Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Introduction

Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a healthier twist on a classic Mexican-inspired dish. These crispy, golden rolls are filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, cheese, and spices, then baked to perfection. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, party appetizer, or snack. Baking the taquitos instead of frying them keeps them lighter while still delivering a satisfying crunch.

I first made these for a game night with friends, and they disappeared from the plate in no time. The combination of the crispy tortilla and the flavorful filling is absolutely irresistible. What makes them even better is their versatility—you can customize the filling with your favorite ingredients, such as black beans, jalapeños, or even sautéed veggies, to suit your taste.

These Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are incredibly easy to prepare and come together quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping, and you’ve got a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious!

Perfect for:

• Game-day appetizers
• Quick dinners
• Party snacks
• Kid-friendly meals
• Meal prep

Why You’ll Love This Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Here’s why Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a household favorite:

• Crispy Texture Without Frying: Baking the taquitos gives them a crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying.
• Flavor-Packed Filling: The combination of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and spices makes for a delicious and savory filling.
• Quick and Easy: These taquitos are simple to prepare and bake in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: You can easily swap ingredients to fit your tastes, from different proteins to alternative spices.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them for a convenient, ready-to-bake snack or meal.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 12 taquitos
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-170 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 12g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salsa (mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 12 small flour or corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or olive oil
• Salt, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Shredded Chicken: Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs for the filling.
• Cheese: A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds creaminess and flavor, but you can use any cheese you prefer.
• Salsa: Salsa adds moisture and a kick of flavor to the filling—choose your spice level based on your preference.
• Tortillas: Both flour and corn tortillas work for this recipe; just choose based on your preference or dietary needs.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to create your crispy Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos:

Prepare the Filling:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined and creamy.

Assemble the Taquitos:

3. Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
4. Add the Filling: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one side of each tortilla.
5. Roll the Taquitos: Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, placing them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Taquitos:

6. Brush or Spray with Oil: Lightly brush the taquitos with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
8. Cool: Allow the taquitos to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With Dipping Sauces: Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or salsa for dipping.
• As a Main Dish: Pair with a side of rice, beans, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
• For Parties: Arrange them on a platter with a variety of dips for an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.
• Taco Night: Add them to your taco spread as a fun alternative.
• Kid-Friendly Meals: Serve with a side of veggies or fruit for a balanced meal that kids will love.

Additional Tips for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Here are some tips to make your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos perfect every time:

• Don’t Overfill the Tortillas: Overfilling can make the taquitos difficult to roll and cause them to burst during baking.
• Use Toothpicks: If your taquitos don’t stay rolled, secure them with toothpicks before baking.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Customize the filling’s spice level by using mild, medium, or hot salsa and adjusting the chili powder.
• Bake Until Crispy: For the best texture, bake until the taquitos are golden and crisp. You can broil them for an additional minute if you want extra crunch.
• Reheat Properly: Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Recipe Variations for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Here are 10 variations you can try for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos:

• Beef Taquitos: Replace the chicken with cooked and seasoned ground beef or shredded beef.
• Vegetarian Taquitos: Substitute the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or roasted vegetables.
• Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix shredded chicken with cream cheese, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
• Cheesy Jalapeño Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños to the filling for extra heat.
• Breakfast Taquitos: Use scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked sausage or bacon as the filling.
• BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Mix the chicken with your favorite barbecue sauce for a sweet and tangy variation.
• Spinach and Chicken Taquitos: Add chopped spinach to the filling for a boost of veggies.
• Turkey Taquitos: Use shredded turkey, especially great for using up Thanksgiving leftovers.
• Vegan Taquitos: Use plant-based chicken, vegan cheese, and dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
• Seafood Taquitos: Replace the chicken with cooked shrimp or crab for a seafood twist.

Freezing and Storage for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Freezing: Place unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a zip-top freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Special Equipment for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Here are some tools to make preparing Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos easier:

• Mixing Bowls: Use a large bowl for mixing the filling.
• Baking Sheet: Line with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
• Microwave: Warm tortillas in the microwave to make them easier to roll.
• Pastry Brush: Use to brush the taquitos with oil for a crispy finish.
• Toothpicks: Secure the taquitos if needed during baking.
• Oven or Air Fryer: Bake the taquitos in the oven or air fry them for an even crispier texture.

Frequently Asked Questions for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
   Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?
   Absolutely! Corn tortillas are a great option, especially for gluten-free taquitos.
4. How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking?
   Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking.
5. Can I fry these instead of baking them?
   Yes, you can fry the taquitos in oil until golden brown for a more traditional preparation.

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Conclusion

Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and healthier twist on a classic favorite. With their crispy, golden shells and flavorful chicken filling, these taquitos are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a tasty party snack—no matter the setting, they’re sure to be a hit.

This recipe is easy to prepare and versatile, allowing you to customize the filling to your liking. Pair the taquitos with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping, and watch them disappear in no time. They’re a fun and satisfying dish everyone will love.

I’d love to see how your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!