Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos

Oven baked chicken taquitos are the answer to busy weeknights when I want something that feels festive but comes together quickly in one pan These crunchy rolls are stuffed with creamy cheesy chicken and always disappear in minutes

I first whipped up these taquitos for a movie night when I needed to feed a crowd fast Now they are a staple because they deliver on flavor and are satisfyingly crunchy without any fuss

Ingredients

• Shredded cooked chicken: Tender flavorful base You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast for convenience
• Cream cheese at room temperature: Makes the filling creamy and rich Choose full fat for the best texture
• Shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese: Melts to a gooey texture Check the package to avoid added anti caking agents for best melting
• Salsa: Brings tang and moisture The fresher the salsa the better the flavor
• Taco seasoning: Boosts flavor You can use a mild or spicy blend use a homemade mix for more control over salt and heat
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens up the filling Freshly squeezed gives best results
• Chopped fresh cilantro optional: Adds freshness and color Make sure it is crisp and green
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Season to taste Use flaky salt and crack pepper right before adding
• Flour tortillas: Small size works best for rolling and baking Choose soft and flexible tortillas for easy assembly
• Cooking spray or olive oil: Helps the taquitos crisp up in the oven Go for an oil with a high smoke point

Optional Toppings

• Guacamole: Adds a creamy cool element Mash ripe avocados with lime and salt
• Sour cream: Gives tang and temperature contrast Choose full fat for thickness
• Additional salsa: Extra brightness and moisture Pick your favorite jar or make your own
• Diced tomatoes: Fresh pop of acidity Use ripe tomatoes with firm skins
• Sliced jalapenos: Brings heat Add as much as you like for a spicy kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to four hundred degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly so nothing sticks You want a ripping hot oven for that golden crunch

Mix the Filling:

Combine shredded chicken cream cheese shredded cheese salsa taco seasoning lime juice and cilantro if using in a big bowl Mix until it is really smooth and every bite will be flavorful Season with salt and pepper to your taste

Warm the Tortillas:

Microwave tortillas in a damp paper towel for about ten seconds to make them soft and flexible This step helps prevent cracking and makes rolling neat

Assemble the Taquitos:

Lay each warm tortilla flat Spoon about two tablespoons of the chicken filling down the center Roll them up snugly and place seam side down on the baking sheet Lining them up prevents unrolling while baking

Crisp the Taquitos:

Spray or brush the tops of taquitos with oil for a perfectly crispy shell This step mimics frying but with much less mess

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for about twenty to twenty five minutes Flip halfway through so all sides brown evenly They should be golden and sizzling

Serve and Top:

Let them cool for a few minutes so the filling sets Serve with all the toppings you love Let everyone customize their own

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Cheddar cheese makes these taste like the classic taquitos I grew up eating but the cream cheese is my modern touch It keeps the filling so velvety that even leftovers feel special I remember making a double batch for my kids’ birthday parties and the kids were reaching for thirds before the cake came out

Storage Tips

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator They stay crisp if you reheat them in a toaster oven or air fryer rather than the microwave For longer storage freeze them on a baking sheet then move to a freezer bag and bake straight from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cook time

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap in corn tortillas for a gluten free version Be sure to warm them well before filling or they may crack You can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese or try pepper jack cheese for extra heat The filling works great with pulled pork or roasted vegetables for a meatless spin

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Serving Suggestions

A platter of these taquitos tastes great with a simple chopped salad or cilantro lime rice and black beans I often set out a taco bar with lots of salsas and crunchy lettuce so everyone can mix and match flavors They pair perfectly with margaritas or sparkling lime agua fresca if you want to keep it festive

Cultural Background

Taquitos are a beloved street food throughout Mexican American communities with roots in border towns This oven baked version is inspired by the classic rolled tacos but skips deep frying making it approachable for home cooks who want that authentic crunch with less fuss

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep tortillas from cracking when assembling taquitos?

Warming the tortillas in the microwave for a few seconds makes them more flexible and easier to roll without splitting.

→ What cheeses work best for the filling?

Cheddar or Mexican blend cheeses melt well and pair nicely with the creamy and tangy flavors in the filling.

→ Can you use rotisserie chicken for the filling?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds great flavor to the taquito filling.

→ How do you achieve crispy taquitos in the oven?

Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with oil before baking and flip them halfway through for an even crisp texture.

→ What toppings pair well with chicken taquitos?

Serve them with guacamole, sour cream, more salsa, diced tomatoes, or sliced jalapeños for added flavor and texture.