Imagine biting into a golden, crispy taco stuffed with juicy, taco-seasoned ground chicken that practically bursts with flavor in every bite. These Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos are a dream come true for any taco lover, offering the perfect balance of texture and spice!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy texture: The baking method creates perfectly crisp tortillas that are delightfully crunchy.
- Flavor explosion: The taco-seasoned chicken packs a punch with every bite, thanks to the savory blend of spices.
- Versatile toppings: Customize each taco with your favorite add-ons like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
- Quick and easy: With a total cooking time of just 20 minutes, you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos lies in their simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen to enhance the flavor and texture, making these tacos irresistibly delicious and easy to prepare.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a rich flavor and helps achieve the crispy shell.
- 1 pound ground chicken: Provides a lean protein that’s perfect for soaking up spices.
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning: Infuses the chicken with that classic taco taste everyone loves.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Enhances the depth of flavor while keeping the meat moist.
- ⅓ cup water or chicken stock: Helps create a saucy consistency in the filling.
- 8-10 small or medium tortillas: Choose flour or corn to suit your preference; each offers a unique texture.
- ¾ cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese: Melts beautifully and complements the spicy chicken.
- Optional Toppings: Elevate your taco experience with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
Variations
Feel free to make these Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos your own! With a few tweaks, you can adapt them to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for an extra burst of heat.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a plant-based version.
- Cheese blend: Experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for varied flavors.
How to Make Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees. In a medium/high heated skillet, add olive oil, ground chicken, and taco seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spatula and ensuring that it’s well-coated with spices for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
Stir in the tomato paste and chicken stock, letting the mixture simmer until it reaches a saucy, cohesive consistency. This ensures your tacos are juicy without being soggy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Assemble the Tacos
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the tortillas, brushing them lightly with olive oil for that perfect crunch. Spoon a couple of tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, sprinkle with cheese, and fold over. Repeat for all tortillas, readying them for their crispy transformation in the oven.
Pro Tips for Making Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos
- Opt for Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free option, corn tortillas offer a unique flavor and extra crispiness when baked.
- Double Tray Trick: Use an additional baking tray on top during cooking to ensure even pressure and perfectly flat tacos.
- Custom Seasoning: Feel free to tweak the taco seasoning by adding a pinch of cayenne for those who love extra heat.
- Cheese Melting Tips: For a gooey delight, let the cheese sit at room temperature before sprinkling it over the chicken mix.
How to Serve Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos
Garnishes
Sprinkle your tacos with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for a zesty twist. These vibrant garnishes not only add color but balance the savory chicken filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with classic Mexican rice or a refreshing cucumber salad. The crunchiness of the salad complements the crispy taco shell, creating a delightful textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these tacos on a colorful platter alongside an array of toppings to let everyone customize their own. For a fun gathering, consider a DIY taco bar complete with all your favorite sides!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover tacos in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to three days. They make an easy, tasty lunch during the week!
Freezing
Freeze the chicken filling separately in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to serve, you can quickly assemble fresh tacos for a speedy meal.
Reheating
To maintain the perfect crispiness, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes. This avoids the sogginess that comes from microwaving.
FAQs
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Can I use ground beef instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Beef offers a richer flavor profile and works wonderfully with the same taco seasoning.
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What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
You can easily make your own with a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
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How can I make the tacos less spicy?
Reduce the amount of taco seasoning or omit any additional spicy elements like cayenne pepper.
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What’s the best way to prevent tortillas from breaking?
Warm corn tortillas briefly in the microwave or a skillet before using to make them more pliable.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try these Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos! Packed with flavor and easy to whip up, they’re bound to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!
Print
Crispy Taco-Seasoned Ground Chicken Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 tacos
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Description
These crispy taco-seasoned ground chicken tacos are a quick and flavorful meal, perfect for weeknights. The tender ground chicken is seasoned with taco spices and baked until crispy, then folded into warm tortillas with melty cheese and topped with your favorite toppings for a delicious, handheld dinner option.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1/3 cup water or chicken stock
For Assembly
- 8-10 small or medium tortillas – flour or corn
- 3/4 cup Shredded Colby Jack Cheese
Optional Toppings
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and skillet: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Heat a skillet over medium/high heat. Add olive oil, ground chicken, and taco seasoning, cooking for 5-7 minutes while breaking up the meat, until cooked through.
- Make the sauce: Add tomato paste and water or broth to the skillet. Cook until the mixture becomes saucy but not watery. Turn off heat and set aside.
- Prepare tortillas: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Warm the tortillas if using corn, to prevent tearing. Lightly brush both sides with olive oil.
- Assemble tacos: Spread a couple of tablespoons of meat on one side of each tortilla. Add additional filling if using larger tortillas, but avoid overfilling. Sprinkle cheese over the meat, then fold the tortillas in half.
- Press and bake: Place a second sheet pan on top of the folded tacos to press them down. Bake in the oven for 5 minutes, then remove the top pan and continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes until crispy and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Let tacos cool slightly before serving. Top with sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Ensure tortillas are warm if using corn to prevent cracking during assembly.
- You can substitute ground turkey or beef for chicken for varied flavor.
- For extra crispiness, bake the tacos longer until golden brown.
- Use a baking sheet with a rim to prevent any juices from spilling over.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg
