Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Introduction

Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful snack or meal that’s easy to make at home. Filled with a creamy chicken mixture and baked until golden, they’re perfect for gatherings or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 10-12 small flour tortillas
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and chopped cilantro if using. Stir until well mixed and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Step 3: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll tightly from one end and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Step 4: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
5. Step 5: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through baking for even crispiness.
6. Step 6: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top of the taquitos before baking.
• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free alternative, but warm them well to prevent cracking.
• Add finely diced onions or jalapeños to the filling for an extra kick.
• Leftover taquitos reheat well in a skillet or oven to preserve crispiness better than the microwave.

Storage

Store leftover chicken taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.

What can I use if I don’t have cream cheese?

Greek yogurt or sour cream can work as substitutes to add creaminess to the filling, though the texture will be slightly different.

Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 110 reviews

These Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful Mexican-inspired snack or meal made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, and a blend of cheeses and spices, all rolled in warm flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. This easy recipe delivers a crunchy texture without the need for frying and is perfect served with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
• 1/2 cup salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Assembly

• 10–12 small flour tortillas
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Optional Toppings

• Guacamole
• Sour cream
• Additional salsa
• Diced tomatoes
• Sliced jalapeños

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and chopped cilantro if using. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creamy, and evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
3. Assemble the Taquitos: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them flexible and easy to roll without tearing. Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly from one end to the other to form compact taquitos. Place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them sealed during baking.
4. Coat with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the tops of each rolled taquito with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is important as it helps the taquitos crisp up nicely in the oven.
5. Bake the Taquitos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taquitos for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides. Bake until they turn golden brown and the edges are crispy.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly for a minute. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, extra salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños to add freshness and extra flavor.

Notes

• Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking and breaking.
• You can substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas if preferred, but they may be less pliable and require warming carefully.
• If you want extra crispy taquitos, you can brush a bit more oil on the sides before baking.
• Leftover taquitos reheat well in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
• For a dairy-free version, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes.

Keywords: Chicken Taquitos, Oven Baked Taquitos, Mexican Snacks, Baked Chicken Recipe, Easy Appetizer