Dinner | Lunch · Video

Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe (Easy, Spicy, Perfect)

Chicken Tacos are the PERFECT quick weeknight dinner! OVEN BAKED chicken tacos have lots of flavor and none of the stress. This Baked Spicy Chicken Tacos Recipe is the most popular recipe on TCR, being pinned over 2 million times and viewed over 5 million times! This is the BEST CHICKEN TACOS recipe ever. Guaranteed.

overhead picture of baked chicken tacos with cheese in a pan

Chicken Tacos that are BAKED to perfection.

These Baked Chicken Tacos are the most popular recipe on The Cookie Rookie!I’ve published a lot of posts on this site. Over 1000 to be exact. But these Oven Baked Spicy Chicken Tacos are the #1 recipe by a landslide. There’s something about an easy baked chicken taco recipe that people just go crazy for!

These Chicken Tacos are the ultimate easy recipe for serving a crowd, taking to a potluck, chowing down on for a tailgating party, and of course, Cinco de Mayo!

Baked Chicken Tacos can be made in any flavor combination! You can make these as Baked Breakfast Tacos, BBQ Chicken Tacos, and so much more! The possibilities are endless and I love that.

Chicken Tacos are one of the easiest, one of the tastiest, and one that is made most often at our house. Do you see all that melty cheese? What’s not to love?? If you’re looking for a Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe…you’re in the right place.

how to make baked chicken tacos

baked chicken tacos from side in a pan

Easy Oven Baked Spicy Chicken Tacos

Working with Old El Paso this year has been such a dream. It has been so fun to get creative with their amazing products; they never disappoint.

This Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe is filled with spicy flavor because due to quality ingredients from Old El Paso that are easy to use, totally accessible, and sure to please. What more can you ask for from an easy meal?!

overhead shot of baked chicken tacos with melted cheese

picture of baked chicken tacos in a pan

Tips for making the BEST Chicken Tacos

So many people have written in about how much they love this baked tacos recipe, and there’s nothing I love hearing more. If you’ve made these baked chicken tacos be sure to tag me on Instagram and let me know! I’d be honored!!

I make these baked tacos so often at our house, and they’re one of the recipes Pat asks for the most. When he comes home and sees these babies are ready to go, he’s a happy camper. You can make them with so many different flavor combos. Be creative and enjoy!

Don’t forget to top these Chicken Tacos with a LOT of cheese! That’s the only way to make them. We aren’t playing around when it comes to melted cheese.

picking up baked chicken tacos out of pan

picking up baked chicken tacos

Where to serve Chicken Tacos:

I’m pretty sure these are the perfect easy appetizer or meal for New Years Eve, the Super Bowl, Cinco de Mayo, Summer BBQs, Taco Night and more. Why slave away in the kitchen when you can have these Chicken Tacos (for a crowd!) ready in around 30 minutes?

Chicken Tacos just so happen to be our very favorite easy weeknight dinner recipe. The family NEVER gets tired of these Easy Baked Tacos!

Taco Night is the perfect time to make these Baked Chicken Tacos. Check out the full Taco Tuesday Guide for more tips, ideas, and recipes!

What drinks to pair with Chicken Tacos

There’s nothing better to pair with Easy Chicken Tacos than an amazing Margarita! We have compiled all our favorite Margarita Recipes in the ULTIMATE MARGARITA GUIDE. From classic to unique to flavored to frozen, we have you covered! Be sure to check it out today.

 

Chicken Tacos with sour cream and jalapenos

How do you keep the shells from getting soggy on these Chicken Tacos?

IT’S A GOOD QUESTION! It’s one I get often, so I’ve done my best to troubleshoot the problem. I always bake the shells for 5 minutes on their own before stuffing them with all the delicious toppings and cooking all the way. This way they have the chance to really crisp up on their own before you get started.

I also make sure refried beans are the bottom layer, creating a bit of a barrier between the chicken mixture and the shell. The shells are bound to be less crispy on the bottom than they are at the top, and that’s just part of what happens when you bake them, but they SHOULD NOT break or be soggy.

The other truly important step is FULLY DRAINING the tomatoes and green chiles before adding into the chicken mixture. I recommend first draining, then letting sit over a bowl in a strainer for about 5 minutes to make sure they drain all the way. This will help to keep the shells crispy, so important!

What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken tacos?

Almost every time we make these baked spicy chicken tacos we serve them with my Easy Cheesy Tex Mex Rice and simple black beans with cojita cheese. If we really want to indulge, we will make some White Queso and Tequila Lime Chicken Nachos! That’s for parties like the Super Bowl where calories have been shown to actually not count. :)

Here are some other great pairings for these Chicken Tacos:

What cocktails should you serve with Spicy Chicken Tacos?

Oh okay, so you’re my people! My fave pairings are either a Classic Skinny Margarita or our Sparkling Strawberry Margarita Punch. You can also go with a great Mexican beer and be in business. Every great meal needs a great drink, especially if you’re entertaining a crowd, but that doesn’t mean you have to make something fancy. Have fun with the cocktail pairings and you’ll be a star in no time!

Want more fun cocktails to chase down these Chicken Tacos? We’ve got you covered!

 

Chicken Tacos on a plate

This Chicken Tacos recipe is the MOST popular recipe on The Cookie Rookie and I hope you love it as much as we do! Remember to let me know if you make it. If you make it on Instagram, tag #thecookierookie for your chance to be featured in my IG stories! I love to see what readers are making!

FREE CHICKEN EBOOK

The Cookie Rookie is practically famous for amazing Chicken Recipes, mostly due to these Chicken Tacos. We have so many other chicken favorites that I hope you check out, and even have a FREE EBOOK for subscribers (click to find out more). I’m here for all your easy chicken recipes needs!

Other Chicken Breast Recipes we love:

Watch the Video for How to Make Chicken Tacos!

Other Mexican Recipes you MUST MAKE to eat with these Chicken Tacos:

 

SUPER EASY Oven Baked Spicy Chicken Tacos make a weekly appearance on our table. All the flavor and none of the stress. ALL THAT MELTED CHEESE! Perfect Chicken Tacos recipe for a crowd on Family Mexican Night!

Oven Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Keyword: baked tacos, chicken tacos
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Calories: 233kcal
Author: Becky Hardin
This Easy Oven Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe is PERFECT for a quick weeknight dinner! OVEN BAKED chicken tacos have lots of flavor and none of the stress. This Easy Chicken Tacos Recipe is the most popular recipe on The Cookie Rookie and has been pinned over 2 million times. Have you tried it?
Print Recipe Rate this Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound cooked chicken shredded (I used cooked Rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 ounce Taco Seasoning click for homemade recipe!
  • 1/2 cup onion diced
  • 1 can diced tomato 14.5 ounce, fully drained
  • 1 can Chopped Green Chiles 4.5 ounce, fully drained
  • 10 Stand and Stuff Taco Shells I used Old El Paso
  • 8 ounces Refried Beans 1/2 can
  • 2 cups Mexican Blend Cheese shredded

Toppings such as Old El Paso sliced Jalapenos, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro, shredded lettuce, or any of your favorite taco toppings!

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 400F. Spray a 9x13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
    • Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet.
    • Add onion to skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
    • Stir in the chicken, taco seasoning, tomatoes (FULLY DRAINED), and green chiles (FULLY  DRAINED) *see note. Stir to combine fully. Reduce to simmer and allow to cook for 5-8 minutes.
    • Place the taco shells in the baking dish, standing up. I was able to fit 10 taco shells in the dish by adding 2 on each side.
    • Bake the taco shells for 5 minutes by themselves to allow them to crisp up. Remove from the oven.
    • Spoon 1 tablespoon of beans into the bottom of each taco shell. Top with the chicken mixture, almost to the top of each shell.
    • Sprinkle each shell generously with shredded cheese, the more the better!
    • Bake for 7-10 minutes or until cheese is fully melted and the edges of the shells are browned.
    • Remove from the oven and top with your favorite items such as jalapenos, sour cream, cilantro, and salsa.
    • Enjoy!

    Video

    Notes

    ***TIPS: Be sure to drain the tomatoes completely, this will help the taco shells to not get soggy while baking!
    If you prefer your tacos not spicy, just omit the green chilis and use regular Old El Paso Taco Seasoning. Just as delicious! 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 610mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 10.3% | Vitamin C: 11.6% | Calcium: 18.8% | Iron: 8.8%

    baked chicken tacos, chicken tacos recipe, spicy chicken tacos, oven baked chicken tacos recipe

     

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    Meet The Author: Becky Hardin
    Becky woke up on her 30th birthday and realized she didn't know how to cook, ANYTHING! She started The Cookie Rookie as a way to document her journey to learn how to cook, one recipe at a time! The Cookie Rookie is a place to find easy recipes that anyone can make, and everyone will love!

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    Comments

    Chandra@ The Plaid & Paisley Kitchen
    I love baked taco so much! Your chicken version looks amazinf and fresh
    Reply
      Becky Hardin
      Thank you so much Chandra!
      Reply
        Cathy Smith
        I used regular taco seasoning but Tomatoe with green chilies and the chopped green chilies. It's so so good! Also did the White Chicken Caprese Lasagna last night and it was an "OMG SO GOOD "out loud moment!
        Reply
          Becky Hardin
          You have completely made my day Cathy! I'm so glad you loved both recipes, it seriously makes me so happy to hear that!
          Reply
        Linda
        How many does this serve?
        Reply
        Joseph G.
        I made this recipe last night. It was fantastic and super easy! I will be using many more if your recipes in the future. Thank you so much!
        Reply
      veronica
      did you cook the chicken before placing in the taco ? or does the chicken cook in the oven?
      Reply
        Becky Hardin
        Yes i cooked it in the skillet, the oven will just heat it up but not cook it all the way through. Hope you love them!
        Reply
      Mary
      How do I unsubscribe?
      Reply
      Kerry
      They are fantastic! I just made them tonight.
      Reply
      Jen
      Boring food site using processes & essentially premade stuff. No idea how to cook but present your quest in a hipster way w/ random foliage chips lol. Everyone feels entitled to having a dear diary these days I guess, over any interest they have, forcing others to scroll through muck when they're looking for professional recipes.
      Reply
        Becky Hardin
        Hi Jen- No one is forcing you to visit my website. This isn't a diary, it's my full-time job that I have been doing as my only source of income/full time job for 2 plus years. I work very hard on it, 60-80 hours a week. I don't feel entitled, I worked hard to grow it and continue to work hard to maintain it. No need to stop by if it isn't for you, I totally understand. Hope you have a great weekend.
        Reply
          ROVERT JOYNER
          Don't listen to garbage talk like that from Jen. Some people just have to be negative about everything and they're never h appy. She I 's one of those. I think your site rocks, and love the recipes. If it's one that I don't I or my family will like I skip it. Otherwise a I try it. Have I great day and keep up the good work.
          Reply
            Ernest Contreras
            Nothing wrong with using pre-made store products,as a chef for over 40 years I know many recipes are better off with them, I use them and I just remember to choose my products wisely and go whole foods and fresh. store bought taco shell are ok. you have a great site here and it shows by your following I say To Hell with negative people ! Keep it up you got my "that a girl" Chef Ernie
            Becky Hardin
            Aw thank you Chef Ernie! I definitely don't claim to be a chef and I so appreciate you perspective. So sweet of you to say hello. Hope you had a fabulous 4th of July!
          Lynn
          Great comeback. You are so right!!! She can look else where for her recipes!!
          Reply
          Tana
          Yum! Just a little tip: I pu the refried beans in a zip lock bag, cut a small hole in the corner and piped a line of beans in each taco. I also used rotisiere chicken. Thanks for the recipe
          Reply
            Liz
            That is Genius!!! I had a bit of trouble getting the reformed beans into the bottoms of the shells, had to be very careful and use odd spoon angles to get them in there without breaking or cracking the shells. This is the new way to go for me :) thanks for th suggestion; did you warm the beans at all to make them a bit easier to work wth? I find them pretty chunky and hard straight out of the can?
            Becky Hardin
            THAT IS SO SMART! Thank you so much for dropping that nugget of wisdom, I love it!
          Nanette
          Dear Becky, So sorry but there are haters everywhere I guess. I am sorry for Jen's nasty behavior. She is an asshat.
          Reply
            Janette
            So true, thank you I love them
          Alice R
          Well said, Becky! I am so glad I found your site. I love how clean and easy it is to read and follow. Great for a mom like me who has no time or ability to come up with dinner plans! Best, Alice
          Reply
          Debby
          Well said Becky! Keep your recipes coming. I do appreciate you sharing them.
          Reply
          Logan
          Wow... people can be so hateful. I am trying your tacos tonight and they already smell FANTASTIC! Thank you for putting yourself out there, even when you have to deal with people who try to insult you and can't even spell "processed". 🙄 Keep doing a great job! 😍
          Reply
          dana clark
          Just stumbled upon your site and was reading the reviews. Have to say I'm surprised that someone would be so rude. Your response was great. I do like the recipe and will be sure to try it. I do have one question. The calories are high--is that for one serving?

          Reply
            Becky Hardin
            Thank you! It happens. I don't ever understand the need to get rude about a recipe. I appreciate you saying hi!!! And YES, the calories were wrong. I was having an issue with my recipe card markup but I think its fixed. It's showing correctly now. Thank you for pointing it out!!! That was crazy high haha
          Nick
          Great answer keep it up. There are people who appriciate your receipes.
          Reply
        JP
        Wow hater much???
        Reply
        Melissa
        Sounds like Jen should get off her high horse....no one forced you to look at the site or continue to read the site if it wasn't your thing. Some of us enjoy these recipes. Some of us are busy and look forward to these quick recipes. Why bring down someone else's work...go create your own website with all these perfect meals you looking for.
        Reply
        Richard
        Jen, please read 1st word in recipe title. Please notice that it says "Easy...". More often than not, 'Easy..' in the title or name means just that. Just because it says 'Easy', that doesn't mean that it's not very tasty. I'm looking forward to trying this tomorrow night. Giving my wife the night off in the kitchen.
        Reply
          Elizabeth Hill
          WAY TO GO, w/ giving your wife a night (HOPEFULLY a "regular" to @least "occasional"thing you DO😉) OFF IN THE kitchen!! DOES "a night off in the kitchen" ALSO mean threat you ACTUALLY "DO THE dishes & clean-up", ALSO?? SHE'S a lucky lucky lady that I'm NEARLY POSITIVE KNOWS & APPRECIATES IT (& "YOU" for it)...as long as by giving her the night OFF in the kitchen DOES NOT ACTUALLY mean that you make a HUGE MESS that you leave BEHIND FOR HER AFTER DOING THE "COOKING"! EITHER WAY, IT'S VERY VERY THOUGHTFUL & MOST LADIES FIND "THIS" SAYING 2B ABSOLUTELY TRULY FRELT..."THERE'S NOTHING SEXIER THAN A MAN WHEN HE'S DOING THE DISHES"!! YOU sound like a husband that's thoughtful & deaply in love w/your sweetheart -& I'M NEAR POSITIVE THAT SHE FEELS THE "ADORED" when you're SO THOUGHTFUL about ALL of the kitchen duties SHE does & volunteer to TAKE YOUR TURN!! KEEP IT UP, Richard...& you and your wife quill have a MUCH BETTER CHANCE at beating those 50% of marriages END IN "divorce"!! KEEP cooking these type of GREAT meals FOR EACH OTHER!! Try cooking &/or cleaning up "TOGETHER" (IF your kitchen had ROOM ENOUGH) SO "romantic" -AGAIN..."quite SEXY"!!
          ★★★★★

          Reply
        Cecilia A Stremmel
        Jen.....sounds like your irrelevent self needs to "GET A LIFE".
        Reply
        lori
        Wow, what an ass you are. If you are looking for made from scratch recipes go buy yourself a Betty Crocker cookbook. Sometimes working, busy people don't have time to go out and kill the chicken, strip its feathers and cook it. Nor do I feel the need to grind my own corn to make taco shells. For me I look for fast, easy and yes sometimes processed and precooked foods.
        Reply
        nanette
        Beat it Jen, Don't come back here. Go find another website to be nasty to.
        Reply
        liz
        yet there you sit wasting your oh so precious time complaining about something you could have just scrolled past..
        Reply
        Dawn
        I love the stories before the recipes , when I cook, its always from the heart. Its one of the ways I show my love to my family. Stories add to the recipe . I love the stories that came with the recipes that my mother gave me. Even simple recipes, like mashed potatoes , always had a family event described. Like, "I remember the first time you helped Nanna mash the potatoes, you were so small , they had to sit you on the counter because the rim of the bowl was too high for your arms to reach, even standing o a stool." Please keep the stories, it what gives the recipes a soul!
        Reply
        Tan
        Don't be a hater Jen. Feel free to look elsewhere for recipes that fit your taste.
        Reply
        Joy Madrid
        wow! really!
        Reply
        SummerDays
        Oh for Pete's sake! Pay no attention to the rude comment. To Jen: First of all, if you have so much experience with "professional" recipes, it would be easy to figure out that instead of complaining, you could easily prepare your own chicken, taco seasoning, and substitute fresh ingredients for the canned ones. You could also add whatever you want to suit your taste. I can and have done all of those things. There are nights that I enjoy making a meal almost or entirely from scratch. There are also nights where I was stuck at the office late, or the kids have an event shortly after getting home from school, and premade ingredients are a lifesaver. And a recipe like this is much healthier than fast food or a frozen pizza. So please get off your high horse. It's a big drop when you fall off. Thanks for the awesome recipe! I tried it and will make it again!
        Reply
          Judy Harris
          Get over yourself.......this is a wonderful recipe and your comments were disgraceful ..... excellent go to for a quick dinner.
          Reply
          Donna Southerland
          So did your family like them? I'm sure by now you have tweaked the recipe to suit everyone. My son loves these! So much so he's in the kitchen tearing apart some chicken breasts.when I make the meat portion,I make extra so the next time I hear chicken tacos all I need to do is go buy shells.
          Reply
        Kellie Figueiredo
        WOW.... rude much? NOT EVERYTHING IS PREPACKAGED BLAH BLAH BLAH, Jen. I was going to something pithy but I was too busy PICKING my jaw up off the floor. Becky, I appreciate what you've done here. Keep on going, girlfriend! My husband and children have loved every recipe I've tried off your site! And FOR the record, I HAVE always been a great cook and excellent baker... and I love trying new things!

        Reply
          Becky Hardin
          Thank you Kellie! I appreciate you and I'm so glad you and your family loved the recipe. MUAH xoxo
          Reply
        Galen Allen
        Wow! Who are you? What are you?
        ★★★★★

        Reply
        Tam
        Wow. Honestly if You don't appreciate the site then block it without the nasty comment. I am looking forward to making these on Mother's Day.. "tomorrow" in case you may need a reminder.
        Reply
        Anne
        Jen, Why must you be so rude? Sometimes it's better to say nothing and go your own way. This is a great site and Becky does a wonderful job. If you were trying to make Becky feel small, then it backfired on you. So sad for you!
        Reply
        Elizabeth Hill
        I REFUSE to be message OR rude in ANY WAY...just a "ditto" to Becky's REPLY. ALSO, I'm certain that like myself out CAN BE "quite exasperating" with the TONS of posts it seems we have to scroll THROUGH just to get to the people & items that we'd care to see!!😩 However, I've found that MOST sites have a way to make your page "private". That way only THOSE that "YOU'VE approved" are allowed to post on YOUR PAGE ...w/the EXCEPTION of the advertisements the site requires you to see so that our keeps YOU & OTHERS from HAVING TO "PAY" for the site!! (I'm guessing it's HOW the sites get THEIR financial needs & goals met and keep the sites UP, AVAILABLE & running.) Seriously, look for HOW to make YOUR PAGE "private". It sounds as if it would at least HELP keep you from getting so many sites that YOU REALLY DON'T CARE FOR! Good luck w/TRYING THAT, & have an ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, POSITIVE, & HAPPY DAY!
        ★★★★★

        Reply
        Teri
        Jen the jealous Hater!! Awesome recipe!!

        Reply
      Kelly Robinson
      The oven spicy chicken tacos are AWSOME in taste but with the foil lined pan they got very soggy on bottom., next time i will try with out the foil.
      Reply
      Kris
      I know this is really old but i just saw it. What are you simmering if you use a dry seasoning and drain the tomatoes?
      Reply
        Donna southerland
        The tomatoes will cook down and get watery . Just enough to mix and simmer
        Reply
    Kristyn
    What an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing!
    Reply
    Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
    Mexican night is always a favorite here. I know my kids would love these, and I love how easy these are!
    Reply
    Megan Keno
    Taco Tuesday just went up like 10 levels, perfect week night recipe!
    Reply
    Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet
    YES! Love the idea of baked tacos! My hubby will appreciate the added spice!
    Reply
    Kimberly Ann @ Bake Love Give
    These look so so good. I love a great taco recipe, can't wait to try them baked!
    Reply
    Katerina @ Diethood
    This looks amazing, a beautiful concept, and quick meal. LOVE everything about it. DROOLS!
    Reply
      Becky Hardin
      Thanks friend! Can't wait to eat tons of good food with you in march!
      Reply
    Anjali
    Nice Becky. This looks gorgeous.I found this formula on Pinterest and made it today evening time. It got rave audits! The main distinction I made is I utilized cabbage as a part of the spot of lettuce. It matched consummately with the cream! A debt of gratitude is in order for the amazing formulas!
    Reply
      Becky Hardin
      So glad you loved it! I love the cabbage idea, that crunch would be fantastic! Thanks for saying hi, Happy New Year!
      Reply
    Cathy Trochelman
    These look so delicious, and I love that the recipe would feed a crowd! Perfect for game day!
    Reply
    David
    Looks yummy. Cutting back on carbs and tired of the plain chicken in the freezer. Going to try baking just the filling in a slightly smaller pan. Serve on bed of lettuce for a taco salad.
    Reply