Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos are the epitome of perfect weeknight dinner! Even though the chicken isn’t grilled these are still the some of the best chicken tacos – thanks to that marinade and high oven temperature (a dark pan will help too). I have the feeling these will be a regular on your dinner menu!

A Must Have Chicken Taco Recipe!

You could just go street taco style and use chicken, onion and cilantro but I say bring on alllll those toppings! I love to load tacos up with lots of fresh ingredients.

We all know tacos are way better with tomatoes or pico, avocado or guacamole, cheese (monterey jack, queso fresco, cotija, etc), radishes, lettuce, sour cream or Mexican cream, and lots of hot sauce. I mean you don’t need everything there but I like to add at least 3 of those.

The Inspiration for This Easy Taco Recipe

So a few recipes inspired this one, my Grilled Chicken Street Tacos and this Oven Roasted Chicken Shawarma that I shared.

It’s a very similar flavor to those street tacos but the method is the same as that shawarma. Because who wants to grill when it’s 20 degrees outside?

Ingredients for Chicken Tacos

  • Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • Olive oil
  • Lime juice
  • Garlic
  • Spices – chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper
  • Cilantro
  • Tortillas and desired toppings

How to Make Easy Chicken Tacos in the Oven

  • Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, spices, salt and pepper.
  • Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag, pour olive oil mixture over chicken.
  • Add cilantro then seal bag while pressing out excess air.
  • Rub marinade over chicken. Refrigerate 1- 6 hours.
  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease baking sheet with 1 Tbsp olive oil.
  • Remove chicken from marinade and transfer to baking sheet.
  • Roast in preheated oven cooked through, about 30 – 40 minutes.
  • Let chicken rest 2 minutes then cut into small strips or cubes.
  • Serve in tortillas with desired toppings.

The Chicken Marinade is Key

And now we can enjoy delicious chicken tacos 365 days a year thanks to this simple marinade and oven roasting method.

That marinade is really what makes these tacos so good. It’s a blend of olive oil and fresh lime juice, some Mexican spices, and fresh garlic and cilantro. It turns boring chicken into something so flavorful.

Everyone will love these tacos!

Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

Chicken breasts could be used too but they won’t be as good (note that they won’t need to bake as long). The thighs are more tender, have more flavor and moisture and the fat in them helps the edges crispen up and brown better.

Even if you don’t normally like thighs try them here, trust they’re perfect here!

More Delicious Taco Recipes to Try!

  • Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Tacos (a family favorite recipe)
  • Black Bean Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Lime Crema
  • Grilled Street Tacos (Chicken Avocado)
  • Grilled Fish Tacos with Cabbage Slaw
  • Carnitas
  • Carne Asada Tacos

5 from 6 votes Review Recipe

Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos

These easy Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos are the epitome of perfect weeknight dinner! Even though the chicken isn’t grilled these are still the some of the best chicken tacos - thanks to that marinade and high oven temperature (a dark sheet pan will help too). 

Servings: 5

Prep15 minutesCook35 minutesReady in: 50 minutes

Ingredients2 lbs trimmed large boneless, skinless chicken thighs1/3 cup olive oil, plus more for baking sheet3 Tbsp fresh lime juice1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)2 tsp ancho chili powder1 1/2 tsp ground cumin1/2 tsp ground corianderFew dashes cayenne pepper (or to taste)1 tsp each salt and freshly ground black pepper1/2 cup slightly packed roughly chopped cilantroFor serving10 6-inch Warmed corn tortillasShredded lettuceMexican cheese (shredded blend, cotija, queso fresco)Diced tomatoes or pico de galloDiced avocados or guacamole (optional)Mexican crema or sour cream, Mexican hot sauce (optional)

InstructionsIn a mixing bowl or liquid measuring cup whisk together olive oil, lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. Place chicken in a gallon size resealable bag, pour olive oil mixture over chicken. Add cilantro then seal bag while pressing out excess air. Rub marinade over chicken well. Transfer to refrigerator and allow to marinate at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Brush a rimmed (preferably dark coated) 18 by 13-inch baking sheet with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade and transfer to baking sheet spacing chicken evenly apart. Roast in preheated oven until bottom side is golden brown and crisp and chicken is cooked through, about 30 - 40 minutes.Let chicken rest 2 minutes then cut into small strips or cubes. Serve in tortillas with desired toppings.  Recipe source: Cooking Classy

NotesToppings not included in nutritional info.

Nutrition Facts Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos

	Amount Per Serving

Calories 435 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%Saturated Fat 3g19%Cholesterol 172mg57%Sodium 670mg29%Potassium 605mg17%Carbohydrates 29g10%Fiber 4g17%Protein 32g64% Vitamin A 390IU8%Vitamin C 4mg5%Calcium 78mg8%Iron 2.8mg16% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanKeyword: Chicken Tacos Author: Jaclyn

5 from 6 votes

Review Recipe

Nutrition Facts Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos

	Amount Per Serving

Calories 435 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%Saturated Fat 3g19%Cholesterol 172mg57%Sodium 670mg29%Potassium 605mg17%Carbohydrates 29g10%Fiber 4g17%Protein 32g64% Vitamin A 390IU8%Vitamin C 4mg5%Calcium 78mg8%Iron 2.8mg16% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Nutrition values are estimates only. See full disclaimer here.

Nutrition Facts

Oven Roasted Chicken Tacos

	Amount Per Serving

Calories 435 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Cholesterol 172mg57%

Sodium 670mg29%

Potassium 605mg17%

Carbohydrates 29g10%

Fiber 4g17%

Protein 32g64%

Vitamin A 390IU8%

Vitamin C 4mg5%

Calcium 78mg8%

Iron 2.8mg16%

  • Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Main CourseCuisine: MexicanKeyword: Chicken Tacos

Author: Jaclyn