Oven Baked BBQ Chicken Pizza Tacos

Barbecue chicken pizza tacos bring together two comfort food favorites in one ridiculously good handheld meal. The tangy barbecue chicken nestles perfectly inside crispy taco shells with melty cheese and traditional pizza toppings, creating a mouthwatering fusion that'll make you wonder why you didn't think of this sooner.

Last Tuesday I threw these together when I couldn't make up my mind between pizza and tacos. My husband walked into the kitchen, saw what I was making and actually said "you're a genius" - which is not something I hear often! The kids cleaned their plates without a single complaint, which is practically a miracle in my house.

Winning Ingredient Combo

• Stand-up taco shells create the perfect crispy vessel for holding all that pizza goodness - make sure to get the sturdy kind that won't fall over
• Barbecue sauce gives that sweet-tangy kick that makes BBQ chicken pizza so addictive - I prefer one with a hint of smoke
• Shredded chicken soaks up all those delicious flavors - rotisserie chicken from the grocery store makes this super quick
• Mozzarella cheese creates that stretchy pizza pull we all love - grate it yourself for the best melt
• Red onions add just enough bite to cut through the richness - slice them paper-thin so they'll soften nicely

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Kitchen Magic Steps

Saucy Chicken Mix

Toss your shredded chicken with enough barbecue sauce to coat everything nicely. You want every piece glistening with sauce but not swimming in it. I usually start with less and add more as needed - you can always add but you can't take away.

Smart Shell Setup

Line up your taco shells on a baking sheet without letting them tip over. This is important! Before adding anything else, sprinkle a generous layer of cheese directly into the bottom of each shell. This isn't just for flavor - it melts and creates a barrier that keeps the shells from getting soggy. Discovered this trick by accident and never looked back.

Filling Fiesta

Spoon that barbecue chicken mixture into each shell, being careful not to overfill. Leave a little room at the top for the rest of your toppings. Pack it in gently but don't press too hard or you might crack your shells.

Topping Time

Layer on your favorite pizza toppings - I always use thinly sliced red onions and sometimes add bell peppers or mushrooms if I have them. Finish with another generous handful of mozzarella on top. The cheese on top gets all bubbly and golden while holding everything together.

Oven Magic

Slide the whole tray into a preheated oven and let the heat work its magic. The cheese melts into gooey perfection, the edges of the shells get extra crispy, and all the flavors come together. Keep an eye on them toward the end - once the cheese starts to get golden spots, they're ready to come out.

I've made these so many times I've lost count, but my favorite version uses a bourbon barbecue sauce my brother-in-law makes from scratch. Something about the slight sweetness with hints of vanilla from the bourbon just works magically with the chicken. When he visits from Tennessee, I always beg him to bring me a jar specifically for these tacos.

Perfect Pairings

These hearty tacos don't need much alongside them, but a simple green salad with vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. In summer, I serve them with grilled corn on the cob slathered in butter and a sprinkle of chili powder. For cooler months, roasted sweet potato chunks with a touch of cinnamon complement the barbecue flavors beautifully. Sometimes I'll just put out some quick-pickled red cabbage for a bright, crunchy contrast.

Flavor Twists

Swap the barbecue sauce for alfredo sauce and add spinach for a white pizza version that's surprisingly delicious. My vegetarian sister loves these with roasted cauliflower instead of chicken - just roast florets until tender and toss in barbecue sauce. For a buffalo chicken spin, replace the barbecue sauce with buffalo sauce and sprinkle with blue cheese crumbles instead of mozzarella. My son's football team demolished three batches of these after their championship game.

Keeping It Fresh

On the rare occasion we have leftovers, store them carefully in the fridge for up to two days. The microwave will make them soggy, so reheat in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up. If you're planning ahead, keep all components separate and assemble just before baking - the shells stay crispier that way.

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Kitchen Wisdom

• Give your taco shells a quick 2-minute toast in the oven before filling them - the extra crispiness helps them hold up better
• Pull your rotisserie chicken apart while it's still warm - it shreds much easier and soaks up more flavor
• Let the finished tacos rest for a couple minutes after baking - burning your mouth on molten cheese is no fun (learned this the hard way!)

My mother-in-law turned up her nose when I first mentioned these to her - she's pretty traditional when it comes to both Italian and Mexican food. But after one bite, she actually asked for the recipe. Now when the grandkids visit her, she makes "Nonna's special tacos" and they think she invented them. I've never corrected this misconception and probably never will. Some kitchen secrets are worth keeping!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these with corn tortillas instead of hard taco shells?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas! For a similar texture, brush them lightly with oil and drape them over the oven rack bars to create a taco shape, then bake at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes until crispy before filling and baking again with the toppings.

→ What other meats could I use besides chicken?

This recipe is very versatile! Ground beef, pulled pork, or even chorizo would work well with the BBQ sauce and pizza toppings. For a vegetarian option, you could substitute the chicken with black beans, crumbled tofu, or a meat alternative.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prepare the BBQ chicken mixture up to 2 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator. For best results, assemble and bake the tacos just before serving to maintain the crispness of the shells. Alternatively, you can assemble them and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.

→ Why do you put cheese on the bottom of the shell?

The layer of cheese at the bottom creates a barrier that helps prevent the sauce from making the taco shell soggy. As it melts, it forms a protective layer between the wet ingredients and the crispy shell, helping the tacos maintain their texture.

→ What sides go well with these pizza tacos?

These tacos are substantial on their own, but they pair well with a simple green salad, Mexican rice, corn on the cob, or a light coleslaw. For a more substantial meal, serve with refried beans or black bean soup on the side.