Dinner

Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe

ByJeannette Jaeger October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

Introduction

These healthy oven-baked chicken tacos are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Packed with flavorful spices and melted cheese, they make a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.

A white rectangular tray holds six folded golden-brown tacos arranged in two rows, each taco shell crisp with a slightly bubbled texture and filled generously with a rich, browned ground meat mixture and melted orange cheese that peeks out from the edges; fresh green chopped cilantro is sprinkled on top and scattered underneath the tacos as garnish. On the right side of the tray sits a round clear glass bowl filled with creamy white sauce flecked with green herbs, with a small metal spoon resting inside it. The tray is placed on a white marbled surface surrounded by colorful bowls of lime slices, cilantro, red pickled onions, and leafy greens. A striped white and black cloth napkin sits at the right edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil, or substitute oil of choice
1 Onion, diced
3 Cloves Garlic, mashed
1 Pound Ground Chicken
2 Teaspoons Paprika
2 Teaspoons Cumin
1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
½ Teaspoon Chipotle Pepper
½ Cup Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
12 Thin Corn Tortillas, or tortillas of choice
1 ½ Cups Mexican-Blend Shredded Cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Step 2: Heat avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and mashed garlic, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Add ground chicken to the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until almost done.
Step 4: Stir in paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and chipotle pepper. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and spices are incorporated.
Step 5: Pour in the enchilada sauce and mix well. Remove pan from heat.
Step 6: Wrap tortillas in a damp towel and microwave for 30 seconds to soften.
Step 7: On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle some cheese, add a scoop of the chicken mixture, then top with more cheese.
Step 8: Fold the tortillas over, pressing gently to close. Repeat for all tortillas and place tacos on a lined baking sheet.
Step 9: Place a second baking sheet on top of the tacos to hold their shape. Bake for 18 minutes in the oven.
Step 10: Remove the top tray after 15 minutes and turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes to crisp the tacos. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Step 11: Remove from oven and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice before serving.
Use whole wheat or flour tortillas if you prefer a softer taco shell.
Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
Substitute ground turkey or lean beef for the chicken if desired.

Storage

Store leftover tacos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through to maintain their texture and flavor.

How to Serve

The image shows a metal baking tray with six folded corn tortillas filled with cooked ground meat and shredded cheese, arranged on a white marbled surface. One tortilla is open, displaying two layers: a base tortilla layer with a yellow-beige color and grainy texture, topped with a layer of mixed shredded cheese in white and orange shades, and a layer of browned ground meat scattered unevenly over the cheese. Nearby, there is a white plate with an orange rim holding some shredded cheese, a black skillet with cooked ground meat and a wooden spoon resting inside, and a basket lined with a white and black striped cloth containing plain tortillas. The overall scene is set against a bright, rustic blue tiled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can cook the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to two days before assembling and baking the tacos.

Can I make these tacos gluten-free?

Absolutely! Using corn tortillas ensures this recipe is gluten-free, but always check the label to confirm your tortillas are certified gluten-free if needed.