Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a burst of flavor in every bite! These Baked Chipotle Ranch Chicken Tacos are not just any ordinary tacos; they are a fiesta of savory chicken, zesty chipotle ranch dressing, and gooey melted cheese, all nestled in perfectly crispy taco shells. Whether you’re hosting a game night, a casual family dinner, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to impress. With just 35 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll be savoring these mouthwatering tacos in no time. Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup chipotle ranch dressing
- 8 taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your taco shells get crispy and the filling is heated through.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and shredded chicken breast with the chipotle ranch dressing. Mix well until the chicken is thoroughly coated with the dressing. This will infuse the chicken with flavor.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Carefully place the taco shells upright in the baking dish. If your taco shells are not standing on their own, you can use crumpled aluminum foil to help hold them upright.
- Evenly distribute the chipotle ranch chicken mixture into each taco shell, filling them generously. Make sure each shell is packed with the flavorful chicken.
- Once all the taco shells are filled, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of each taco, ensuring that the cheese is evenly distributed for even melting.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are golden brown and crispy.
- While the tacos are baking, prepare your toppings. In a separate bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro. This fresh mixture will add a nice crunch and flavor contrast to the warm tacos.
- Once the tacos are done baking, carefully remove them from the oven. Let them cool for a couple of minutes before serving.
- To serve, place the baked chipotle ranch chicken tacos on a platter and top each with the fresh lettuce, tomato, and cilantro mixture. You can also drizzle extra chipotle ranch dressing on top for added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Baked Chipotle Ranch Chicken Tacos with your favorite sides or dips!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook and shred the chicken a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the tacos.
- Crispy Taco Shells: For the crispiest taco shells, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking. If your taco shells are flimsy, use crumpled aluminum foil to help them stand upright in the baking dish.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of Mexican cheeses can elevate the flavor profile of your tacos.
- Customize Your Toppings: While the shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and cilantro are a great start, don’t hesitate to add your favorite toppings like avocado, jalapeños, or sour cream for an extra kick.
- Extra Dressing: Drizzling additional chipotle ranch dressing on top of your tacos right before serving adds a delightful creaminess that enhances the overall flavor.
- Serve with Sides: Pair your tacos with sides like Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 531kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 145mg
