Baked chicken tacos with BBQ sauce
Want to make the best baked chicken tacos that are crispy on the outside and filled with juicy shredded chicken on the inside? You won’t believe how simple, yet delicious, this recipe is! Add this easy Mexican inspired recipe to your taco collection and enjoy your new favorite meal!
If you’re tired of the same old tacos and want to try something new and exciting, look no further than these mouth-watering baked chicken tacos! This easy and delicious recipe will have your taste buds begging for more!
There are many reasons why I love this recipe for baked chicken tacos and you will too! First and foremost, it is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion. They are incredibly easy and quick to make and require minimal ingredients making it a great dinner idea for those busy weeknights.
The best part? It uses roasted chicken leftovers, making it a perfect way to use up any extra chicken from a previous meal. AND you can make a big batch of these baked chicken tacos and save leftovers for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
The combination of tender and flavorful chicken with crispy taco shells, oozing with delicious cheese creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors. Plus, baking the tacos in the oven makes them easy to prepare and less messy than traditional tacos.
How to make baked chicken tacos
Ingredients
To make this delicious chicken tacos in the oven, you will need the following key ingredients:
- Shredded roasted chicken: Using roasted chicken leftovers is a great way to add extra flavor and moisture to your baked chicken tacos. If you don’t have any leftovers, you can easily roast or grill some chicken breasts or buy a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the store.
- BBQ sauce: This adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the chicken. You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make your own.
- Smoked paprika: This adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor to the chicken that complements the BBQ sauce perfectly.
- 9-inch tortillas: These are used as the taco shells. You can use either corn or flour tortillas, depending on your preference.
- Shredded cheese: Used to add a gooey and delicious layer of melted cheese on top of the tacos. You can use any type of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend.
- Vegetable oil: This is used to brush the tortillas before baking them in order to get that crispy texture.
Substitutes
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken with canned black beans or cooked lentils or even tofu.
- Cheese: Use your favorite cheese. For a dairy-free option, use a dairy-free cheese substitute.
Equipment
The key equipment for making these oven baked chicken tacos includes:
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- Cutting board
Instructions for baked shredded chicken tacos
Preparations
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Grease your baking sheet or line with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up.
Cooking the tacos
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, BBQ sauce and smoked paprika. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
- Lay 8 tortillas on your working surface. Divide chicken into 8 portions.
- Spread BBQ chicken on half of one tortilla and repeat with the others. Top with 2-3 tablespoons of cheese. Fold over to seal.
- Now place tacos in a single layer onto the baking sheet. Brush all tacos with oil.
- Place in the middle of the oven and bake until toasted and crispy. About 12-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for the best results
- For an extra depth of flavor, consider sautéing the shredded chicken with chopped onions and garlic before adding the taco seasoning and BBQ sauce.
- For that irresistible crunch without the tacos becoming too dry, don’t skip brushing the outer surfaces of your tortillas with oil. This technique ensures they toast beautifully in the oven, turning golden and crisp, enhancing the overall texture of your tacos.
Recipe variations
- If you don’t have leftover chicken and still want to make this recipe, instead of using pre-cooked chicken, bake chicken breast first. Then shred and cover in taco seasoning and BBQ sauce before filling the shells.
- Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the shredded chicken mixture for a spicy twist on the classic baked chicken tacos.
- Add some vegetables to the chicken mixture, such as bell peppers or corn for added flavor and nutrition.
- Drizzle lime juice on top of the baked tacos for a burst of freshness.
- For added freshness and texture, top your tacos with diced tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro before serving.
What to serve with
This delicious baked chicken tacos recipe goes hand in hand with recipes such as guacamole, Pico de Gallo or Mexican rice. Although not on the Mexican side, these delicious recipes are other tasty options that pair perfectly with these tacos:
- Pickled cucumbers
- Roasted potatoes and mushrooms
- Zucchini in garlic vinegar sauce
- Yellow beans with garlic and fresh dill
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
Yes, you can use corn tortillas instead of taco shells for a more authentic Mexican taste. They’re also crunchier than the flour version
Can I make these tacos ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble the tacos and bake them right before serving.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the leftover baked chicken tacos in the oven at 350°F for about 7-10 minutes or until heated through.
Storing and reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 7-10 minutes or until heated through.
You can also freeze these baked tacos after assembly and before baking. Allow to cool and freeze in an airtight container for 1 month. When ready to serve, bake them as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
More recipes you’ll enjoy
- Mexican tuna salad – A quick and easy salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
- Air fryer chicken fajitas – A healthier and quicker version of the classic fajitas.
- 6 Ingredients taco soup – A hearty and flavorful soup that’s perfect for a chilly day.
- Chicken chili with sweet potatoes – A one-pot meal that’s packed with protein and delicious flavors.
Serving size
This recipe makes 8 tacos, with each person typically eating 1-2 tacos, so this recipe could serve 4-6 people. However, this may vary depending on individual appetites and whether you are serving any side dishes or enjoying this with children.
To serve a larger group, simply double or triple the recipe. You can also adjust the number of tacos per person based on your guests’ appetites and the side dishes served, if any.
This recipe is an easy option for any weeknight dinner. Plus, with the added bonus of being baked, this recipe is a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste or texture. So, bake up these delicious baked chicken tacos today and enjoy a tasty and hassle-free meal that the whole family will love.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends too, and sign up for my newsletter for more tasty recipes like this one! Happy cooking!
Baked chicken tacos
Ingredients
- 1 lb shredded roasted chicken
- 1 ½ cups BBQ sauce store bought
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 8 tortillas 9 inch
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Equipment
- spoon
- baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it.
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken, BBQ sauce and smoked paprika.
- Lay 8 tortillas on your working surface. Divide chicken into 8 portions. Spread BBQ chicken on half of one tortilla and repeat with the others.
- Top with 2-3 tablespoons of cheese.
- Fold over to seal.
- Now place tacos in a single layer onto the baking sheet. Brush all tacos with oil.
- Place in the middle of the oven and bake until toasted and crispy. About 12-15 minutes.
- Serve immediately with salsa or chopped tomatoes and cilantro (optional)
Video
Nutrition
Article may contain Amazon & affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…