Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Set the Oven Temperature:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the mini tacos will bake quickly and get nice and crispy.

2. Prepare a Baking Sheet:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with non-stick spray. This will prevent the tacos from sticking to the sheet and make for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Chicken Filling

1. Shred the Chicken:

If you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken.

2. Season the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with 1/2 cup of taco sauce and 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. Stir until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce and seasoning. If you like your tacos spicy, feel free to add more taco seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.

3. Optional – Add Onions:

If you want to add a little extra flavor, toss in 1/4 cup of diced onions to the chicken mixture. This step is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor to the tacos.

Step 3: Assemble the Tacos

1. Fill the Taco Shells:

Place the mini taco shells (or small tortillas) on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the seasoned chicken mixture into each taco shell. Be sure not to overfill them, as you want the tacos to stay neat and easy to handle.

2. Top with Cheese:

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (about 1 to 2 tablespoons per taco) over the chicken filling. The cheese will melt during baking, creating a delicious, gooey layer that holds the taco together.

3. Brush with Olive Oil:

Lightly brush the outside of the taco shells with olive oil. This helps the taco shells become crispy and golden as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Tacos

1. Bake for 10-12 Minutes:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the tacos for 10-12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the taco shells are golden and crispy.

2. Check for Doneness:

Keep an eye on the tacos as they bake to make sure they don’t burn. You want the shells to be crispy but not too dark, and the cheese should be fully melted.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Add Fresh Toppings:

Once the tacos are out of the oven, top them with your favorite taco toppings. Some great options include sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños for extra heat.

2. Garnish with Cilantro:

Sprinkle the tacos with fresh chopped cilantro for a burst of flavor and a pop of color.

3. Serve with Lime Wedges:

Serve the tacos with fresh lime wedges on the side. Squeezing lime juice over the tacos adds a zesty, tangy brightness that enhances all the flavors.

Step 6: Enjoy Your 20-Minute Mini Baked Chicken Tacos

Now, all that’s left to do is dig in and enjoy these cheesy, crispy, and flavorful mini tacos! They’re best served immediately while the cheese is still melty and the shells are nice and crisp.