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
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 (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
