If “Taco Tuesday” is a staple in your household, then you will love this delicious, crispy taco recipe that is bursting with flavor… and is made with healthy ingredients. My Healthy Oven Baked Chicken Tacos are crispy, crunchy, and loaded with tender chicken and shredded cheese for a recipe that is reminiscent of your fast food favorites. Plus, this recipe is best served with my easy homemade dipping sauce that is loaded with protein and makes these tacos even more irresistible.
Friends, let’s be honest: I’ve never met a taco that I didn’t like. It’s true! Whether it’s a Taco Bell $1 taco, a makeshift taco make with any leftover ingredients in my fridge, or a satisfying taco salad, you truly cannot go wrong with a taco. And to my delight, my picky boys ask for them ALL THE TIME!
So, when the craving struck for a crispy fast food taco, the other day (you know which ones), I knew that I had to make my own version that was just as satisfying, but made with healthier ingredients. And lo and behold, I did just that, and I am SO excited to share this recipe with you. These tacos are made healthier by swapping out the flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas, using avocado oil, which is high in healthy fats, and swapping out the beef for chicken, which is leaner and less oily than the traditional beef.
These tacos are absolutely irresistible, and while you can absolutely make them ahead of time and keep them on-hand, I wouldn’t be surprised if you don’t have any left, after making them. My family always eats these tacos up as soon as I make them, and I have a feeling yours will too!
What You Need to Make These Deliciously Crispy Tacos
- Avocado Oil: I like using avocado oil in this recipe, because it is full of healthy fats. However, you can really use any oil of your choosing.
- Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add the most delicious flavor to these tacos.
- Ground Chicken: While tacos are usually filled with beef, we’ll be using ground chicken for a leaner, less oily protein choice! Don’t knock it until you try it, the chicken adds a delicious flavor that you will absolutely love!
- Taco Seasonings: We’ll be making our own taco seasoning blend for this recipe, by combining paprika, cumin, sea salt, black pepper, and chipotle pepper.
- Red Enchilada Sauce: The enchilada sauce adds a deep, delicious flavor to the chicken and is truly the perfect finishing touch.
- Corn Tortillas: Thin corn tortillas work best for this recipe, but you can use any types of tortillas that you’d like.
- Mexican-Blend Shredded Cheese: You can use either dairy or non-dairy cheese, in this recipe. Both work just as well, and taste absolutely delicious!
Looking For a Dip for Your Tacos? Try This Simple Sauce!
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE having a delicious dip to dip my tacos into. If you’re looking for a healthy and delicious dip to serve alongside these tacos, then you will absolutely love this recipe.
Simply mix together 1/2 cup of medium salsa, alongside 1 cup of Greek yogurt for a delicious and high-protein dip.
How to Make These Crispy Chicken Tacos
These tacos come together in two parts: first, with the filling, and second, with the tortillas. To prepare the taco filling, start by preheating your oven to 400 F. Next, add your avocado oil to a pan and heat the pan over medium heat. Dice your onion, then add it to the pan once the oil is hot, alongside the garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes. Then, add in the chicken, using a spoon to break it into small pieces.
Once the chicken is almost cooked through, add in the spices and stir until they’re fully incorporated into the chicken, and the chicken cooks all the way through. Finally, pour in the enchilada sauce and mix until everything is fully combined. Once everything is coated in the sauce, remove the pan from the heat and begin to assemble the taco shells.
To prepare the taco shells, we want to start by making the tortillas nice and pliable. Start by wrapping the tortillas in a damp towel and place them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until they’ve softened.
Once the tortillas are soft, add some cheese to one side of them, followed by a scoop of the meat mixture and more cheese. Gently fold the tortilla to the other side and press to close. Repeat the process, then line up the tacos on a lined baking sheet.
Once done, take a second baking sheet and place it on top of the first baking sheet with the tacos. Place the tray in the oven for 18 minutes, removing the top tray around the 15 minute mark and turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, so the tacos get crispy on top. Be sure to watch the tacos carefully, so they don’t burn.
Once your tacos are done, remove them from the oven and serve! Store any leftovers in the fridge, for up to five days, and reheat as desired.
If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a review and rating below! To see more recipes and behind the scenes, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube! I’m also now on Pinterest, so stop by and take a look at what’s new.
** Photography by Gayle McLeod
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Avocado Oil, or substitute oil of choice
- 1 Onion, diced
- 3 Cloves Garlic, mashed
- 1 Pound Ground Chicken
- 2 Teaspoons Paprika
- 2 Teaspoons Cumin
- 1 Teaspoon Sea Salt
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ Teaspoon Chipotle Pepper
- ½ Cup Mild Red Enchilada Sauce
- 12 Thin Corn Tortillas, or tortillas of choice
- 1 ½ Cups Mexican-Blend Shredded Cheese
Instructions
To Prepare the Taco Filling:
- To prepare the taco filling, start by preheating your oven to 400 F.
- Next, add your avocado oil to a pan and heat the pan over medium heat.
- Dice your onion, then add it to the pan once the oil is hot, alongside the garlic, and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Then, add in the chicken, using a spoon to break it into small pieces.
- Once the chicken is almost cooked through, add in the spices and stir until they're fully incorporated into the chicken, and the chicken cooks all the way through.
- Finally, pour in the enchilada sauce and mix until everything is fully combined. Once everything is coated in the sauce, remove the pan from the heat and begin to assemble the taco shells.
To Prepare the Taco Shells:
- To prepare the taco shells, we want to start by making the tortillas nice and pliable. Start by wrapping the tortillas in a damp towel and place them in the microwave for 30 seconds, or until they've softened.
- Once the tortillas are soft, add some cheese to one side of them, followed by a scoop of the meat mixture and more cheese.
- Gently fold the tortilla to the other side and press to close.
- Repeat the process, then line up the tacos on a lined baking sheet.
- Once done, take a second baking sheet and place it on top of the first baking sheet with the tacos.
- Place the tray in the oven for 18 minutes, removing the top tray around the 15 minute mark and turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, so the tacos get crispy on top. Be sure to watch the tacos carefully, so they don't burn.
- Once your tacos are done, remove them from the oven and serve! Store any leftovers in the fridge, for up to five days, and reheat as desired.
Rate & review
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What others are saying
Hi, don’t see recipe for the dipping sauce?
Hi Carl, the dipping sauce was just for photos and is not included in this recipe. ☻
Would love to make these for my husband ‘s birthday….family would love them. Can I make them ahead of time….Just leave in fridge and cook once we’re home from our bowling party?.
Hi Betty, yes! You can definitely prepare these tacos ahead of time. I hope you enjoy!
These were really good and easy to make.
The recipe references dipping sauce, but I don’t see it in the steps or ingredients?