If you’re searching for a quick and delicious meal, look no further than these baked chicken tacos! This recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with your favorite toppings, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla shell. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these tacos are both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the details of this mouthwatering dish!
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1 tomato, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Olive oil, for drizzling
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is 15 minutes, and cooking time is 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (2 tacos) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g protein, 15g fat, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fiber. This information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with taco sauce until well combined.
- Take each tortilla and fill it with the chicken mixture.
- Place the filled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the tortillas.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the dish for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While baking, prepare your toppings: shred the lettuce and dice the tomatoes.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve the tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and fresh cilantro on top.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute the chicken with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor. Additionally, use gluten-free tortillas for a gluten-free option, or swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative if desired.
Serving and Pairings
These baked chicken tacos pair wonderfully with a side of Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. For beverages, consider serving with iced tea or a light beer.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. While it’s not recommended to freeze the assembled tacos, the filling can be frozen for later use.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overfilling the tacos can lead to mess; use a moderate amount of filling.
- Not preheating the oven can result in uneven cooking.
- Using cold tortillas may cause them to tear; warm them slightly if needed.
- Forgetting to cover the dish can lead to burnt cheese; cover with foil if necessary.
- Skipping the toppings can make the dish bland; always add fresh ingredients!
Helpful Tips
- Cook chicken in advance for quicker preparation.
- Experiment with different spices in the chicken mix for unique flavors.
- Use a mix of cheeses for a richer taste.
- Let tacos cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burns.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
While you can use raw chicken, it’s best to cook it first to ensure even and thorough cooking. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
How can I make these tacos spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture for an extra kick.
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before assembling and baking.
What if I don’t have taco sauce?
You can substitute with salsa or a mixture of tomato sauce and spices like cumin and chili powder.
How do I prevent soggy tortillas?
Ensure your tortillas are warmed slightly before filling and avoid over-soaking them in sauce.
Conclusion
Baked chicken tacos are a delicious and flexible meal option that can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a family dinner, these tacos are sure to impress. Try this recipe today and savor the delightful flavors!
Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup taco sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 cup lettuce shredded
- 1 tomato diced
- 1 avocado sliced
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with taco sauce until well combined.
- Take each tortilla and fill it with the chicken mixture.
- Place the filled tortillas in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the tortillas.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the dish for added flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- While baking, prepare your toppings: shred the lettuce and dice the tomatoes.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
- Serve the tacos with lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and fresh cilantro on top.
