Baked Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1/2 pound cooked chicken shredded (I used cooked Rotisserie chicken)
– 1 ounce Taco Seasoning
– 1/2 cup onion diced
– 1 can diced tomato 14.5 ounce, fully drained
– 1 can Chopped Green Chiles 4.5 ounce, fully drained
– 10 Stand and Stuff Taco Shells I used Old El Paso
– 8 ounces Refried Beans 1/2 can
– 2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese shredded
– Toppings such as Old El Paso sliced Jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, or any of your favorite taco toppings!
Instructions
– Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
– Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet.
– Add onion to skillet and cook for 2 – 3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
– Stir in the chicken, taco seasoning, tomatoes (FULLY DRAINED), and green chiles (FULLY DRAINED) *see note. Stir to combine fully.
– Reduce to simmer and allow to cook for 5 – 8 minutes.
– Place the taco shells in the baking dish, standing up. I was able to fit 10 taco shells in the dish by adding 2 on each side.
– Bake the taco shells for 5 minutes by themselves to allow them to crisp up. Remove from the oven.
– Spoon 1 tablespoon of beans into the bottom of each taco shell. Top with the chicken mixture, almost to the top of each shell.
– Sprinkle each shell generously with shredded cheese, the more the better!
– Bake for 7 – 10 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and the edges of the shells are browned.
– Remove from the oven and top with your favorite items such as jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 300 kcal | Protein: 20g | Fat: 15g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 600mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any cooked chicken you prefer.
Rotisserie chicken works well due to its flavor and tenderness, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken.
Are the diced tomatoes and chopped green chiles drained before adding them to the recipe?
Yes, it’s important to fully drain both the diced tomatoes and chopped green chiles before adding them to the recipe to prevent excess moisture.
Can I customize the toppings for these tacos?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences.
Popular options include sliced jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, diced avocado, or guacamole.
Do I need to pre-bake the taco shells before filling them?
Yes, it’s recommended to pre-bake the taco shells for a few minutes before filling them.
This helps them crisp up and prevents them from becoming soggy when filled with the chicken mixture and toppings.
How can I store leftovers of these baked chicken tacos?
Leftover baked chicken tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, simply place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave them in 30-second intervals until heated to your liking.
Can I use other types of meat instead of chicken?
Absolutely! While this recipe uses shredded chicken, you can easily substitute it with cooked ground beef, turkey, or even shredded pork, depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to use Stand and Stuff Taco Shells, or can I use regular taco shells?
You can use either Stand and Stuff Taco Shells or regular taco shells for this recipe.
The Stand and Stuff variety simply make it easier to fill and bake the tacos without them tipping over.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can make vegetarian baked tacos by omitting the chicken and using additional beans or vegetables as a substitute.
Consider adding more refried beans or incorporating ingredients like diced bell peppers or mushrooms.
Is there a way to reduce the calorie content of this dish?
To reduce the calorie content, you can use low-fat cheese, opt for whole-grain taco shells, and go easy on toppings like sour cream and cheese.
Additionally, using less oil when sautéing the onions can also help lower the calorie count.
Can I prepare these tacos in advance and bake them later?
Yes, you can assemble the tacos ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake.
Just make sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent them from drying out.
What can I do with leftover taco filling?
Leftover taco filling can be used in various ways.
You can use it as a topping for salads, baked potatoes, or even as a filling for quesadillas or burritos.
Are there any alternatives to using canned diced tomatoes and green chiles?
If you prefer, you can use fresh diced tomatoes and roasted green chiles instead of canned varieties.
Simply dice the tomatoes and roast the chiles until they’re soft and slightly charred before adding them to the recipe.
Can I freeze these baked chicken tacos?
While it’s best to enjoy these tacos fresh, you can freeze them for later consumption.
Once baked, let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe container.
To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven until heated through.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Leftover baked chicken tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this recipe?
Yes, you can easily adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of taco seasoning and green chiles used.
If you prefer milder tacos, you can also omit the red pepper flakes.