Description
These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and healthier twist on traditional fried taquitos. Packed with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and bold spices, they offer a satisfying crunch without deep frying. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, these taquitos come together quickly using simple ingredients and are baked to golden perfection in the oven.
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, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, chopped cilantro (if using), and salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Warm the tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable and easy to roll, warm them slightly in a microwave for about 20-30 seconds or on a hot skillet for a few seconds per side.
- Fill and roll the taquitos: Place about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling on one edge of each tortilla. Roll tightly to enclose the filling completely, creating a tight cylinder shape.
- Prepare for baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling.
- Brush or spray with oil: Lightly brush or spray the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake until crispy: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Serve with toppings: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. Add optional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover cooked chicken or shredded turkey.
- For extra crispiness, broil the taquitos for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Feel free to use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but warm them well to avoid cracking.
- Adjust the level of salsa heat according to your preference.
- To make this dish spicier, add diced jalapeños into the filling mixture.
Keywords: Chicken taquitos, oven-baked taquitos, crunchy taquitos, Mexican appetizer, chicken snacks, healthy taquitos