth. Transfer the sauce to a Mason jar and refrigerate it while you work on the filling to let the flavors intensify.

4. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large cast-iron pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.

5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon powder. Stir and cook until the spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn anything; reduce the heat if needed.

6. Push the onion and spice mixture to the sides of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add the ground chicken to the center and crumble it into small pieces. Cook until it’s no longer pink but not fully cooked, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Be cautious if you’re using a nonstick pan; you may need to drain off any accumulated liquid.

7. Pour in the tomato sauce and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, and then remove it from heat.

8. Prepare the tortilla shells by adding them to your baking pans. You can fit around 9 to 10 in a 9 x 13-inch pan and the rest in an 8 x 8-inch pan. Bake the tortillas for 5 minutes to keep them from getting soggy too quickly.

9. To the baked shells, add a heaping 1/4 cup of the taco meat filling and top it with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Repeat this process until all the shells are filled.

10. Bake the assembled tacos for 8 to 15 minutes until the shells are crispy and the cheese is melted. The aroma will be irresistible!

11. Once they’re done, add your favorite toppings on top of the tacos. I love using sliced avocado, diced cherry tomatoes, sour cream, and the cilantro-lime sauce from earlier. Enjoy them right out of the oven!

Tips for Success

Here are some tips to ensure your Baked Chicken Tacos turn out perfect every time!

• Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge, keeping toppings separate. Reheat the tacos in the oven for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze the taco filling in airtight containers. Just reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and jalapeño based on your heat preferences.
• Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs like cilantro for the best flavor.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Mexican blend or pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Pairing Suggestions for Baked Chicken Tacos

When it comes to serving Baked Chicken Tacos, there are plenty of options to complement this dish perfectly.

• Mexican Rice: A side of seasoned Mexican rice pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the tacos.
• Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
• Guacamole: Homemade guacamole is a fantastic addition, enhancing the creaminess of the meal.
• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of watermelon or mango for a sweet, refreshing touch.
• Hot Sauce: For those who love a little extra heat, a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor.
• Perfect for Gatherings: These tacos are ideal for family dinners or casual get-togethers, making them a versatile choice.

FAQ

Conclusion

In summary, Baked Chicken Tacos are a fantastic dish that combines flavor, ease of preparation, and versatility. It’s the perfect meal for busy nights or when you’re entertaining friends and family. I encourage you to try making them soon—your taste buds will thank you!

Baked Chicken Tacos

The ultimate comfort food, Baked Chicken Tacos are packed with flavor and topped with gooey cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering, these crispy tacos are easy to prepare and sure to satisfy your cravings!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 35 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Total Time 51 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon ground chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
• 1 pound ground chicken thigh meat if possible
• 1/2 cup tomato sauce
• 1-3/4 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese or extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
• 12 stand-up crispy corn tortillas
• 1 lime
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro loosely packed
• 1/2 tablespoon minced jalapeño
• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• Toppings as desired see note 1

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (15" x 21")
• Food processor or blender
• Large cast-iron pan

Method

 

1. Start by zesting the lime with a zester to get about 1/4 teaspoon of zest. Juice the lime using a citrus juicer to extract about 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Set these aside for later.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Grab a large sheet pan or two smaller ones to prepare for the tacos.
3. In a food processor, add all the sauce ingredients (including the lime juice, minced garlic, and cilantro) and blend or pulse until smooth. Transfer the sauce to a Mason jar and refrigerate it while you work on the filling to let the flavors intensify.
4. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. In a large cast-iron pan, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, add the spices: chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and chicken bouillon powder. Stir and cook until the spices are fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to burn anything; reduce the heat if needed.
6. Push the onion and spice mixture to the sides of the pan, creating a space in the center. Add the ground chicken to the center and crumble it into small pieces. Cook until it’s no longer pink but not fully cooked, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Be cautious if you’re using a nonstick pan; you may need to drain off any accumulated liquid.
7. Pour in the tomato sauce and scrape the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits for extra flavor. Let it simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, and then remove it from heat.
8. Prepare the tortilla shells by adding them to your baking pans. You can fit around 9 to 10 in a 9 x 13-inch pan and the rest in an 8 x 8-inch pan. Bake the tortillas for 5 minutes to keep them from getting soggy too quickly.
9. To the baked shells, add a heaping 1/4 cup of the taco meat filling and top it with 2 tablespoons of cheese. Repeat this process until all the shells are filled.
10. Bake the assembled tacos for 8 to 15 minutes until the shells are crispy and the cheese is melted. The aroma will be irresistible!
11. Once they’re done, add your favorite toppings on top of the tacos. I love using sliced avocado, diced cherry tomatoes, sour cream, and the cilantro-lime sauce from earlier. Enjoy them right out of the oven!

Notes

• Tip 1: I love to top these tacos with thinly sliced avocado, diced cherry tomatoes, sour cream, and lots of the cilantro lime sauce. You can also use guacamole, pico de gallo, jalapeno, cilantro, green onions, fresh lime, cotija cheese, or pickled red onions—tons of delicious options!
• Tip 2: The nutrition information is calculated for 1 serving of 3 tacos.
• Tip 3: Store leftovers in the fridge, keeping toppings separate, and reheat tacos in the oven before serving.

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Meet Zara Knight

I founded Zest Home Recipes because I believe home cooking should never be boring. My mission is to wake up your palate with recipes that are vibrant, easy, and full of life. I personally cook, photograph, and approve every dish on this site to ensure it brings a spark of joy and a burst of flavor to your kitchen table.