Hey y'all! Ready to spice up your routine with a meal that's crunchy, gooey, and bursting with south-of-the-border flavors? Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night are your ticket to a deliciously simple dinner, party appetizer, or festive snack. These golden, oven-baked taquitos are loaded with juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and zesty seasonings – perfect for movie nights, game days, or when you crave Mexican-inspired comfort food without the fuss. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night Recipe
- Quick and easy—on the table in just about 35 minutes.
- Healthier than fried taquitos but still crispy and satisfying.
- Perfect for meal prep, parties, or kid-friendly dinners.
- Full of bold, cheesy, and savory flavors.
- Customizable for all types of dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
- 1 ½ cups shredded Mexican-blend cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Optional: chopped fresh cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and extra salsa for serving
How to Make Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed and creamy.
Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos
Warm tortillas for 20-30 seconds in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel) to make them pliable. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken-cheese mixture down the center of each tortilla. Tightly roll each tortilla and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with olive oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until taquitos are golden brown and crisp at the edges.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then serve your delicious baked cheesy chicken taquitos with your favorite toppings and sides.
Notes for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- If using corn tortillas, warm them well to prevent cracking (here's how).
- Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and adds extra flavor.
- For best results, shred your cheese fresh for extra meltiness (grating tips).
Variations of Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans, sautéed peppers, and corn.
- Spicy: Add 1 diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne to the filling.
- Low-Carb: Use low-carb tortillas or large lettuce leaves.
Required Equipment for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- Large mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Microwave (for warming tortillas)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Storage Instructions for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
Let leftover taquitos cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze taquitos (wrapped individually) for up to 2 months; reheat in the oven at 400°F (200°C) until hot and crispy, about 10-15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- Pair with fresh guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or Mexican rice.
- Top with sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Pro Tips for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- Don’t overfill the tortillas—this ensures they stay rolled up and crisp.
- Space taquitos slightly apart on the baking sheet for maximum crunch.
- Brush or spray with olive oil before baking for restaurant-style crispiness (see this guide).
FAQ – Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos for a Quick Mexican Night
- Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Prepare and roll the taquitos, then refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours or freeze for later baking.
- What’s the best way to keep taquitos crisp?
- Reheat them in a hot oven, not the microwave, to restore their crunchy texture.
- Can I use different cheeses?
- Yes—try Monterey Jack, cheddar, or pepper jack for unique flavor twists.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
-
1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
2In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
-
3Warm the tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
-
4Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
-
5Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
-
6Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
Did you make this recipe?
Please consider Pinning it!!