Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a flavorful and crispy Mexican-inspired appetizer made with shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a blend of spices, all rolled into small flour tortillas and baked to golden perfection. Perfect for a snack or party dish, they are easy to prepare and delicious when served with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 taquitos 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
Wraps and Finishing
- 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, lime juice, and chopped cilantro if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Warm the flour tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them more flexible and prevent cracking. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the center of each tortilla, then roll them tightly from one end, making sure the filling is enclosed. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to maintain shape while baking.
- Coat with Oil: Lightly spray or brush the tops of the rolled taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil. This step promotes a crisp, golden exterior 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 cook time to ensure even crispiness on all sides. Bake until golden brown and crunchy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with optional toppings such as guacamole, sour cream, extra salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and garnish.
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before assembling helps prevent them from cracking when rolled.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
- Flip the taquitos halfway through baking for uniformly crispy results.
- Customize the spice level by choosing mild, medium, or hot salsa and adjusting taco seasoning accordingly.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with corn tortillas, but handle gently as they are more fragile.
Keywords: chicken taquitos, baked taquitos, crunchy taquitos, Mexican appetizer, oven-baked chicken, party snacks, easy taquitos recipe
