Why Make This Recipe
Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish. They are perfect for a quick meal or a fun party snack. By baking instead of frying, you get all the crunch with less oil, making them a healthier choice. Plus, they are easy to prepare and can be customized to your taste!
How to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, poached, or oven-baked)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or spicy)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a richer flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Additional shredded cheese for topping (optional)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt, for dipping
- Salsa or pico de gallo, for dipping
- Guacamole, for dipping
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly coated.
- If using cilantro, fold it in for extra freshness.
Warm the Tortillas
- Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Alternatively, heat each tortilla briefly in a skillet to make rolling easier.
Assemble the Taquitos
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the tortilla.
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Brush for Crispiness
- Lightly brush each rolled taquito with olive oil or melted butter.
- For a cheesy crust, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Turn halfway through baking for even crispness.
Serve Hot
- Arrange on a platter and serve with your favorite dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
How to Serve Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Serve these taquitos hot with a variety of dips like sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole. They make a great appetizer or snack for gatherings. You can also serve them with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
How to Store Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
To store leftover taquitos, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for about 3-4 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Tips to Make Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Use Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them easier to roll without tearing.
- Don’t Overfill: While it might be tempting to add more filling, stick to 2-3 tablespoons to ensure they roll tightly without bursting.
- Check for Crispness: Keep an eye on the taquitos while baking to avoid overbaking.
Variation
You can easily switch up the fillings based on what you have on hand. Consider adding black beans, corn, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also use different meats or even go vegetarian!
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought salsa?
A: Yes! Store-bought salsa is a quick and easy option that adds great flavor.
Q: Can I freeze these taquitos?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked taquitos. Just assemble them, place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Q: What if I prefer them spicier?
A: You can add jalapeños to the filling or use a spicy salsa to crank up the heat!
Enjoy these crispy taquitos for a tasty and healthier meal option!
Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Taquito Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie, poached, or oven-baked)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup salsa (choose mild, medium, or spicy)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a richer flavor)
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
Taquito Assembly
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- to taste Additional shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
Dipping Options
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for dipping)
- Salsa or pico de gallo (for dipping)
- Guacamole (for dipping)
- Lime wedges (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Mix the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, add shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly coated.
- If using cilantro, fold it in for extra freshness.
Warm the Tortillas
- Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds until soft and pliable.
- Alternatively, heat each tortilla briefly in a skillet to make rolling easier.
Assemble the Taquitos
- Lay a tortilla flat on a clean surface.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of filling onto the lower third of the tortilla.
- Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Brush for Crispiness
- Lightly brush each rolled taquito with olive oil or melted butter.
- For a cheesy crust, sprinkle a small amount of shredded cheese over the top.
Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crisp at the edges.
- Turn halfway through baking for even crispness.
Serve Hot
- Arrange on a platter and serve with your favorite dips such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.