Whip up a mouth-watering dinner in no time with these Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos. Using juicy rotisserie chicken and simple ingredients, these tacos are perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Loaded with pepper jack cheese and fresh toppings, they’re sure to become a family favorite.
Our family loves taco nights, and these Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos have quickly become a staple. One evening, after a long day, I needed a quick dinner solution. With a rotisserie chicken from the store, I created these tacos, and they were an instant hit! My husband and kids now eagerly await taco night, knowing these delicious and cheesy tacos are on the menu. It’s a fun, hands-on meal that brings us all together, creating wonderful family memories.
Why These Easy Rotisserie Chicken Tacos?
1. Quick and Simple: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort, making these tacos perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Flavorful and Cheesy: Loaded with pepper jack and Monterey jack cheeses, these tacos are cheesy and packed with flavor from the homemade salsa mixture.
3. Customizable Toppings: Everyone can personalize their tacos with a variety of fresh toppings, making this meal enjoyable for the whole family.
4. Crisp and Delicious: Baked until crispy, these tacos offer a delightful texture contrast with the tender chicken and melted cheese.
Ingredients:
For the Tacos:
- 475ml (2 cups) salsa (homemade or your favorite jarred salsa)
- 240ml (1 cup) water
- 30g (2 tablespoons) tomato paste
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 small rotisserie chicken, meat removed from the bones (about 680g / 1 ½ pounds of picked chicken meat)
- 90ml (6 tablespoons) vegetable oil
- 12 white or yellow 6” corn tortillas
- 225g (8 ounces) pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 225g (8 ounces) Monterey jack cheese, shredded
Toppings:
- Sliced black olives
- Sliced pickled jalapenos
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Avocado wedges
- Sour cream
- Lime juice
- Fresh cilantro
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Prepare a roasting pan with high sides that can hold 12 folded tacos, or use two pans with six tacos each.
- Prepare the Salsa Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, combine the salsa, water, and tomato paste. Stir to combine. Add the ground coriander, chili powder, and cumin, and stir again.
- Shred and Heat Chicken: Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the salsa mixture. Heat until hot, then keep warm.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Brush two sheet pans with half of the vegetable oil. Lay out the corn tortillas, six per tray, and brush the tops with the remaining oil.
- Assemble the Tacos: Divide the shredded pepper jack cheese evenly between the 12 tortillas. Top each with the warm chicken mixture, placing it on top of the cheese but not completely to the edges.
- Bake the Tacos: Place the pans in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are slightly crispy and the mixture is hot and bubbly. Rotate the pans halfway through for even browning.
- Add Lettuce and Fold: Remove one pan at a time from the oven. Quickly top each taco with half of the shredded lettuce. Using tongs, fold each tortilla in half and place it in a reserved dish or pan, letting each taco stay folded by leaning against the one next to it or the side of the pan. Repeat with the second pan. Turn off the oven.
- Melt the Cheese: Top the folded tacos with the shredded Monterey jack cheese. Place them back in the oven (with the oven off) for 4-5 minutes to melt the cheese using the residual heat.
- Serve: Serve the tacos hot with your choice of toppings, including sliced black olives, pickled jalapenos, thinly sliced red onion, avocado wedges, sour cream, lime juice, and fresh cilantro.
Notes:
- Substitutions: Feel free to use any leftover cooked meat or even plant-based protein as a substitute for rotisserie chicken.
- Tips: For extra crispy tacos, bake the tortillas a few minutes longer before adding the chicken mixture.
- Nutritional Info: These tacos are a balanced meal with protein, dairy, and fresh vegetables. Adjust the toppings to suit your dietary preferences.
