Description

These Crispy Cheesy Baked Chicken Tacos are a quick and delicious meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings. Ground chicken is seasoned and cooked to perfection, then wrapped in corn tortillas with melted cheese and salsa before being baked until crispy. Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, cilantro, and lime add bright flavors and freshness to every bite.

Ingredients

Chicken Filling

1 pound ground chicken
3 tablespoons taco seasoning

Tortillas and Toppings

10 corn tortillas
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
2 cups shredded cheese
1 cup salsa (or enchilada sauce or taco sauce)
Lettuce, chopped (for garnish)
Tomato, diced (for garnish)
Fresh limes (for squeezing)
Avocado, sliced (for garnish)
Cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425℉ and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Using a jumbo baking sheet is recommended to fit all the tacos evenly.
Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the ground chicken and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once the chicken is fully cooked through, stir in the taco seasoning and prepare with water according to the package instructions, allowing the seasoning to blend well into the meat.
Prepare Tortillas: Wrap the stack of corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat them in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until soft and pliable. Arrange the tortillas evenly on the prepared baking sheet and brush the top and bottom of each tortilla lightly with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to help them crisp while baking.
Assemble Tacos: Evenly divide the cooked ground chicken onto one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle about 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on top of the chicken, then add 1 to 2 tablespoons of salsa or preferred sauce. Fold the tortillas over the filling and press gently to hold them closed.
Bake Tacos: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese inside has melted and the tortillas are crispy and golden brown.
Add Fresh Toppings & Serve: Carefully open each baked taco and top with fresh shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, sliced avocado, and chopped cilantro before serving.

Notes

Using corn tortillas gives a traditional flavor and crispiness, but flour tortillas can be substituted if preferred.
For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the taco seasoning during cooking.
To make ahead, cook and season the ground chicken in advance and assemble right before baking.
Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
Adjust cheese amount to taste or use a blend like cheddar and Monterey Jack for different flavors.