Crispy Chicken Tacos with Jalapeño Ranch and Fresh Toppings Recipe
These Crispy Chicken Tacos are a delightful combination of shredded seasoned chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and warm corn tortillas baked to golden perfection. Topped with fresh and zesty accompaniments like jalapeño ranch, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled red onions, they’re perfect for a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
For the Chicken Filling
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or cooked chicken)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
For the Tacos
- Avocado oil (for greasing pan and brushing on tortillas)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 corn tortillas
Toppings
- Jalapeño ranch
- Shredded lettuce
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Pickled red onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F to prepare for baking the tacos until they become crispy and golden.
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, lime juice, and taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly to ensure the chicken is well coated with flavor.
- Warm Tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a kitchen towel and microwave on high for 45 to 60 seconds. This step softens the tortillas to make them pliable and easier to fold without cracking.
- Assemble Tacos: Generously grease a large baking sheet with avocado oil. Lay the tortillas flat on the sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheddar cheese on half of each tortilla, add 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on top of the cheese, then add another tablespoon of cheese over the chicken. Fold the tortillas over the filling and gently press so they adhere together. Lightly brush the top of each folded tortilla with avocado oil.
- Bake Tacos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 17 to 20 minutes, flipping the tacos halfway through to ensure even crispiness on both sides.
- Prepare Jalapeño Ranch and Serve: While the tacos bake, prepare the jalapeño ranch dressing. Once the tacos are crispy and golden, remove from the oven, and serve with jalapeño ranch and your choice of shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and pickled red onions as toppings.
Notes
- Microwaving tortillas before assembling prevents them from cracking when folded.
- Leftover rotisserie chicken makes for a quick and convenient base for these tacos.
- Baking the tacos instead of frying reduces the fat content while keeping them crispy.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on your preference.
