These baked chicken taquitos are a tasty treat! Rolled up with tender chicken and cheesy goodness, they are easy to make and perfect for snacking or dinner.
Don’t be surprised if they disappear fast! I love serving them with some salsa or guacamole for dipping. Who doesn’t enjoy a crispy, flavorful bite? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is my go-to for convenience. If you prefer, you can use leftover chicken or even canned chicken. Just make sure to shred it well for easy rolling!
Cheese: Monterey Jack is creamy and melts nicely, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack for a kick, or a Mexican blend for added flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the filling. You can swap it with sour cream for a tangy twist or omit it if you’re watching calories.
Tortillas: Small flour tortillas are best for rolling. If you prefer something healthier, try corn tortillas or whole wheat, but warm them up to prevent cracking!
How Do I Get My Taquitos Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crispy texture, follow these simple steps. First, warming the tortillas is key; it makes them easier to roll without tearing. Microwaving them briefly or warming in a skillet does the trick.
- Once filled and rolled, brush them lightly with cooking oil or spray. This helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Baking at a high temperature (425°F) allows them to brown and become crunchy. Don’t forget to turn them halfway for even crispiness!
Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a Mexican cheese blend)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 10-12 small flour tortillas (6-8 inch)
- Cooking spray or a little oil for brushing tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake, totaling around 30-35 minutes from start to finish. You’ll have a delicious finger food ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, grab your oven and preheat it to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature will help our taquitos get nice and crispy. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup later!
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, diced red bell pepper, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s mixed evenly. You want to make sure every bite has that yummy filling!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
Next, warm the tortillas to make them easier to roll. You can microwave them for about 20-30 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel, or warm them individually in a skillet for a few seconds. This way they won’t crack when you roll them!
4. Fill and Roll:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling and place it on one end of each tortilla. Then, roll the tortilla tightly around the filling. Don’t worry if you don’t get it perfect; as long as you roll them up snug, they’ll turn out delicious!
5. Place on Baking Sheet:
Put the rolled taquitos seam side down on your prepared baking sheet. This will help them stay closed while they bake.
6. Get Ready to Bake:
Lightly spray or brush the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray or a little oil. This step helps them crisp up nicely in the oven.
7. Bake Them Up:
Pop the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remember to turn them halfway through to ensure they get golden brown and crispy all over!
8. Finishing Touch:
Once they’re done baking, take them out of the oven and sprinkle with a little more chopped cilantro for a fresh touch.
9. Serve Warm:
Enjoy your baked chicken taquitos warm! Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an extra delicious experience. Yum!
So there you have it—easy and scrumptious baked chicken taquitos! Perfect for parties, snacks, or family dinners.
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken works perfectly. Just shred or dice it before mixing it with the other ingredients for a quick and easy meal.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Cheese?
No problem! You can substitute cream cheese with sour cream for a tangy flavor, or simply omit it altogether. The filling will still be delicious without it!
Can I Make These Taquitos Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the filled taquitos, then cover and refrigerate them for up to a day before baking. Just be sure to bring them to room temperature and brush with oil before baking for the best crispiness!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
