Description
These Baked Chicken Tacos are a quick and delicious meal perfect for a weeknight dinner. Made with tender cooked chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy corn tortillas baked to golden perfection, they offer a satisfying combination of textures and flavors. The recipe includes simple steps to soften and fold tortillas, fill them with chicken and cheese, and bake until crispy, making them a fuss-free alternative to fried tacos.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 Extra Thin Corn Tortillas (e.g., Mission brand)
- 6 oz Cooked Chicken Breast, chopped or shredded (or your choice of filling)
- 1/2 cup (56g) Shredded Cheddar Cheese (or your choice of cheese)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the tacos to a crispy golden brown.
- Soften the tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel and microwave for 45-60 seconds, flipping halfway through. This step makes the tortillas pliable and easier to fold without tearing.
- Fill and fold the tacos: Place the cooked chicken and any additional fillings (like peppers if desired) on one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then fold the tortilla over to create a taco shape. Press gently to seal; if tortillas tear, microwave them for another 15-30 seconds to soften further.
- Press the tacos: Arrange the filled tacos on a baking sheet and place a second baking sheet or flat surface with some weight on top. This prevents the tacos from opening during baking and helps the cheese act like glue to keep them sealed.
- Bake the tacos: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-12 minutes or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy. To achieve extra crispness, you can remove the top baking sheet near the end of cooking. Using a baking sheet instead of a wire rack for the bottom will take slightly longer to crisp but still yields great results.
Notes
- If tortillas tear during folding, microwave longer until pliable.
- You can customize the filling with vegetables or other proteins if desired.
- Using a weighted baking sheet to press tacos helps keep them sealed and ensures even crisping.
- Bake time may vary depending on your oven; watch closely to prevent burning.
- For extra crispness, remove the top baking sheet in the last few minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican