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- 1 lb ground chicken - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (or homemade blend) - 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed - 1 cup corn (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned) - 8 small corn or flour tortillas - 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend) - Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish) - Sour cream (optional, for serving) - Lime wedges (for serving) When making baked chicken tacos, the first step is gathering the right ingredients. Ground chicken is the star of this dish. It cooks quickly and absorbs flavors well. You can also use turkey or beef if you prefer. Next, you’ll want some pantry staples. Olive oil helps cook the onion and garlic, giving a rich flavor. Taco seasoning can be store-bought or homemade. You need black beans for protein and fiber. Corn adds sweetness, while diced tomatoes create a juicy filling. Don't forget the tortillas! Small corn or flour tortillas are perfect for holding everything. The shredded cheese gives a nice melt and adds flavor. For garnish, fresh cilantro brightens up the dish. Sour cream and lime wedges add a creamy and zesty touch. With this list, you’re ready to create a tasty meal everyone will enjoy! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps the tacos cook evenly. Next, grab a large skillet and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add one small onion, chopped finely. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step builds flavor. Now, add two cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute until it smells great. This garlic flavor makes your dish pop! Next, add one pound of ground chicken to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon. Cook it until it is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure there’s no pink left. After the chicken is cooked, sprinkle one tablespoon of taco seasoning over it. Then add one can of black beans, rinsed and drained, one cup of corn, and one cup of diced tomatoes. Stir it well to mix everything. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat it all through. Now it’s time to fill the tacos! In a baking dish, lay eight small corn or flour tortillas in a single layer. Fill each tortilla generously with the chicken mixture. Don’t be shy—make them full! Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese over the filled tortillas. This cheese will melt beautifully in the oven. Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. Watch for the cheese to get bubbly and golden. Once done, take them out and let them cool for a minute. Finally, garnish with fresh cilantro for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your baked chicken tacos! To prevent soggy tortillas, warm them slightly before filling. This helps them stay firm. You can heat them in a dry pan for a few seconds on each side. For better flavor integration, let the chicken mixture rest for a few minutes before filling the tortillas. This helps the spices blend well and makes each bite tasty. Serve baked chicken tacos on a wooden platter for a rustic look. Garnish them with extra cilantro for color. Offer a side of sour cream and lime wedges to boost flavor. For side dishes, consider a fresh salad or some Mexican rice. These pair nicely and add to the meal's appeal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to elevate the flavors of your tacos. Fresh cilantro and ripe tomatoes make a notable difference. Customize Your Spice Level: Adjust the amount of taco seasoning or add fresh jalapeños if you prefer a spicier kick. Taste the filling before baking to ensure it meets your preference. Experiment with Tortilla Types: While corn and flour tortillas are classic, try using whole wheat or spinach tortillas for a healthier twist. Make Ahead for Quick Meals: Prepare the filling in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble and bake the tacos when you're ready for a quick weeknight dinner. {{image_2}} For a healthier filling, swap ground chicken with ground turkey. Turkey has less fat, but still tastes great. You can also use leaner cuts of chicken, like chicken breast, for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian or vegan version, try black beans or lentils as the base. These options provide protein and flavor. Add some sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also use tofu, crumbled, for a protein boost. To add more zest, try adding cumin or smoked paprika. These spices will bring warmth and depth to your dish. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the filling for a kick. For cheese, consider using pepper jack for a spicy twist. If you prefer a creamier taste, try using queso fresco. Each cheese brings its own flavor, so feel free to mix and match to find your favorite! To keep baked chicken tacos fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place the tacos in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will last up to three days. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing them. They can stay in the freezer for three months. When you are ready to eat leftovers, you have a few good options. The oven works well to maintain texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place tacos on a baking sheet and cover them with foil. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. You can also use the microwave for a quicker method. Place one taco on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds, then check. Repeat until warm. To keep the flavor strong, add a splash of lime juice before reheating. This helps revive the taste. Enjoy your tasty tacos again! Can I use different meats or proteins? Yes, you can! Ground turkey or beef works well. For a lighter option, try shredded chicken. You can even use beans or lentils for a tasty vegetarian twist. How can I make these tacos gluten-free? To make baked chicken tacos gluten-free, use corn tortillas instead of flour. Always check that your taco seasoning is gluten-free. You can make your own blend using spices like cumin and paprika. What are the best sides to serve with baked chicken tacos? Great sides include Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve chips with salsa or guacamole for a fun snack. In this post, we explored making baked chicken tacos. We covered the ingredients you need, from ground chicken to pantry staples. The step-by-step instructions showed you how to prepare, cook, and assemble your tacos for the oven. I shared expert tips to enhance flavor and presentation, along with variations for different diets. Finally, we discussed how to store and reheat leftovers properly. Now, you have the tools to make delicious tacos that everyone will love. Enjoy cooking and sharing this easy, tasty meal!

Baked Chicken Tacos

Delicious baked tacos filled with ground chicken, beans, corn, and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 8 small corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1 serving sour cream, optional
  • 1 serving lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Sprinkle the taco seasoning over the chicken, followed by the black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
  • In a baking dish, arrange the tortillas in a single layer. Fill each tortilla generously with the chicken mixture.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the filled tacos.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve on a wooden platter garnished with extra cilantro. Offer sour cream and lime wedges on the side.
Keyword baked, chicken, easy, tacos