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Easy Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe with Crispy Shells

Easy Baked Chicken Tacos

Crispy hard-shell tacos are filled with salsa-seasoned shredded chicken, topped with melted cheese, and baked until hot. Add your favorite fresh toppings and serve immediately for an easy family dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 3 cups Cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup Chunky salsa, divided
  • 1 packet, about 1 ounce Taco seasoning
  • 12 shells Hard corn taco shells
  • 1 1/2 cups Mexican-blend or cheddar cheese, shredded
Optional Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup Refried beans
  • 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 400°F. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the salsa, and taco seasoning, stirring until the chicken is evenly coated.
  2. Arrange 12 hard taco shells upright in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish or taco stand. If using refried beans, spread a thin layer inside each shell.
  3. Divide the chicken mixture among the shells without packing them too tightly. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over each taco.
  4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the shells are hot and crisp. Top with the remaining salsa and desired toppings, then serve with lime wedges.

Notes

Chunky or thick salsa works best because watery salsa can soften the shells. For extra-crisp tacos, bake the empty shells for 3 to 5 minutes before filling, then bake the assembled tacos for another 8 to 10 minutes. Store toppings separately and refrigerate leftover filling promptly.