Description
These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make Mexican-inspired dish featuring shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheese, salsa, and spices, all rolled into small tortillas and baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these taquitos offer comforting flavors with a satisfying crunch and customizable toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
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
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, cilantro (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form a flavorful filling.
- Warm tortillas: Lightly warm the tortillas either in the microwave or on a skillet for a few seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking.
- Roll the taquitos: Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, spreading it evenly in a line. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure by placing seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Prepare for baking: Lightly spray the rolled taquitos with cooking spray or brush them lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the taquitos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil, ensuring they are spaced apart. Bake for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with your choice of optional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For extra crispiness, brush the taquitos lightly with olive oil instead of using cooking spray.
- Customize the heat by selecting mild, medium, or hot salsa according to your taste.
- Flour tortillas are preferred for easier rolling; corn tortillas might crack unless warmed very well.
- These taquitos reheat well in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Keywords: Chicken taquitos, oven baked taquitos, crispy chicken taquitos, Mexican appetizer, easy chicken recipe