Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Chicken Tacos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game day crowd-pleaser. By baking the tacos filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, you get a crispy shell and a warm, melty filling in every bite. They’re simple to make, highly customizable, and a fun twist on traditional tacos.

ingredients

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

cooked shredded chickentaco seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika)salsashredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)crunchy taco shellsolive oil spray (optional)toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, cilantro

directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and salsa. Mix until fully coated.

Lightly grease a baking dish and arrange taco shells upright, fitting them snugly so they stay standing.

Fill each shell with the chicken mixture, then top generously with shredded cheese.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the shells are crispy.

Remove from oven and add your favorite toppings.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 10–12 tacos.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

Use ground chicken or turkey instead of shredded chicken.

Add black beans or corn to the filling for more texture.

Swap salsa for enchilada sauce for a deeper flavor.

Use flour tortillas shaped in muffin tins for baked taco cups.

storage/reheating

Store unassembled ingredients separately for best results.
Leftover baked tacos can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–10 minutes to re-crisp.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, it’s perfect for this recipe and saves time.

Do the taco shells get soggy?

No, baking helps crisp them up—fill just before baking for best results.

Can I prep these ahead?

You can prepare the filling ahead, but assemble and bake just before serving.

What cheese works best?

Any melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Can I make them spicier?

Yes, add diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or chili flakes to the chicken mix.

How do I keep the tacos upright?

Snugly fit them in a baking dish or use a taco rack if you have one.

Can I freeze these?

It’s not recommended, as the shells can become soggy when thawed.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes, if you use certified gluten-free taco shells and seasoning.

Can I add veggies?

Absolutely—try sautéed onions, peppers, or spinach in the filling.

Are they kid-friendly?

Yes, especially if you use mild seasoning and allow kids to add their own toppings.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Tacos are a flavorful, crispy, and satisfying twist on taco night. With melty cheese, tender chicken, and endless topping options, they’re sure to please the whole family. Quick to make and even easier to enjoy, this recipe is a keeper for busy nights or festive gatherings alike.