1-Getting ready to make baked chicken tacos is as easy as following a few simple steps. I love how this method keeps things straightforward, so even if you’re new to cooking, you’ll feel confident. Start by preheating your oven and gathering your tools for a smooth process.

2-First, preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C) and spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with nonstick spray. This step helps everything cook evenly and prevents sticking. Next, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat, then add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant. It’s a quick way to build that base flavor that makes the tacos special.

3-Stir in shredded chicken, taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, and drained green chiles; simmer for 5-8 minutes to let the flavors meld. Place the hard taco shells standing up in the baking dish, fitting about 10 shells, and bake them alone for 5 minutes to crisp them up. Take them out, spoon 1 tablespoon (about 15 grams) of refried beans into the bottom of each shell, then fill with the chicken mixture nearly to the top.

4-Sprinkle each shell generously with shredded cheese and bake for 7-10 minutes until the cheese melts and edges brown. Finally, remove from the oven and add optional toppings as desired. This whole process takes just about 15 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, for a total of 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights. For more ideas on baked treats that pair well, try this baked donut recipe for a sweet side.