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Easy Baked Chicken Tacos

Easy Baked Chicken Tacos

The ultimate comfort food, Easy Baked Chicken Tacos are a crowd-pleaser. Crispy taco shells filled with savory chicken and melted cheese will satisfy your cravings for an easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, you'll want to make this recipe tonight!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 tacos
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 10 hard taco shells
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (e.g. Tex-Mex blend or cheddar)
  • Optional toppings sour cream, tomatoes, onions, avocado, etc.

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Baking Sheet
  • Oven
  • Blender

Method
 

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your taco shells will become perfectly crispy. Move the rack to the middle position so that the heat circulates evenly.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken and salsa. Stir until the two are well combined, creating a flavorful mixture that will be the heart of your tacos.
  3. Next, take your taco shells and place them upright in a baking dish. I recommend using a 9x13 inch dish for this; it makes the assembly much easier. Try to find flat-bottomed taco shells for stability.
  4. Spoon the chicken and salsa mixture evenly into each taco shell. Don’t be shy; fill them up! Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each taco, letting it cascade down like a cozy blanket.
  5. Now, it’s time to bake these beauties! Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be fully melted and bubbly, while the edges of the taco shells turn golden brown.
  6. Keep an eye on the tacos around the 10-minute mark. You don't want them to burn! If the cheese is melting beautifully, you're right on track.
  7. While they’re baking, take this time to prepare your toppings. Chop up tomatoes, slice onions, or dice avocado to have everything ready for a personalized taco experience.
  8. Once the cheese is melted and the tacos look crispy, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Let them cool for a minute or two; they’ll be hot!
  9. Top your tacos with your desired toppings. Whether you go for a simple dollop of sour cream or load them up with fresh veggies, each bite will be bursting with flavor.
  10. Finally, enjoy your Easy Baked Chicken Tacos while they’re still warm. You’ll love the combination of textures and flavors!

Notes

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crunch.
These tacos can be frozen before baking. Just wrap them tightly in foil and place them in a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Serve with a side of fresh salad or rice to create a complete meal.
A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten up the flavors.
Switch up the proteins! Ground turkey or beef can be great substitutes for the chicken.