Description
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. Serve them with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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.
Instructions
Prepare the Filling:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- 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:
- Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel.
- Add the Filling: Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one side of each tortilla.
- Roll the Taquitos: Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling, placing them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Taquitos:
- 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.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool: Allow the taquitos to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let the filling set.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 150-170 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 12g