Description
Crispy oven-baked chicken tacos bring Mexican street-style magic to dinner tables. Crunchy corn tortillas filled with seasoned chicken, melted cheese, and zesty toppings promise a quick, satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 0.5 lb (227 grams) chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 0.5 lb (227 grams) chicken breast, skinless and boneless
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 bell pepper, cut into small strips
- 0.5 white onion, diced (about 0.5 cup)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 lime, juiced
Assembling Ingredients:
- Cooking spray or oil
- 16 corn tortillas (6 inch)
- 1 cup Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the tacos.
- Slice chicken thighs and chicken breast into uniform, bite-sized cubes for even cooking.
- Pour olive oil into a large skillet, heating over medium temperature until shimmering.
- Cook chicken pieces in the skillet, stirring occasionally until the meat turns opaque and white throughout.
- Add diced bell peppers and chopped onions to the skillet, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and sprinkle taco seasoning over the chicken and vegetable mixture.
- Drizzle fresh lime juice into the skillet, thoroughly tossing the ingredients to ensure even seasoning distribution.
- Lightly coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange tortillas side by side on the prepared baking sheet, leaving minimal space between them.
- Distribute one tablespoon of shredded cheese onto half of each tortilla.
- Spoon approximately three tablespoons of the seasoned chicken and vegetable mixture over the cheese.
- Top the chicken filling with another tablespoon of cheese for extra flavor and melting.
- Carefully fold each tortilla in half, creating a half-moon shape.
- Place a second baking sheet on top of the folded tacos to maintain their sealed shape during baking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes until the tortillas turn crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the top baking sheet and transfer the baked tacos to a serving plate.
- Repeat the process with any remaining tortillas and filling.
Notes
- Prep smart by cutting chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking and consistent flavor in every taco.
- Cooking chicken over medium heat ensures proper white color and prevents drying out, maintaining juicy meat texture.
- Balance flavors by combining taco seasoning and fresh lime juice, which enhances the overall taste profile of the chicken mixture.
- Use a greased baking sheet to prevent sticking and achieve crispy, golden-brown tortilla edges during baking.
- Layer cheese strategically on both sides of the chicken filling to create a melty, gooey interior that binds the taco ingredients together.
- Placing a second baking sheet on top while cooking helps the tacos stay sealed and develop a consistent, crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg