1-Getting baked chicken tacos right is all about following a few key steps. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This sets the stage for crispy shells and flavorful filling.

2-Next, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook it for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns translucent. Then, mix in the shredded chicken, taco seasoning, drained diced tomatoes, and drained green chiles. Let this simmer for 5 to 8 minutes to blend the flavors.

3-While that cooks, arrange the 10 hard taco shells standing up in the baking dish. You can fit them by placing 2 on each side for stability. Bake the shells alone for 5 minutes to make them crisp, then take them out of the oven.

4-Assembling and Final Baking Now, spoon 1 tablespoon of refried beans into the bottom of each shell for support. Fill them nearly to the top with the chicken mixture, then sprinkle generously with the shredded cheese. Pop them back in the oven for 7 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the shell edges brown.

5-Once done, remove from the oven and add your optional toppings like sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro. The total time for this is about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy schedules.