Crispy Ground Chicken Tacos

These Crispy Ground Chicken Tacos are a delightful twist on traditional tacos. With a simple oven-baking method, you’ll achieve that perfect crunch without frying. The savory ground chicken filling, gooey melted cheese, and optional toppings make for a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and easy to enjoy!

Tacos are a go-to for busy weeknight dinners in my kitchen. Their versatility and simplicity make them a lifesaver. With just a few staple ingredients and endless topping possibilities, you can whip up a satisfying meal in no time, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your evening. And that’s exactly what these ground chicken tacos deliver!

As an experienced home chef I know that my family likes their tacos crispy and crunchy, and the best way to achieve this is by using flour tortillas! Simply add the ground chicken taco meat to small or medium-sized tortillas, bake them with a sheet pan on top to flatten, then remove for the remaining cooking time to get that satisfying crunch! 

You can serve crispy chicken tacos with classic toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. Or, get creative with toppings like creamy guacamole, tangy salsa verde, or even pickled red onions for a refreshing twist. Whether you prefer them mild or spicy, crunchy chicken tacos are a canvas for whatever you crave! 

And if you’re still on a taco Tuesday kick, don’t forget to try Ground Turkey Tacos, Fish Tacos, or Breakfast Tacos! 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tacos with ground chicken are a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy evenings when you crave a delicious homemade meal but don’t have a lot of time.
• The oven-baking method yields tacos with a satisfying crunch, eliminating the need for deep frying and keeping your kitchen mess-free.
• With savory ground chicken, gooey Colby Jack cheese, and your choice of toppings, these tacos offer a customizable flavor that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Olive Oil – Used to sauté the ground chicken, enhancing its flavor and preventing sticking to the skillet during cooking.
• Ground Chicken – The star of the filling.
• Taco Seasoning – Infuses the ground chicken with a savory blend of spices, adding depth and that classic Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Tomato Paste – Brings a rich, tomatoey essence to the dish, contributing to the saucy consistency.
• Chicken Stock – Used to create a saucy texture in the filling, ensuring it’s not too dry or too watery. You can also use vegetable stock instead.
• Tortillas (flour or corn) – Serve as the vessel for all the delicious components, cradling the crispy chicken and melted cheese, providing a satisfying and handheld base for the tacos.
• Shredded Colby Jack Cheese – Adds a rich melted, gooey texture and sharpness to the tacos that round out all of the flavors. 

How To Make Crispy Chicken Tacos In The Oven

Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside. 

Cook the ground chicken: Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil, ground chicken, and seasoning and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Add the tomato paste and water or broth and cook until the mixture is saucy but not watery. Turn off the heat and set aside. 

Prepare tortillas: Lay out your tortillas on the parchment lined baking sheet. If using corn tortillas, make sure they are warm so they don’t break during assembly. Brush both sides of the tortillas lightly with olive oil. 

Fill the tortillas: Add a couple of tablespoons of cooked ground chicken to one side of each tortilla without overfilling. Sprinkle with a little bit of shredded cheese, and fold the other half of the tortilla over the meat. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, or however many will fit on the sheet pan. 

Bake the tacos: Optional – Place a second sheet pan on top of the folded tortillas to help keep them pressed down. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove the top sheet pan and cook for another 5-10 minutes until tacos begin to get brown and crispy and the cheese melts. 

Cool and serve: Let cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite taco toppings. Enjoy! 

Recipe Tips

• Be mindful when adding tomato paste and chicken stock; the goal is to create a saucy filling that’s not too runny or dry.
• If using corn tortillas, briefly warm them before assembly to prevent cracking when folding.
• Brushing both sides of the tortillas with olive oil ensures they become crispy during baking.
• When adding the chicken filling, be cautious not to overfill the tortillas to prevent them from tearing during baking.
• Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese on the meat before folding the tortilla to ensure it melts into gooey perfection.
• Placing a second sheet pan on top of the tacos while baking helps keep them pressed down, resulting in a uniformly crispy texture.
• Allow the tacos to cool for a few minutes before serving; this brief resting period allows the flavors to come together and set before enjoying.

Taco Topping Ideas

This easy dinner recipe is perfect for serving with a variety of different toppings to choose from including: 

• Sour Cream
• Guacamole
• Salsa (various types: pico de gallo, salsa verde, mango salsa, etc.)
• Shredded Lettuce
• Diced Tomatoes
• Sliced Avocado
• Chopped Cilantro
• Pickled Red Onions
• Sliced Jalapeños
• Grilled Corn
• Black Beans
• Refried Beans
• Sliced Red and Green Bell Peppers
• Chopped Red or White Onions
• Pineapple Chunks
• Cotija Cheese
• Queso Fresco
• Sliced Radishes
• Lime Wedges
• Crumbled Bacon

Storing & Freezing

Storing: To store any leftover crispy ground chicken tacos, wrap them individually in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 2-3 days. Make sure they are completely cool before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing: Wrap each taco tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a 350-degree oven for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.

FAQ

Can I use ground beef instead of ground chicken for these tacos?

Yes, absolutely! Ground beef works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this recipe. Just follow the same cooking and seasoning instructions for equally delicious results.

Can I make these tacos ahead of time?

Yes, you can partially prepare these tacos in advance by cooking the ground chicken filling and assembling the tacos. However, it’s best to bake them just before serving to maintain their crispiness.

Can I use store-bought taco seasoning, or should I make my own?

You can use store-bought taco seasoning for convenience, but making your own allows for more control over the flavor. If using a store-bought mix, taste the filling before baking and adjust the seasoning if needed.

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