Description
Crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, these baked chicken tacos are a quick and easy dinner solution. Made with shredded chicken, taco seasoning, salsa, and melty cheese, they come together in under 30 minutes and are perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 packet taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
1/3 cup water
1/2 cup salsa
10 hard taco shells
1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, shredded lettuce, hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large skillet over medium heat, combine shredded chicken, taco seasoning, water, and salsa. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until heated through and slightly thickened.
- Arrange taco shells upright in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Fill each taco shell evenly with the chicken mixture.
- Top each taco with shredded cheese and diced red onion.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes until the cheese is melted and the taco shells are crispy.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro and optional toppings before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
For a gluten-free version, ensure taco shells and seasoning are certified gluten-free.
Swap in ground beef, turkey, or vegetarian fillings like black beans and corn.
Pre-bake taco shells briefly to prevent sogginess.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tacos
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
