Description
These Easy Baked Crispy Chicken Tacos combine tender shredded chicken seasoned with smoky spices and salsa, layered with melted Monterey Jack cheese inside crispy baked corn tortillas. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe offers a delicious and simple way to enjoy flavorful tacos with a perfectly crispy texture without frying.
Ingredients
Chicken Filling
- 2 1/2 cups shredded chicken
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (optional, for a little spice)
- 1/2 cup salsa
Assembly
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 corn tortillas
- 2 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) to get it ready for baking the tacos to a crispy golden finish.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chipotle chili powder if using, and salsa. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices and salsa, infusing it with smoky and spicy flavor.
- Soften Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 to 60 seconds until they become pliable. This prevents cracking when folding the tacos.
- Assemble Tacos: Brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. On the oiled side, layer 2 tablespoons of shredded cheese on half of the tortilla, top with 1/4 cup of the seasoned shredded chicken, then add 2 more tablespoons of cheese. Fold the tortilla over the filling to enclose the ingredients.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Repeat assembling all tacos and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet with the folded side down.
- Bake Tacos: Bake the tacos in the preheated oven for 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through baking to ensure both sides become crispy and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the crispy baked tacos from the oven and let them rest for 3 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set slightly and prevent burning.
Notes
- Microwaving tortillas with a damp paper towel is essential to keep them pliable and prevent cracking when folded.
- Chipotle chili powder is optional but adds a nice smoky heat that complements the paprika and salsa.
- You can substitute Monterey Jack cheese with a Mexican blend or mild cheddar, depending on your preference.
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow heat circulation under the tacos during baking.
- Leftover tacos can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
