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Healthy Oven-Baked Chicken Tacos Recipe

4.5 from 142 reviews

This Healthy Oven Baked Chicken Tacos recipe combines tender ground chicken seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and mild enchilada sauce, baked inside gooey melted cheese-lined corn tortillas. A delicious, lighter take on classic tacos that’s easy to prepare, oven baked for a crispy, cheesy finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Taco Filling

  • 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

Taco Shells

  • 12 Thin Corn Tortillas, or tortillas of choice
  • 1 ½ Cups Mexican-Blend Shredded Cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the tacos later.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced onion and mashed garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Cook Ground Chicken: Add 1 pound of ground chicken to the pan, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until almost fully done.
  4. Add Spices and Sauce: Stir in 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon chipotle pepper. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and spices are well integrated. Then pour in ½ cup mild red enchilada sauce and mix thoroughly, coating the meat evenly. Remove from heat.
  5. Prepare Tortillas: Wrap 12 thin corn tortillas in a damp towel and microwave for about 30 seconds until they are soft and pliable.
  6. Assemble Tacos: On one side of each softened tortilla, sprinkle some of the shredded Mexican cheese. Add a scoop of the prepared chicken filling on top, then sprinkle more cheese over the filling. Fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling and gently press to close.
  7. Arrange and Bake: Line the assembled tacos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place a second baking sheet on top to keep the tacos upright. Place in the oven and bake for 18 minutes.
  8. Crisp with Broiler: Approximately 15 minutes into baking, remove the top baking sheet. Turn on the oven broiler and broil the tacos for 2-3 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
  9. Serve and Store: Remove tacos from the oven and serve immediately. Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to five days and reheat as needed.

Notes

  • You can substitute avocado oil with olive oil or any preferred cooking oil.
  • If you prefer spicier tacos, increase the chipotle pepper amount or add some chili flakes.
  • For gluten-free tacos, ensure tortillas are certified gluten-free if necessary.
  • Use the broiler carefully to prevent burning the cheese topping.
  • Leftover tacos reheat well in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Keywords: healthy chicken tacos, oven baked chicken tacos, ground chicken tacos, easy taco recipe, baked tacos, Mexican chicken tacos, low fat chicken tacos