Adam GALLAGHER
2026-02-21T15:56:02-05:00

Crispy oven-baked chicken tacos made easy with a clever double-pan technique. Seasoned ground chicken and melted cheese in golden corn tortillas—no frying required. A foolproof family favorite that's always a hit.
More

Emma's Chicken Tacos are the kind of recipe that becomes a household staple—simple, foolproof, and always a hit. These oven-baked tacos use a clever double-pan technique to create perfectly crispy shells with melted cheese and seasoned ground chicken inside. No deep frying, no messy stovetop flipping, just golden, crunchy tacos that come out of the oven ready to devour.

What makes this recipe brilliant is the method: pressing the filled tacos between two sheet pans ensures even crisping on both sides while keeping the filling secure. The result is restaurant-quality tacos with minimal effort and maximum flavor. Plus, they're endlessly customizable—adjust the spice level, swap proteins, or load them up with your favorite toppings.

"A photographer I may never be—but these are a hit every time!" —Emma

Ingredients

12 small corn tortillas

1 lb (450g) ground chicken

2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)

1-2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)

Olive oil spray (or olive oil for brushing)

Optional Toppings

Salsa

Guacamole

Sour cream

Fresh cilantro

Diced tomatoes

Shredded lettuce

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two equal-sized baking sheets with parchment paper or lightly grease them.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken and cook for 10-15 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until the moisture has evaporated and the chicken is fully cooked through with no pink remaining. The chicken should be lightly browned and crumbly.

3. Season: Add the taco seasoning and lime juice to the cooked chicken. Stir well to combine and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat.

4. Warm the tortillas: Wrap the corn tortillas in a clean, damp kitchen towel and microwave on high for 60 seconds to make them pliable and easier to fold without cracking.

5. Prepare the tortillas: Lay the warmed tortillas on one of the prepared baking sheets. Lightly spray or brush the top side of each tortilla with olive oil, then flip them so the oiled side is facing down.

6. Fill the tacos: On one half of each tortilla, sprinkle a light layer of shredded cheese (about 1-2 tablespoons). Add 2-3 tablespoons of the seasoned ground chicken on top of the cheese, then finish with another light layer of cheese (this helps seal the taco and adds extra melty goodness).

7. Fold and press: Carefully fold each tortilla in half over the filling to create a taco shape. Arrange them on the baking sheet so they're snug but not overlapping. Place the second baking sheet directly on top of the tacos to press them down gently. This creates even pressure for crispy, flat tacos.

8. Bake: Bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the tortillas are golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted. The edges should be slightly charred and crunchy.

9. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Tortilla choice: Corn tortillas work best for this recipe because they crisp up beautifully. Flour tortillas can be used but may not get as crispy.

Cheese placement: The cheese-chicken-cheese layering is key. The bottom layer helps the filling stick to the tortilla, and the top layer creates a seal that keeps everything together.

Don't skip the press: Using the second baking sheet to press the tacos ensures they crisp evenly on both sides and don't open up during baking.

Make ahead: You can prep the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake the tacos fresh when ready to serve.

Scaling up: This recipe easily doubles. Just use additional baking sheets and bake in batches if needed.

Protein swaps: Ground turkey, beef, or plant-based crumbles work equally well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Spice level: Control the heat by choosing mild, medium, or hot taco seasoning, or make your own blend with cumin, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne to taste.

Cat quality control: If your cat pretends to pass out in anticipation of the chicken being made, the tacos are almost ready. This is a scientifically proven indicator of taco excellence.