Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 pound cooked chicken shredded (I used cooked Rotisserie chicken)

1 ounce Taco Seasoning click for homemade recipe!

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.

Enjoy!

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 10 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of cooked chicken for this recipe.

The recipe suggests using cooked Rotisserie chicken, but you can use leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, or any other cooked chicken you prefer.

Can I make my own taco seasoning instead of using the store-bought one?

Absolutely! The recipe provides a link to a homemade taco seasoning recipe.

You can follow that recipe to make your own taco seasoning using common spices and seasonings found in your pantry.

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in the recipe?

Yes, you have control over the spiciness of the Baked Chicken Tacos.

The recipe calls for diced tomatoes and chopped green chiles, which contribute to the overall spiciness.

If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use mild diced tomatoes or reduce the amount of green chiles.

Conversely, if you like it spicier, you can opt for spicy diced tomatoes or add additional hot peppers.

Are the taco shells pre-cooked or do they need to be baked?

The taco shells used in this recipe are Stand and Stuff Taco Shells, and they typically require baking to achieve a crispy texture.

The recipe instructs to bake the taco shells for 5 minutes before filling them with the chicken mixture and toppings.

Can I customize the toppings for these Baked Chicken Tacos?

Yes, absolutely! The recipe suggests various toppings such as sliced jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, and shredded lettuce.

However, you can customize the toppings based on your preferences.

Feel free to add guacamole, diced tomatoes, diced onions, or any other toppings you enjoy on your tacos.

Can I use a different type of cheese for the recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests using Mexican Blend Cheese, you can use any cheese that melts well and suits your taste preferences.

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses would work well as alternatives.

Can I make the Baked Chicken Tacos in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the components of the Baked Chicken Tacos in advance.

You can cook and shred the chicken, dice the onion, and prepare the toppings ahead of time.

When you’re ready to bake the tacos, simply assemble them and follow the baking instructions.

Can I use soft tortillas instead of Stand and Stuff Taco Shells?

Yes, you can use soft tortillas if you prefer.

The Stand and Stuff Taco Shells provide a sturdy base for the filling, but you can use soft tortillas instead.

Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly or follow the instructions provided for soft tortillas.

How can I make the Baked Chicken Tacos spicier or milder?

To adjust the spice level of the Baked Chicken Tacos, you can modify the amount of Taco Seasoning, diced tomatoes, and chopped green chiles used in the recipe.

Increase the amount for more heat or decrease it for a milder flavor.

You can also customize the spice by adding hot sauce or additional spices according to your preference.