Name: Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 pound shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great) 1 ounce taco seasoning 1/2 cup diced onion; 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, drained (1 can); 4.5 ounces diced green chiles, drained (1 can) 10 hard taco shells (Old El Paso Stand ’N Stuff recommended) 8 ounces refried beans (about 1/2 can) 2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese Optional Toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped fresh cilantro

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These baked chicken tacos are crispy, cheesy, and loaded with flavorful chicken, beans, and your favorite toppings. Using pre-cooked chicken makes them quick and easy, perfect for a busy weeknight or a fun party dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
Crispy shells baked to perfection
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Customizable with your favorite toppings
Family-friendly and great for game day

Ingredients

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

1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
1 ounce taco seasoning
½ cup diced onion
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, fully drained (1 can)
4.5 ounces diced green chiles, fully drained (1 can)
10 hard taco shells (Old El Paso Stand ’N Stuff recommended)
8 ounces refried beans (about ½ can)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese

Optional Toppings
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Stir in shredded chicken, taco seasoning, drained tomatoes, and drained green chiles. Mix well, reduce to simmer, and cook 5–8 minutes.
Arrange taco shells standing upright in the baking dish (about 10 shells fit snugly).
Bake empty taco shells for 5 minutes to crisp them slightly. Remove from oven.
Spoon about 1 tablespoon refried beans into each shell. Top with chicken mixture, filling nearly to the top.
Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese.
Bake for 7–10 minutes until cheese is melted and shells are golden at the edges.
Remove from oven and add toppings of your choice before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 5 (2 tacos each)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy kick: Add extra jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne to the chicken mixture.
Bean swap: Use black beans instead of refried beans for texture.
Veggie version: Replace chicken with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Cheese change: Swap in cheddar, pepper jack, or queso fresco.

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispness.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 8–10 minutes to restore crispness.

FAQs

1. Can I use soft tortillas instead?

Yes, but they won’t get the same crisp texture—try brushing with oil and baking for a similar effect.

2. Can I make these ahead?

You can prepare the chicken mixture ahead and assemble just before baking.

3. How do I keep shells from getting soggy?

Pre-baking the shells for 5 minutes before filling helps keep them crisp.

4. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply use a larger baking dish or two smaller ones.

5. What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

Use two forks or a hand mixer for fast shredding.

6. Can I make them in the air fryer?

Yes, assemble and cook at 350°F for about 5–6 minutes.

7. Do I need to drain the tomatoes and chiles?

Yes, draining prevents excess moisture that can make shells soggy.

8. Can I add rice to the filling?

Yes, cooked Mexican rice can be added for a heartier taco.

9. Can I make these vegetarian?

Yes, swap chicken for beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute.

10. What sides go well with baked tacos?

Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad are great accompaniments.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Tacos are an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe with crispy shells, cheesy goodness, and flavorful fillings. They’re perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun party platter, and you can customize them endlessly with your favorite toppings.

Maggie