Golden, crunchy, and bursting with flavor, these Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos are a delicious and fun way to enjoy taco night. With seasoned chicken, fresh vegetables, and melted cheese all baked to perfection in crispy taco shells, every bite is a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together, these tacos are sure to be a hit.
What Makes These Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos Special
The beauty of these Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos lies in their simplicity and flavor. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices and baked until tender and juicy. The taco shells are filled with the chicken, topped with fresh vegetables and cheese, and baked until crispy and golden. The result is a taco that’s both crunchy and satisfying, with a perfect balance of flavors.
A Fun and Flavorful Meal
Picture this: It’s taco night, and you’ve just pulled a tray of these Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos out of the oven. The taco shells are golden and crispy, the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the aroma of seasoned chicken fills the air. As you take a bite, the crunchy shell and flavorful filling create a moment of pure joy. It’s a fun and tasty way to enjoy tacos with your family and friends.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a taco night, looking for a fun and easy dinner idea, or simply craving something delicious, these Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos are a versatile choice. They’re easy to customize with your favorite toppings and can be made ahead of time for a quick and convenient meal. Serve them with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a complete and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes
For the Filling:
Canola Oil: Used for sautéing and ensuring a crisp taco shell.
Ground Chicken: A lean and flavorful protein, perfect for absorbing spices.
Sweet Onion (Diced): Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic (Minced): Enhances the overall flavor with its rich aroma.
Chopped Green Chiles: A mild heat and tangy bite to balance the flavors.
For the Seasoning:
Chili Powder: Gives the dish a warm, smoky kick.
Smoked Paprika: Deepens the smokiness of the tacos.
Dried Oregano: A subtle herbal touch for extra flavor.
Ground Cumin: Brings earthy warmth and a hint of spice.
Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
For the Freshness & Texture:
Chopped Fresh Cilantro Leaves: Bright and herbaceous.
Freshly Squeezed Lime Juice: Adds acidity to balance the richness.
For Assembly:
Shredded Mexican Cheese Blend: Melty, cheesy goodness in every bite.
Flour or Corn Tortillas (Warmed): Holds all the delicious filling together.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos with:
- A side of Mexican rice or refried beans for a complete meal.
- A drizzle of your favorite hot sauce or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.
- A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added freshness.
Tips for Taco Perfection
- Season the chicken well: A good blend of spices enhances the flavor of the chicken.
- Bake the taco shells until crispy: This ensures a satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Use fresh vegetables: Fresh toppings add a crisp, refreshing contrast to the tacos.
- Melt the cheese until bubbly: This helps hold the filling together and adds a deliciously gooey texture.
- Serve immediately: These tacos are best enjoyed hot and crispy, right out of the oven.
A Fun and Delicious Dish Worth Sharing
These Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos are a testament to the joy of simple, flavorful cooking. With their crunchy shells, tender chicken, and fresh toppings, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. One bite, and you’ll understand why these tacos are perfect for any occasion.
Baked Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 8 flour or corn tortillas warmed
- ½ medium sweet onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 4.5-ounce can chopped green chiles
- 1 ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 2 ½ Tbsp canola oil divided
- 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican cheese blend divided
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and lightly grease a baking sheet or coat it with nonstick spray.
- In a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Add ground chicken, diced onion, and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until the chicken is browned and crumbled. Drain any excess fat.
- Mix in green chiles, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and cumin, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat, then stir in fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 cup of shredded cheese, mixing until melted and combined.
- Working one tortilla at a time, spread the chicken mixture over half of it, sprinkle with an extra tablespoon of cheese, then fold over to seal. Repeat until all 8 tacos are assembled. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons of canola oil.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or avocado for the perfect crunchy, cheesy bite!
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