Looking for an easy Baked Chicken Tacos recipe? You can stop searching because these crispy tacos are simple and on the table in under 25 minutes!
Made with pantry staples like shredded chicken, taco seasoning, a squeeze of lime juice, and plenty of melty cheese, they’re quick to make and always a crowd-pleaser. We’re even making a quick and easy avocado lime ranch dipping sauce that takes these tacos to the next level!
Round out taco night by serving these crispy chicken tacos with Mexican Black Beans or refried beans, plus a side of Spanish Brown Rice. It’s a delicious, affordable dinner the whole family will look forward to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Dinner: This dinner comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few simple steps, you can have delicious tacos on the table in no time.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves tacos, am I right?! These baked chicken tacos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Affordable: Uses budget-friendly ingredients like leftover or rotisserie chicken, plus pantry staples you may already have on hand. A tasty meal that won’t break the bank.
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Ingredient Photo
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chicken: I use rotisserie or even leftover chicken because it’s super easy! Ground chicken or ground beef will add some cook time, but are delicious as well. If you want to plan ahead, check out my recipe for a whole chicken in the crockpot, you can make it a day or two in advance and have the chicken ready to go.
- Tortillas: We go with corn tortillas to make this lower in calories and carbs, but flour tortillas work just fine too. The baking time is about the same either way, so use your favorite.
- Cheese: Use any cheese that melts well. Freshly grated melts best but pre-shredded is much more convenient.
- Taco Seasoning: I have a favorite low-sodium brand, but homemade taco seasoning is a great option if you’ve got it. It usually includes salt, paprika, oregano, chili powder, onion powder, and garlic powder.
- Ranch Dressing: I use Hidden Valley, but a store brand or your favorite homemade work great.
- Avocado: We like fresh avocados, but the kind in the plastic container from the refrigerated section of the produce department works too. Use what’s easiest for you.
- Limes: Fresh lime juice is used for both the taco meat and the dip. Fresh is best but you can use bottled if that’s what you like.
- Milk: Just a bit to thin out the dipping sauce.
- Garlic Powder: This gives the avocado lime ranch dip just a bit more flavor, skip it if you don’t have it.
How to Make Easy Chicken Tacos
Here’s a quick look at the steps with photos. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and instructions in the recipe card below.
Cook the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, water and lime juice in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until warm, about 3-5 minutes.
Place one tablespoon cheese on half a warmed tortilla, add ¼ cup of the chicken mixture, then another tablespoon of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling.
Place on a sheet pan sprayed liberally with nonstick spray, spray the top sides of the tacos with cooking spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
Mash the avocado with the juice of one lime, add the ranch dressing, milk and garlic powder and stir until combined.
Serving Suggestions
These baked chicken tacos are best dipped, below are some dip ideas.
- Sour Cream
- Salsa
- Queso
- Warmed Enchilada Sauce
- Pico de Gallo
- Tomatillo Salsa (Salsa Verde)
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
The best way to reheat these tacos is in the oven or air fryer to keep the shells crispy. For the oven, place tacos on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. For a quicker option, air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. You can use the microwave in a pinch, cover the tacos with a damp paper towel and heat for 30–60 seconds, but the shells may soften and lose their crunch.
Try These Mexican Inspired Chicken Recipes Next!
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Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe
Ingredients
For the baked chicken tacos:
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
- 8 corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- cooking spray
For the avocado lime ranch dipping sauce
- 1 avocado
- juice of one lime
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1-2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare the pan: Set the oven to 400°F and spray a large rimmed baking sheet liberally with nonstick cooking spray.cooking spray
- Make the chicken filling: In a medium skillet, add the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, water, and lime juice. Cook over medium to medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes, or until heated through2 cups shredded chicken, 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 2 tablespoons water, 2 teaspoons lime juice
- Warm the tortillas: In a dry nonstick skillet, warm each tortilla over medium to medium-high heat for about 20–30 seconds per side.8 corn tortillas
- Assemble the tacos: Place 1 tablespoon of cheese on half of a tortilla, add ¼ cup of the chicken mixture, then top with another tablespoon of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.1 cup shredded cheese
- Bake: Arrange all the tacos on the prepared baking sheet and spray the tops with nonstick cooking spray. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the tacos are lightly crisp.
- Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, mash the avocado with the lime juice. Stir in the ranch dressing, 1–2 tablespoons of milk (until it reaches your desired consistency), and garlic powder. Mix well and serve with the warm tacos.1 avocado, juice of one lime, ½ cup ranch dressing, 1-2 tablespoons milk, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
About Mindy
Mindy has been cooking for over 30 years, starting as a young mother who learned how to create delicious meals on a budget. Today, she shares approachable recipes made with everyday ingredients that are easy, affordable, and family-friendly. Her goal is to show that great food doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.