Name: Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 white onion, diced; 2 tsp olive oil; 1 lb ground chicken or turkey; 4.5 oz can chopped green chilis; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp cumin; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, diced; 1/2 tbsp lime juice; Olive oil spray; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 8 tortillas (Siete almond flour recommended); 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt; Small handful cilantro leaves; 1 clove garlic; 1 tbsp lime juice; Salt & pepper to taste

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Table of Contents: Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos

Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos

Remember when family dinners felt…doable? When getting a delicious, satisfying meal on the table didn’t require hours in the kitchen? Well, those days are back with these Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos! This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or even a fun, relaxed holiday meal.

Forget standing over a stove – we’re embracing the simplicity of a sheet pan dinner that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Get ready to rediscover the joy of taco night!

These aren’t your average tacos. The secret lies in spreading the seasoned chicken across a sheet pan, allowing it to get wonderfully crispy as it bakes. It’s a hands-off approach that frees you up to prepare toppings, spend time with loved ones, or simply relax. We’re talking about a vibrant, flavorful filling nestled in warm tortillas, topped with a cool and zesty cilantro-yogurt dip.

This recipe is designed for real life, for those of us who appreciate a quick meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and honestly, it’s so easy, you’ll be making it again and again.

This recipe is perfect for when the grandkids come over, a low-key Friday night, or even a festive Cinco de Mayo celebration. It’s adaptable to everyone’s preferences, and cleanup is a breeze.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe under names like “Baked Chicken Tacos,” “Easy Oven Tacos,” or “Crispy Taco Meat Sheet Pan.” For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the taco seasoning. If you prefer a different protein, ground beef or turkey work equally well.

This is a fantastic base recipe for a sheet pan dinner – feel free to experiment with different seasonings and toppings to create your own signature version! You can also add some diced bell peppers and onions to the sheet pan for a more complete meal.

Ingredients: Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos

TACO FILLING:

* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 white onion, diced
* 2 tsp olive oil
* 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
* 4.5 oz can chopped green chilis
* 1/2 tsp garlic powder
* 1/2 tsp onion powder
* 1/2 tsp paprika
* 1/2 tsp oregano
* 1/2 tsp cumin
* 3/4 tsp salt
* 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, diced
* 1/2 tbsp lime juice
* Olive oil spray
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
* 8 tortillas (I recommend Siete almond flour tortillas)

CILANTRO YOGURT DIP:

* 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
* Small handful of cilantro leaves
* 1 clove garlic
* 1 tbsp lime juice
* Salt & pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large sheet pan with olive oil or line it with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large bowl, heat 2 tsp of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and diced onion and sauté for 3-5 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

3. Brown the Chicken: Add the ground chicken (or turkey) to the bowl with the garlic and onion. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
4. Season the Chicken: Stir in the chopped green chilis, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, and salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
5. Spread & Bake: Spread the seasoned chicken mixture in a thin, even layer across the prepared sheet pan. Spray lightly with olive oil spray – this helps with extra crispiness!

6. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned and crispy around the edges. How do you get chicken crispy on a sheet pan? Spreading it in a thin layer and using the olive oil spray are key!
7. Add Cheese: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the crispy chicken. Return to the oven for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Make the Cilantro Yogurt Dip: While the chicken is finishing, prepare the cilantro yogurt dip. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cilantro leaves, minced garlic, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Warm the Tortillas: Warm the tortillas according to package directions. I love using Siete almond flour tortillas for a gluten-free option, but any tortillas you enjoy will work.
10. Assemble & Enjoy: Fill each warm tortilla with the crispy chicken mixture. Top with a generous dollop of the cilantro yogurt dip and any other desired toppings.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 20-25 minutes to cook, for a total time of 30-35 minutes. It yields about 8 tacos, serving 4 people. The approximate calorie count per taco (without toppings) is around 250-300, depending on the type of chicken and cheese used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it maximizes flavor and texture. Spreading the chicken thinly on the sheet pan allows for maximum surface area exposure to the heat, resulting in beautifully crispy pieces. The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that complements the fresh cilantro and zesty lime.

This is truly easy comfort food for family dinners. Don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning to your liking. If you love heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika. What toppings are best for chicken tacos? The possibilities are endless! Consider shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, avocado slices, sour cream, salsa, or pickled onions.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftover crispy chicken taco filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the cilantro yogurt dip separately.

Freezing: The cooked chicken filling freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. The yogurt dip does not freeze well, as the texture will become grainy.

Reheating: To reheat the chicken filling, spread it on a sheet pan and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. You can also reheat it in a skillet over medium heat. This method helps restore some of the crispiness lost during storage.

Conclusion: Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos

So there you have it – Sheet Pan Crispy Chicken Tacos! A simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. I truly hope you give this a try. Don’t hesitate to share your creations with me on social media – I love seeing your taco masterpieces! And if you have any questions or suggestions, please leave a comment below. Happy taco-ing!