Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
There is something incredibly satisfying about Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos that makes them a go-to comfort food for any occasion. Crunchy on the outside, creamy and flavorful on the inside, these taquitos combine tender shredded chicken with a cheesy, tangy filling that bursts with zesty notes from lime and taco seasoning. Best of all, baking them instead of frying keeps the dish lighter while still delivering that perfect crispy texture. Whether you are looking for a fun party appetizer or an easy family dinner, Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delight everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet come together to create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and color. Each element plays a key role: the shredded chicken offers hearty protein, the cream cheese adds creaminess, the salsa infuses vibrant flavor, and the tortillas serve as the perfect crispy vessel.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works great for a quick and flavorful base.
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Adds creamy richness that binds the filling beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend): Melts perfectly to create gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup salsa: Choose your preferred heat level to spice things up just right.
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning: Brings a punch of traditional Mexican flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice: Brightens the filling with a subtle tangy zing.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional): Adds fresh, herbaceous notes and beautiful green flecks.
- 10-12 small flour tortillas: These hold the filling and crisp up wonderfully in the oven.
- Cooking spray or olive oil: Helps the taquitos get golden and crispy on the outside.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Optional toppings: Guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños elevate the final presentation and taste.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray. This prep step ensures your taquitos won’t stick and will crisp up evenly as they bake.
Step 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. Mix everything together until creamy and well blended. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This flavorful filling is the heart of your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll. Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then roll tightly from one end to the other. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet—this keeps them nicely sealed during baking.
Step 4: Coat with Oil
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil. This simple step is key to achieving a golden, crunchy exterior without deep frying. Trust me, that lovely crispiness is what makes these Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos so irresistible.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the taquitos in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides. When they turn golden brown and crispy, they’re ready to come out. The aroma alone will have you reaching for one immediately.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Let your taquitos cool for a minute or two, then serve with your favorite toppings like guacamole, sour cream, fresh salsa, or sliced jalapeños. These Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are perfect for sharing or savoring solo with all the accompaniments you love.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Garnishes
Adding garnishes to your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos is where you can get creative and elevate every bite. Creamy dollops of guacamole or sour cream add a cool contrast to the spicy, crispy taquitos. Fresh diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro bring bright freshness, while sliced jalapeños add an extra kick for those who like it fiery.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair beautifully with a variety of sides. A crisp, zingy cabbage slaw complements the richness perfectly, while Mexican rice or a simple black bean salad adds heartiness to round out your meal. For an easy party, serve with bowls of salsa, queso dip, and fresh lime wedges for guests to customize their plates.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, cut your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos into bite-sized pieces and serve on a platter as finger food. You can also stack them like mini towers with alternating layers of guacamole and salsa. Wrapping them in colorful corn husks for a festive touch or serving in small taco holders makes an eye-catching presentation sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days and keep their crispiness well when reheated properly. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or snacks during the week.
Freezing
You can freeze these taquitos either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, roll them and place on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze up to 2 months. For baked taquitos, let them cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. This way you have delicious taquitos ready to bake or reheat whenever you need.
Reheating
To reheat, place taquitos on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes until warmed through and crispy. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the tortillas and loses that beautiful crunch. Using an air fryer is another fantastic way to revive their crispy texture quickly.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
While flour tortillas work best for rolling without cracking, you can use corn tortillas if you warm them properly to increase pliability. Just be extra gentle when rolling your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos to avoid breakage.
Is it necessary to use cream cheese in the filling?
The cream cheese helps bind the filling and adds luscious creaminess, but you could substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Keep in mind this may alter the texture slightly.
How spicy are these Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos?
They have a mild to moderate spice level that you can control with the salsa choice and amount of taco seasoning. Feel free to amp up the heat by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for a mixture of black beans, corn, and sautéed veggies with the same seasoning and cheese. The baking process and crisp results are just as satisfying.
What dipping sauces go best with Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos?
Besides the classic guacamole and sour cream, try chipotle ranch, spicy queso, or even a smoky chipotle salsa for exciting flavor combos that complement the taquitos perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are truly one of those dishes that bring warmth, flavor, and joy to the table effortlessly. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a household favorite because of its crispy, cheesy, and seasoned goodness paired with easy preparation. Go ahead and make a batch – your taste buds will thank you for introducing such a deliciously fun meal or snack into your repertoire.
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Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful Mexican-inspired appetizer or meal option made by rolling a creamy, seasoned chicken mixture inside small flour tortillas and baking them until golden and crunchy. These taquitos combine tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and salsa with a hint of lime and taco seasoning for the perfect balance of creamy and zesty flavors. They make a delicious, easy-to-make homemade snack or dinner that is healthier than fried versions.
Ingredients
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 (for coating)
Optional Toppings
- Guacamole
- Sour cream
- Additional salsa
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- 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.
- Prepare the Filling: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, fresh lime juice, and chopped cilantro if using. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and creamy. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly from one end to the other. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them closed while baking.
- Coat with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil. This step ensures the taquitos will become golden and crispy in the oven without frying.
- Bake the Taquitos: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the taquitos to ensure even crispiness on all sides. Bake until they are golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool for a minute. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling prevents cracking and helps them roll more easily.
- You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- If desired, switch flour tortillas to corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but ensure they are fresh and pliable.
- Adjust the level of salsa heat to suit your spice preference.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best crispiness.
- To add extra crunch, you may sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: oven baked chicken taquitos, baked chicken taquitos, chicken taquitos recipe, healthy chicken taquitos, Mexican appetizer
