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Crispy baked chicken tacos golden brown on a parchment lined baking sheet fresh out of the oven

Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos

Shredded chicken cooked in salsa and taco seasoning, folded into corn tortillas with melted Colby Jack cheese and baked at high heat until golden and crunchy. A quick no-fry weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cup cooked shredded chicken rotisserie chicken works great
  • 3 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 medium white onion chopped
  • 16 oz jarred salsa chunky medium recommended
  • 1 oz taco seasoning packet
  • 12 small corn tortillas 10 to 12 tortillas
  • 1.5 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese freshly shredded melts better
  • 1 lime juiced

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Microwave

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Line a 9x13 inch baking sheet or larger with parchment paper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
  3. Stir in the shredded chicken, salsa, taco seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice.
  4. Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds until soft and pliable. Do not skip this step or the tortillas will crack when folded.
  5. Spoon the chicken mixture onto one half of each tortilla, keeping filling toward the center. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the filling, fold each tortilla in half, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Do not overfill.
  6. Lightly brush the tops of the folded tortillas with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil using a pastry brush.
  7. Bake on the middle rack for 12 to 15 minutes until the tacos are golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

Always warm tortillas before folding to prevent cracking. Do not overfill or tacos may open during baking. Bake on the middle rack for even cooking. Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer, not the microwave. Serve immediately for the crispiest results.