Name: Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 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; 10-12 small flour tortillas; Cooking spray or olive oil; Guacamole; Sour cream; Additional salsa; Diced tomatoes; Sliced jalapeños

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Introduction

These crunchy oven-baked chicken taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. Filled with a creamy chicken mixture and baked until golden and crispy, they’re perfect for sharing or enjoying any time.

A stack of eight golden-brown rolled taquitos arranged neatly on a sheet of white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The taquitos have a crispy texture with some darker fried spots visible. On top, there are fresh toppings including chopped red tomatoes, purple onion pieces, sliced green jalapeños, chopped green herbs, and cilantro leaves scattered around. Drizzled white sour cream is spread evenly across the taquitos. Two lime wedges sit on the top left and bottom right corners of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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)
10-12 small flour tortillas
Cooking spray or olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and chopped cilantro if using. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to make them pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them tightly, starting from one end. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil. This helps them get crispy during baking.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through baking for even crispiness.
Step 6: Remove the taquitos from the oven, let them cool for a minute, and serve with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa.

Tips & Variations

Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a gluten-free option, but soften them thoroughly to prevent cracking.
Try adding finely chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for extra heat.
For extra crispiness, brush the taquitos with a little melted butter before baking.
Leftover shredded chicken can be swapped for rotisserie or cooked turkey for a different flavor.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep them crunchy.

How to Serve

Four rolled tortillas with a golden crispy skin, speckled with dark char marks and sprinkled with fresh green chopped cilantro, are lined up on a wooden board. Each tortilla is stuffed with a creamy orange cheese layer mixed with shredded white chicken visible at the open ends. Behind the tortillas, two small white bowls hold bright green guacamole with chunks of tomato and cilantro. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze the taquitos before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What can I serve with chicken taquitos?

Chicken taquitos go well with guacamole, sour cream, fresh salsa, diced tomatoes, or a simple side salad. Rice and beans also make excellent accompaniments for a complete meal.