Description
Creamy, zesty Baked Chicken Tacos bring Mexican street flavor to home kitchens with crisp tortilla shells and juicy seasoned meat. Cheese melts perfectly while fresh toppings add crisp contrast and delightful texture.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (473 ml) shredded chicken, cooked
- 10 hard taco shells
- 1 cup (237 ml) Mexican cheese blend, shredded
- ½ cup (118 ml) salsa
- ½ cup (118 ml) black beans or corn
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) taco seasoning
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
- ½ tsp (2.5 ml) cumin
- 1 cup (237 ml) lettuce, shredded
- ½ cup (118 ml) tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup (118 ml) sour cream
- ¼ cup (59 ml) cilantro, fresh, chopped
- 1 jalapeno, sliced
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), creating an optimal environment for crafting golden, crispy taco shells.
- Filling Creation: Blend shredded chicken with salsa, taco seasoning, garlic powder, cumin, and black beans in a mixing bowl, ensuring a robust and flavorful mixture that will tantalize taste buds.
- Shell Arrangement: Position taco shells upright on a rimmed baking sheet, preparing them to receive the savory chicken filling with precision and care.
- Assembly and Cheese Topping: Distribute the chicken mixture evenly into each shell, then lavishly cover with shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and create a luxurious, gooey surface.
- Baking Process: Slide the tray into the preheated oven, transforming the tacos for 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and shells turn a perfect golden-brown, signaling they’re ready to devour.
- Final Touches: Garnish the hot tacos with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and tomatoes, adding a vibrant layer of color and fresh flavor to the dish.
- Serving: Present the baked tacos immediately, accompanied by optional side condiments like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole to enhance the dining experience.
Notes
- Shred Chicken Precisely: Ensure chicken is finely shredded for even distribution and better texture inside taco shells.
- Balance Moisture Carefully: Use salsa sparingly to prevent soggy shells; drain excess liquid before mixing with chicken.
- Customize Cheese Selection: Opt for Mexican blend or sharp cheddar for enhanced melting and richer flavor profile.
- Prep Ahead Strategy: Prepare chicken filling in advance and refrigerate to streamline assembly and reduce cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg