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Baked Chicken Tacos

Baked Chicken Tacos
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These Baked Chicken Tacos offer a quick, flavorful, and fuss-free dinner option perfect for busy weeknights. Juicy chicken breast seasoned with classic Mexican spices is baked in taco shells or tortillas along with melty cheese and fresh vegetables. The recipe is family-friendly, healthy, and easy to customize, delivering a perfect balance of textures and tastes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Seasoning & Oil

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp taco seasoning (blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic)

Cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Shells & Tortillas

  • 8–10 taco shells or small corn tortillas

Vegetables & Toppings

  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chopped onions
  • 1–2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and toss them with olive oil and taco seasoning until evenly coated. This step locks in flavor and helps the chicken stay juicy while baking.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: Dice your tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños finely. These will go on top of the chicken before baking, adding brightness and texture to each taco.
  3. Arrange Tacos on Baking Sheet: Lay out the taco shells or tortillas on a baking sheet. Spoon seasoned chicken into each shell, then sprinkle with shredded cheese and scatter the chopped vegetables on top.
  4. Bake to Perfection: Pop the baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the shells are crisp or tortillas are lightly golden.
  5. Add Fresh Finishing Touches: Once out of the oven, squeeze fresh lime juice over the tacos and add optional garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, or sliced avocado to elevate the flavor.

Notes

  • Cut chicken pieces uniformly so they cook evenly for perfect tenderness.
  • Do not overcrowd the tacos on the baking sheet to ensure even baking and crisp shells.
  • Use fresh vegetables and fresh lime juice to brighten the flavor.
  • Choose cheeses that melt well such as Monterey Jack or mozzarella for gooey texture.
  • Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking to maintain crunchy tacos.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze cooked chicken filling separately in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat tacos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes to keep crispy; avoid microwaving shells alone.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked chicken tacos, easy chicken tacos, healthy chicken tacos, weeknight dinner, Mexican chicken recipe, gluten free tacos

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/baked-chicken-tacos/