Baked Chicken Tacos

Baked chicken tacos aren’t like the usual kind. Baking them after they’re filled changes them. The shells turn extra crisp, the cheese melts into the chicken, and a whole tray is ready at the same time.

These start with cooked, shredded chicken, which makes them a perfect use for leftovers or a rotisserie chicken. Two cups of chicken fill eight tacos.

They take about 25 minutes, most of it in the oven.

Ingredients and Swaps

• Chicken: Any cooked chicken, shredded. Our Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken is ideal.
• Taco seasoning: From a packet or homemade.
• Taco shells: Crunchy corn shells. Stand-and-stuff shells are easiest. Small flour tortillas can be folded and baked the same way.
• Cheese: Cheddar or a Mexican blend.

Tips for Crispy Baked Tacos

• Moisten the chicken. Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of salsa or water with the seasoning so the filling isn’t dry.
• Stand the shells up. Line them up snugly in a baking dish so they hold each other upright.
• Warm the shells first. Three minutes in the oven before filling keeps them crisp.
• Add fresh toppings after baking. Lettuce, tomato and sour cream go on at the table.

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Baked Chicken Tacos

Crispy oven-baked tacos filled with seasoned chicken and melted cheese. It’s easy, affordable, and fun for kids.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
• 8 small taco shells
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican-blend cheese

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss chicken with taco seasoning.
3. Fill taco shells with chicken and cheese.
4. Stand tacos upright on a baking sheet.
5. Bake for 12–15 minutes until crispy and melted.

Notes

• Add refried beans for extra protein.
• Use flour tortillas folded and baked.
• Serve with mild salsa or sour cream.

Toppings and Sides

Shredded lettuce, diced tomato, salsa, sour cream, avocado or pickled jalapeños. Serve with Tomato and Butter Rice or Black Bean Corn Salad.

Storage and Reheating

• Store the seasoned chicken separately for up to 3 days.
• Assembled tacos don’t keep well. The shells go soft.
• Reheat the chicken and fill fresh shells for the best result.

Baked Taco Questions

Can I add beans?

Yes. Spread a spoonful of refried beans in each shell before the chicken. It also helps the tacos stay upright.

Can I use ground beef?

Yes. Brown 1 pound of ground beef with the taco seasoning, drain and fill the shells.