Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos combine tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and zesty salsa wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. Perfectly seasoned with taco spices and lime juice, these taquitos bake to golden perfection and offer a deliciously crunchy texture without the extra oil of frying. Served with your favorite toppings like guacamole or sour cream, they’re a crowd-pleaser for a quick dinner or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
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
Tortillas
- 10–12 small flour tortillas
Cooking
- Cooking spray or olive oil
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 and ensure easy cleanup.
- 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 thoroughly until the filling is creamy and well incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll. Place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then roll tightly from one end to the other. Position each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to keep them intact while baking.
- Coat with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil on top to promote browning and achieve a crispy texture during baking.
- Bake the Taquitos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping the taquitos halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. They should turn golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your preferred toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas, but be careful when rolling as corn tortillas are more brittle.
- You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours for easy assembly later.
- If you prefer extra crispy taquitos, consider broiling them for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Leftover taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
- For a spicier version, add extra jalapeños to the filling or use a hotter salsa.
Keywords: oven-baked chicken taquitos, chicken taquitos recipe, crispy baked taquitos, Mexican appetizers, easy chicken taquitos, homemade taquitos
