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Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos A Simple Flavorful Weeknight Favorite. Close Up Realistic Photo Casual Kitchen Settings

Crispy Baked Chicken Tacos

A warm, friendly recipe for crispy baked chicken tacos. Juicy seasoned chicken tucked into lightly crisped tortillas, topped with fresh salsa and cheese for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1/2 cup pico de gallo or fresh salsa
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Optional toppings: sour cream, avocado slices, lime wedges

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup.
  • In a bowl, toss the diced chicken with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and mix well so every piece is lightly coated.
  • Spread the seasoned chicken on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. If you like a touch of caramelization, you can turn on the broiler for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
  • While the chicken cooks, lightly brush the tortillas with the remaining olive oil. Arrange them on another sheet in a single layer and bake for 6–8 minutes, flipping once, until they become crisp and lightly golden. If you prefer softer shells, skip this step and warm them in a dry skillet instead.
  • Remove both sheets from the oven. Slice or flake the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. The goal is a mix of tender, flavorful meat and crisp tortillas.
  • Assemble the tacos: Place a crisp tortilla on a plate, add a generous spoonful of chicken, a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of pico de gallo, and a squeeze of lime juice. Top with cilantro and any optional toppings you love.
  • If you want the cheese melted, you can return the assembled tacos to the oven for 2–3 minutes, just long enough for the cheese to melt without softening the tortilla edges.