Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Discover the joy of perfectly crispy taquitos without the deep-frying fuss! These oven-baked chicken taquitos are bursting with a savory, creamy chicken and cheese filling, all encased in a golden, crunchy tortilla. They make an ideal appetizer, a fun family dinner, or a delightful snack that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
20-25 minutes
Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
4-6 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- Achieves ultimate crispiness without deep-frying, making it a healthier alternative.
- Incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Features a rich, creamy, and savory chicken and cheese filling that's universally loved.
- Highly customizable with various toppings to suit individual tastes.
- A fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, especially rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients
- 350 grams (2 cups) shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great for convenience)
- 225 grams (1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 115 grams (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend is recommended)
- 120 milliliters (1/2 cup) salsa (choose your preferred heat level)
- 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) taco seasoning
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) fresh lime juice
- 6 grams (1/4 cup) chopped fresh cilantro (optional, but highly recommended for fresh flavor)
- 10-12 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or 15-30 milliliters (1-2 tablespoons) olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, additional salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Prepare a large baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even crisping.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, and fresh lime juice. If using, stir in the chopped fresh cilantro. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until they are well incorporated and the filling has a creamy, uniform consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
- Gently warm the flour tortillas. You can do this by microwaving them in a stack for about 10-15 seconds, or by heating them briefly in a dry skillet. Warming makes the tortillas more pliable and prevents them from cracking when rolled, ensuring a tight seal for your taquitos.
- To assemble each taquito, place approximately 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) of the chicken mixture onto the center of a warmed tortilla. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly, starting from one end, to create a compact cylinder. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Positioning them seam-side down helps them stay rolled during baking.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops of the assembled taquitos with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that desirable golden-brown color and satisfying crispy texture during the baking process.
- Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. For optimal crispiness and even cooking, flip the taquitos halfway through the baking time. Continue to bake until they are golden brown and have a deliciously crunchy exterior.
- Once baked to perfection, remove the taquitos from the oven and allow them to cool for just a minute or two before serving. This brief cooling period helps them firm up and makes them easier to handle. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as fresh guacamole, cooling sour cream, extra salsa, or a sprinkle of diced tomatoes or sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or spoon for mixing
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Microwave or dry skillet (for warming tortillas)
- Pastry brush (if using olive oil)
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is truly softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free filling.
- Don't overfill the tortillas; about 30 milliliters (2 tablespoons) is usually enough to roll them tightly without bursting.
- Warming the tortillas is a non-negotiable step to prevent cracking when rolling and to create a tighter taquito.
- Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unraveling during baking.
- For extra crispness, ensure they are lightly oiled or sprayed and flip them halfway through cooking.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of chipotle powder to the chicken filling for a subtle smoky heat.
- To achieve an even more robust golden crust, you can brush the taquitos with a beaten egg wash (one egg mixed with a tablespoon of water) instead of just oil before baking.
- If preparing ahead, assemble the taquitos and refrigerate them on the baking sheet for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time when cooking from chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Leftover taquitos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best crispness.
- Freezing: Unbaked taquitos can be frozen on a baking sheet until solid, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with seasoned black beans, corn, and bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for these taquitos?
Yes, you can! Corn tortillas will yield a slightly different texture and flavor. Be sure to warm them thoroughly, perhaps even briefly frying them in a thin layer of oil, to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling. They tend to be more delicate.
How do I make these taquitos spicy?
To increase the heat, use a spicy salsa in the filling, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also mix in some finely diced jalapeños or serrano peppers to the filling for fresh spice.
What's the best way to reheat leftover taquitos?
The best way to reheat taquitos and restore their crispness is in an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) or air fryer to 160°C (325°F) and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soft.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving, Protein: 25-30g, Fat: 25-35g, Carbohydrates: 30-40g (Estimates based on 5 servings, actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and brands).
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, shredded cheese) and gluten (flour tortillas). For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free flour tortillas. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives.
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