Description
These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are an easy and customizable recipe perfect for a quick meal or party snack. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, and taco seasoning, these taquitos get crispy and golden in the oven without frying. They’re versatile and can be tailored with your favorite cheeses, salsas, and herbs, delivering a flavorful Mexican-inspired dish that’s simple to prepare and enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (Using rotisserie chicken saves prep time)
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (Low-fat cream cheese can be used for fewer calories)
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican Blend)
- 1/2 cup Salsa (mild or spicy based on preference)
- 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (optional)
Assembly
- 10 small Flour Tortillas (can substitute with corn tortillas, warmed for flexibility)
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil (as needed for crispiness during baking)
Instructions
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and fresh cilantro if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Warm Tortillas: Lightly warm the tortillas to make them pliable and easier to roll without cracking. You can do this in the microwave for about 20 seconds or on a dry skillet for a few seconds each side.
- Assemble Taquitos: Place a few tablespoons of the chicken filling horizontally on one edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito, securing the seam underneath.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly coat with cooking spray or brush with olive oil.
- Arrange and Spray: Place the rolled taquitos seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or olive oil to encourage crispiness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through baking for even crisping if desired.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Serve with additional salsa, guacamole, or sour cream if desired.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken reduces prep time and adds flavor.
- Low-fat cream cheese can be used to reduce calories.
- Warm tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking.
- Flour tortillas yield crispier taquitos, but corn tortillas are a gluten-free alternative if warmed properly.
- Cooking spray or olive oil is essential for achieving the crispy baked texture.
- Customize the spice level by choosing a mild or spicy salsa and adjusting taco seasoning.
- Taquitos can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.
