Introduction
Indulge in the rich flavors of taco night with this easy and delightful taco bake recipe. Perfect for quick family dinners, this dish combines shredded chicken, zesty spices, and melted cheese all encased in crispy taco shells. Assemble the ingredients and enjoy a satisfying meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ pound shredded cooked chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
1 ounce taco seasoning
½ cup diced onion
14.5 ounces diced tomatoes, fully drained (1 can)
4.5 ounces diced green chiles, fully drained (1 can)
10 hard taco shells
8 ounces refried beans (½ can)
2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Optional Toppings
Sliced jalapeños
Sour cream
Salsa
Shredded lettuce
Chopped fresh cilantro
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4-6
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium skillet.
Step 3: Cook the Onions
Add diced onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Stir in shredded chicken, taco seasoning, fully drained diced tomatoes, and fully drained diced green chiles. Combine thoroughly and reduce heat to simmer. Cook mixture for 5-8 minutes.
Step 5: Prepare Taco Shells
Place taco shells in the baking dish, standing upright. Bake the shells alone for 5 minutes to crisp them up. Remove from oven.
Step 6: Add Refried Beans
Spoon 1 tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each taco shell to add flavor and moisture.
Step 7: Fill Taco Shells
Fill each shell with the chicken mixture, nearly to the top for a hearty meal.
Step 8: Top with Cheese
Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over each filled shell, allowing for a melty finish.
Step 9: Bake Again
Bake for 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the shells are browned.
Step 10: Add Optional Toppings
Remove from oven and top with desired optional toppings such as sliced jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, shredded lettuce, and chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
Customize to Preference
Feel free to adjust the optional toppings based on your taste or what you have available.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Crispiness
For even crispier shells, bake the taco shells for a few additional minutes as needed.
Serving Size
This recipe makes about 10 taco servings, perfect for family meals or gatherings.
Cook techniques
Heating Olive Oil
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat to create a non-stick surface and enhance flavor in the onions and chicken.
Cooking Onions
Sauté diced onions until they become translucent and fragrant, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. This process enhances their sweetness and gives a flavorful base to the dish.
Combining Ingredients
Add shredded chicken, taco seasoning, diced tomatoes, and diced green chiles to the skillet. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with seasoning and flavors meld together.
Simmering
Reduce heat to a simmer after combining ingredients. This allows the flavors to deepen and meld, ensuring a rich filling for the tacos. Cook for 5-8 minutes.
Crisping Taco Shells
Bake taco shells upright in a preheated oven to crisp them up, which will help hold the filling and prevent sogginess.
Assembling Tacos
Layer refried beans and the chicken mixture into the taco shells. This ensures every bite is filled with flavor, starting with a creamy base from the beans.
Melting Cheese
Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of the filled taco shells before baking. Bake until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly for a delicious, gooey topping.
Adding Toppings
Once baked, enhance each taco with optional toppings like jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, lettuce, and cilantro for added texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use uncooked chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Yes, if using uncooked chicken, ensure it is fully cooked before adding it to the recipe.
What can I substitute for taco seasoning?
You can create a homemade mix using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika as an alternative.
How do I prevent taco shells from getting soggy?
Baking the taco shells before filling them and using refried beans as a barrier at the bottom can help prevent sogginess.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the tacos ahead of time. Just bake them when ready to serve.
What other toppings can I use?
You can include guacamole, diced tomatoes, olives, or any favorite taco toppings to customize your tacos.
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven for best results.
Conclusion
The combination of shredded chicken, taco seasoning, and a variety of toppings creates a delicious and satisfying meal. These chicken tacos are not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to various tastes, making them a perfect option for gatherings or a weeknight dinner. Enjoy the robust flavors and creative possibilities of these tasty treats!
Chicken Enchiladas
Combine the chicken mixture with corn tortillas, roll them up, and cover with enchilada sauce and cheese before baking.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Use the chicken filling to stuff halved bell peppers, top with cheese, and bake until the peppers are tender.
Taco Salad
Serve the chicken mixture over a bed of lettuce, topped with cheese, salsa, and your choice of other salad toppings.
Quesadillas
Spread the chicken mixture between tortillas with cheese and grill until golden brown and melted.
Chicken Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with chicken, refried beans, cheese, and bake until bubbly; serve with salsa and sour cream.
