Are you ready to spice up your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make? I’m talking about Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos! These tacos are perfect for those busy evenings when you want something hearty and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and a mere 30 minutes, you can whip up a meal that will have your family asking for seconds. Plus, if you’re a fan of easy pasta recipes, you’ll love how quickly this comes together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for quick family dinners.
- Uses rotisserie chicken, saving you time on cooking and shredding.
- Flavorful and customizable with your favorite toppings.
- Great for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Perfect for busy weeknights when you need 30-minute meals.
Ingredients
To make these scrumptious tacos, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups salsa (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- ½ tsp coriander
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 small rotisserie chicken (about 1 ½ lbs, meat removed from bones)
- 6 tbsp vegetable oil
- 12 corn tortillas (6” size)
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 8 oz Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- Toppings (optional):
- Sliced black olives
- Pickled jalapenos
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Avocado wedges
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the steps to create these delightful tacos:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C) and prepare a roasting pan to hold 12 tacos (or two smaller pans for 6 each).
- Prepare Chicken Mixture: In a skillet, combine salsa, water, and tomato paste over medium heat. Add coriander, chili powder, cumin, and stir well. Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the mixture. Stir and heat the chicken mixture until warm, then set aside.
- Prepare Tortillas: Brush 2 baking sheets with half of the oil. Lay 6 tortillas per sheet, brushing the tops with the remaining oil. Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese on each tortilla and top with the chicken mixture.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges of the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is melted. Rotate the pans halfway through for even baking.
- Assemble the Tacos: Once the tortillas are crispy and the cheese is bubbly, remove them from the oven. Top with half of the shredded lettuce. Fold each tortilla in half and nestle them into the roasting pan. Repeat with the second batch if needed.
- Melt Monterey Jack Cheese: Sprinkle shredded Monterey jack cheese over the folded tacos and return them to the oven (turned off) for an additional 4-5 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Serve the tacos hot with your favorite toppings such as olives, jalapenos, avocado, sour cream, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are some helpful suggestions to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly:
- Feel free to customize the spices in the chicken mixture to suit your taste.
- If you prefer a milder flavor, use less chili powder or opt for a mild salsa.
- For a fun twist, try adding some black beans or corn to the chicken mixture.
- These tacos are also great for using up leftover chicken or other proteins!
How to Serve
These Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are best served hot and fresh from the oven. I love to set up a taco bar with all the toppings laid out so everyone can customize their own. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Offer a variety of toppings like sliced black olives, pickled jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.
- Serve with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with a refreshing drink like iced tea or a margarita for a fun family dinner.
Make Ahead and Storage
If you want to prepare these tacos in advance, you can make the chicken mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just assemble the tacos and bake them as directed. Leftover tacos can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results!
These Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos are sure to become a staple in your home, especially when you’re looking for weeknight dinner ideas that are both quick and satisfying. If you’re in the mood for something different, check out my Beef Cheesy Burger Rollups or Ground Beef Stroganoff for more delicious options. Happy cooking!
Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C). Prepare pans for 12 tacos.
- Combine salsa, water, tomato paste, and spices; add shredded chicken. Heat until warm.
- Brush tortillas with oil, top with cheese and chicken mixture, then bake 12-15 mins until crispy and cheese melted.
- Assemble tacos with lettuce, fold, nestle in pan, then top with Monterey jack cheese and melt for 4-5 mins.
- Serve hot with toppings like olives, jalapenos, avocado, sour cream, cilantro, and lime.