Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos: A Crispy Delight
Looking for a way to spice up your taco night? Try this delicious recipe for Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos that brings together the zest of fresh ingredients and the warmth of oven-baking to create a meal that’s not only tasty but also a healthier alternative to the fried version. Whether you’re gathering friends for a party or just whipping up a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- Chicken: ½ lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless; ½ lb chicken breast, skinless and boneless
- Vegetables: 1 bell pepper, cut into small strips; ½ white onion, diced (about ½ cup)
- Seasonings: 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought); 1 lime, juiced
- Others: Cooking spray or oil; 16 corn tortillas (6 inch); 1 cup Mexican cheese
Directions
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Meanwhile, cut the chicken thighs and breast into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn white all around, ensuring they’re partially cooked through.
- Add Vegetables and Seasoning: To the same skillet, add the bell pepper and onion, cooking until they’re soft, about 1-2 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the taco seasoning and fresh lime juice, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare for Baking: Lightly grease a large baking sheet with oil or cooking spray. Arrange the tortillas on the sheet, spacing them close together. On half of each tortilla, sprinkle a tablespoon of cheese, top with about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture, then add another tablespoon of cheese. Fold the tortillas over to close.
- Bake: Place another baking sheet on top of the folded tortillas to keep them closed during baking. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the tacos are crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove the top baking sheet, carefully transfer the tacos to a plate, and repeat the baking process with any remaining tortillas.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per serving
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
Tips for the Perfect Tacos
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of Mexican cheese for varied flavors and textures. A blend of Monterey Jack, Cheddar, and Asadero works wonderfully.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve these tacos with a side of guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for a full fiesta flavor.
Enjoy the crunch and flavor of these Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos, a simple yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion!
Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Description
Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos bring together the heartiness of well-seasoned chicken and the crisp texture of toasted tortillas for a delightful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal with friends, these tacos are not only flavorful but also a healthier option, as they’re baked, not fried.
In this recipe, the combination of juicy chicken, fresh bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with a rich homemade taco mix, ensures each bite is bursting with flavor. The finishing touch of cheese melts into the filling, creating a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to please any taco lover.
Ingredients
½ lb chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
½ lb chicken breast, skinless and boneless
3 tablespoon olive oil
1 bell pepper, cut into small strips
½ white onion, diced (about ½ cup)
3 tablespoon taco seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
1 lime, juiced
Cooking spray or oil
16 corn tortillas (6 inch)
1 cup Mexican cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Cut the chicken thighs and breast into bite-sized pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken until it turns white all around.
Add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet; cook until soft, about 1-2 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the taco seasoning and lime juice to the skillet. Toss well to coat the meat and veggies.
Grease a large baking sheet with oil or spray. Lay out the tortillas close together.
On half of each tortilla, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of cheese, add about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture, then top with another tablespoon of cheese.
Fold the tortillas in half and place another baking sheet on top to keep them closed.
Bake for 10-12 minutes until the tacos are crispy.
Remove the top baking sheet, transfer the tacos to a plate, and repeat with the remaining tortillas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal