Hey y'all! If you're searching for a snack that's crunchy, satisfying, and totally crowd-pleasing, these Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are going to be your new favorite! Packed with tender, flavorful chicken and melty cheese wrapped in perfectly crisp tortillas, they're ideal for family dinners, game day munchies, or a quick lunch that everyone will love. Bonus: since they're baked not fried, you get all the crunch without the extra oil! Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- They deliver maximum crunch without deep-frying, thanks to oven baking!
- Quick and easy: prep to plate in under 40 minutes.
- Family-friendly and perfect for making ahead or freezing.
- Customizable with your favorite fillings and cheeses.
- Healthier than traditional fried taquitos but still ultra-satisfying.
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 4 oz (½ block) cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salsa or mild enchilada sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 12 small corn tortillas (6-inch)
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
How to Make Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, stir together shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, salsa, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, and salt until well combined. The mixture should be creamy and easy to scoop.
Step 2: Soften the Tortillas
To prevent cracking, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 45 seconds. This makes them flexible and easy to roll.
Step 3: Assemble Your Chicken Taquitos
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture near one edge of each tortilla, then tightly roll up into a taquito. Place seam-side down on the baking sheet. Continue with the remaining tortillas.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crunchy
Lightly spray or brush each taquito with olive oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, turning halfway through, until crisp and deep golden brown. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes for the Best Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own chicken breasts for added flavor.
- Don't skip warming the tortillas; it prevents splitting while rolling.
- For extra crispy taquitos, use a dark nonstick baking sheet or try an air fryer!
Crunchy Oven-Baked Taquitos Variations
- Cheesy Black Bean: Swap chicken for black beans and add extra cheese for a vegetarian version.
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix hot sauce and a bit of ranch into the filling for a spicy twist.
- Pulled Pork: Use leftover pulled pork and Monterey Jack cheese for a tasty BBQ spin.
What You Need to Make Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Medium mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Microwave and paper towels for softening tortillas
Storage Instructions for Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Store cooled taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, place in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
What to Serve with Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Serve with creamy guacamole, fresh salsa, or sour cream for dipping.
- Pair with a light side salad, Spanish rice, or cilantro-lime cauliflower rice for a balanced meal.
- Top with diced avocado, shredded lettuce, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra color and flavor.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Don’t overfill the taquitos; keep filling towards one edge to make rolling easier and tighter.
- Arrange taquitos seam-side down and close together on the baking sheet; this helps them hold their shape and get crisp.
- Brushing or spraying with olive oil is key for achieving that golden, crunchy finish (see oven-baked chicken tips).
FAQ: Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
- Yes, but flour tortillas may be softer and won’t get quite as crispy; reduce baking time by 2-3 minutes if needed.
- How can I make these gluten-free?
- Choose certified gluten-free corn tortillas and check your fillings for hidden gluten ingredients.
- Is there a way to make them spicier?
- Absolutely! Add chopped jalapeño to the filling or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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3Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave to make them pliable. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll it up tightly.
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4Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each taquito lightly with olive oil to ensure a crispy finish.
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5Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden and crispy. Serve warm with your favorite dips.
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.
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