Baked Shredded Chicken Tacos at the Table

These Shredded Chicken Tacos are warm, flavorful, and a breeze to whip up! Bake them to tender perfection in the oven for deliciously crackly shells and irresistibly gooey, melted cheese.

Why You’ll Love These Shredded Chicken Tacos

If you’ve never tried baked tacos, you’re going to adore this recipe! It’s reliable for busy weeknights and the finest way to feed a crowd for Taco Tuesday. Made with lean chicken and tons of flavor, it comes together in one dish so you’re not stuck cleaning in the kitchen all night long. Plus, they’re super simple to customize with all your go-to toppings! No matter how you serve your shredded chicken tacos, they’re guaranteed to have your guests running back for more.

Is This Chicken Taco Recipe Healthy?

Yes! You won’t believe how such simple ingredients can create such an incredible taste. Thanks to the use of chicken breast, these tacos are super high in protein. Then, we added black beans and veggies for tons of fiber and nutrients to keep you full. With a drizzle of olive oil, it’s even got healthy fats, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to keeping your chicken tacos tender is to use plenty of liquid. Then, we bulked them up with extra ingredients and spices for tons of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken – Chicken breasts work finest. Just be sure to pound them out until they’re thin so they bake evenly.
Seasonings – Black pepper and a packet of taco seasoning are all you’ll need. Or, create your own with a from-scratch version like our from-scratch taco seasoning recipe.
Olive Oil – High-quality olive oil helps lock in the flavor and keeps your chicken tender.
Black Beans – We love to include black beans for added texture and fiber to keep you full.
Veggies – A combination of diced red onion, diced tomatoes, and chipotle peppers adds tons of color and a hint of spice.
Tortilla Shells – Corn tortilla shells work finest to create a crisp, crunchy taco. Flour tortillas are likely to become too soggy as they bake!
Cheese – You can never go wrong with cheddar cheese on top! We love to load our tacos up with shredded cheddar but use whatever cheese you like finest. You could even top off your tacos with our queso dip.

two raw chicken breasts in a baking dish with oil being poured over them

two raw chicken breasts in a baking dish topped with oil and spices

How to Make Craveable Baked Chicken Tacos

Once you learn how simple and convenient it is to make baked tacos, you’ll never go back to the stovetop version again!

Preheat the oven.
Place the chicken, seasonings, and oil in a baking dish. Then, add the veggies and beans, and stir to combine.
Cover, and bake until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the chicken.
Arrange tortillas in a slightly larger baking dish, and fill them with the chicken mixture. Add your shredded cheese and green onions, and bake again until the cheese is melty.
Serve with all your go-to toppings and fixins and dig in!

black beans being poured over raw seasoned chicken breasts in a baking dish

raw seasoned chicken topped with black beans and diced red onions with salsa being poured on top

Taco Topping Options

When it comes to tacos, our philosophy is the more toppings the better. Go ahead and load them up! You really can’t go wrong. For example, some of our go-to options include:

Greens – Shredded iceberg lettuce, romaine, or even arugula add a nice pop of color and extra nutrients.
Jalapeños – These are great to amp up the heat!
Pico de Gallo – Refreshing and tasty, this lightens up the whole dish.
Salsa – There are endless salsa variations to add a little extra texture and spicy flavor to your tacos.
Guacamole or Avocado Crema – The silky texture and cool flavors are reliable for balancing out the spice.
Cilantro – Add just a sprinkle for a zesty garnish.
Onions – Chopped or pickled onions are a great way to add a little crunch and just a bit of zip.
Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream – These are great for a cooling, silky taste! For added protein and less fat, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to achieve the same flavor.

two hands using forks to shred chicken taco meat

taco shells stuffed with shredded chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet

More Ways to Use Shredded Chicken Taco Meat

Feel free to make a big batch of shredded chicken taco meat to enjoy throughout the week. Just hold off on adding it to your tortillas! Instead:

Sprinkle it over lettuce for a Mexican-inspired salad.
Serve it over rice or cauliflower rice for an simple meal prep bowl.
Layer it over tortilla chips for the finest nachos you’ll ever taste!
Wrap it up in flour tortillas for soft tacos on the go.

What to Serve with Baked Chicken Tacos

If you want, you can definitely serve this recipe all on its own. However, it also pairs awesomely with all your go-to sides like:

close up image of baked shredded chicken tacos topped with guacamole and fresh herbs

Common Questions

Can I use different types of chicken?

Yes, you can use different types of chicken, such as chicken thighs or a rotisserie chicken.

Can I add flavorings to the chicken?

Absolutely! We use taco seasoning but you can add other ingredients like lime juice, cumin, or chili powder to the chicken.

Can I make baked shredded chicken tacos ahead of time?

You can definitely make this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge. It’s reliable for meal prep!

Why is my chicken dry?

Dry chicken is typically the result of overcooking. Keep an eye on the clock and check the chicken temperature with a meat thermometer.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

On the search for more simple dinner ideas full of Mexican-inspired flavor? Take a look at our go-to spins on classic Mexican-style meals!

A weeknight staple, you’ll make this Instant Pot Chicken Fajita recipe again and again!
Shockingly simple, these Mini Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos are the most delightful treat.
A slow cooker variation of a traditional Mexican recipe, this Beef Birria is simmered long and slow with warm spices for a hearty recipe reliable for stew, tacos, and more!
Bring all the flavor of your go-to restaurant dish to the comfort of your own home with this Simple One Pot Fajita Seasoned Rice.

the Ayyem kitchenServings: 16 servings

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 1 hr
Total: 1 hr

These Shredded Chicken Tacos are warm, flavorful, and so simple to make! Bake them to tender perfection in the oven for crackly shells, and gooey melted cheese. Reliable for feeding a crowd, they can be served on their own or with your go-to sides! Email

Ingredients

16 ounces chicken breasts pounded thin
1 teaspoon salt more or less to taste
1 teaspoon black pepper
3 Tablespoons taco seasonings
2 Tablespoons olive oil
1 small red onion, diced
12 ounces canned black beans rinsed and drained
14 ounces rotel or petite diced tomatoes
3 chipotle peppers canned, chopped
16 crunchy yellow or white corn tortilla shells we used the "stand and stuff"
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
your go-to taco toppings!

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a 11×7 baking dish add chicken breasts, seasonings, and drizzle with olive oil.16 ounces chicken breasts, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 3 Tablespoons taco seasonings, 2 Tablespoons olive oil
Add onions, black beans, rotel, and chipotle peppers. Stir to combine. Cover, and bake for 50-55 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. 1 small red onion, diced, 12 ounces canned black beans, 14 ounces rotel or petite diced tomatoes, 3 chipotle peppers
Shred chicken with two forks. Arrange the taco shells in an 13×9 baking dish. Add a couple of Tablespoons of the chicken mixture into each shell. Top with shredded cheese and green onions.16 crunchy yellow or white corn tortilla shells, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bake for 10-12 minutes or just until the cheese melts. Top with garnishes of choice, and enjoy! your go-to taco toppings!