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Chicken Club Pasta Salad with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, avocado, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy Italian-mayo dressing

Crispy Chicken Tacos

Ground chicken seasoned with taco spices, stuffed into oil-coated corn tortillas with melty pepper jack cheese, then oven-baked until golden and crispy. Served with a fresh avocado cilantro sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 tacos
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican-Inspired
Calories: 248

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp olive oil Divided: 1 tbsp for chicken, remainder for tortillas
  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 taco seasoning packet
  • 0.66 cup water For cooking chicken with seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese Shred from a block for best melt
  • 12 corn tortillas Must be warmed before folding to prevent cracking
  • 1 avocado Ripe but firm
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro
  • 0.33 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 0.5 cup water For avocado cilantro sauce
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 0.5 tsp sea salt
  • 1 jalapeño pepper Seeds removed and halved
  • 1 lime Juiced

Equipment

  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Non-stick skillet
  • Blender or food processor
  • Shallow bowl for oiling tortillas
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground chicken and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, breaking it apart until fully browned. Add taco seasoning packet and 2/3 cup water. Stir and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until liquid evaporates and chicken is fully coated. Remove from heat.
  3. Heat a dry non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Warm each corn tortilla for 15 to 20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Stack on a plate and cover immediately with foil to keep warm. Do not skip this step or tortillas will crack when folded.
  4. Pour the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil into a shallow bowl. Dip each warm tortilla so both sides get an even, light coating. Alternatively, use cooking spray for a quicker option.
  5. Spoon a portion of the seasoned chicken onto one half of each oiled tortilla. Add a generous amount of shredded pepper jack cheese on top. Do not overstuff. Fold each tortilla in half over the filling and press gently. Arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  6. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, then carefully flip each taco using tongs. Bake another 6 to 8 minutes until both sides are golden brown and cheese is melted and beginning to crisp at the edges.
  7. While tacos bake, combine avocado, cilantro, Greek yogurt, water, garlic, sea salt, jalapeño, and lime juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until fully smooth. Adjust salt and lime to taste. Serve alongside the hot crispy tacos.

Notes

Cheese: Always shred from a block. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Tortillas: Warming before folding is essential. Cold corn tortillas will crack. Oil method: Dipping gives the most even coverage and crispiest result. Cooking spray is a quicker alternative. Chicken swaps: Rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, ground pork, or ground beef all work. Tortilla swaps: Flour tortillas can be used instead of corn. Sauce swap: Homemade guacamole can replace the avocado cilantro sauce. Storage: Store leftover chicken filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake fresh tacos as needed for best texture.