Baked Chicken Taquitos are fun, crunchy rolls filled with tender, spiced chicken. They are super easy to make and bake up to golden perfection!
These taquitos are great for parties or just a cozy night at home. I love dipping them in salsa or guacamole—seriously, who doesn’t enjoy a little crunch with their dip? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option. If you’re looking for a vegetarian substitute, try cooked and mashed beans or lentils for a hearty filling.
Cheese: Cheddar adds a nice sharpness. You can swap it for Monterey Jack for a milder flavor or even dairy-free cheese if you’re lactose intolerant.
Red Bell Pepper: Adds color and crunch. If you’re not a fan, feel free to use any other bell pepper or even finely chopped spinach for added nutrition.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are easy to roll, but if you’re gluten-free, corn tortillas work great too. Just be sure to warm them up first!
How Do You Get Your Taquitos Extra Crispy?
To achieve perfectly crispy taquitos, follow these tips:
- Warm the tortillas first to make them pliable. This helps prevent cracking while rolling.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas. 2-3 tablespoons of filling is perfect! Too much filling can make rolling difficult and lead to spills.
- Brush or spray the taquitos lightly with oil before baking. This helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- Bake at a high temperature (425°F) and keep an eye on them. You want them golden brown and crunchy, usually around 15-20 minutes.
With these tips and substitutions, you’re set to make delicious baked chicken taquitos that everyone will love!
Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or Mexican blend)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 to 10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil for baking
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping
Time Estimate
You’ll need about 10-15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for baking. In total, plan for about 30-35 minutes from start to deliciously enjoying your taquitos!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). While it warms up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, red bell pepper, green onions, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well blended. This is where all the flavors come together, so make sure it’s mixed thoroughly!
3. Warm the Tortillas:
Next, you’ll want to warm the tortillas. This step makes them easier to roll without tearing. You can do this by microwaving them for about 20-30 seconds or heating them on a dry skillet until they are warm and pliable.
4. Filling the Tortillas:
Once the tortillas are warm, lay one flat on your work surface. Scoop about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture along one edge of the tortilla. Be careful not to overfill it so you can roll it up easily!
5. Roll and Place:
Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this for all the tortillas and chicken mixture until you’ve used everything up.
6. Coat with Oil:
For an extra crunchy texture, lightly spray or brush the tops and edges of the taquitos with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This helps them brown beautifully in the oven.
7. Bake Them:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy. Your kitchen is going to smell amazing!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once baked, remove the taquitos from the oven and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. Dive in and enjoy your tasty creation!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful baked chicken taquitos! 🌮
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option and will save you time. Just shred or chop it up and mix it in with the other ingredients as directed.
Can I Freeze These Taquitos Before Baking?
Yes! You can assemble the taquitos and freeze them before baking. Just make sure to place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! You can substitute the spices with taco seasoning if you have it on hand. About 1-2 tablespoons should do the trick, giving your filling a similar flavor profile but with less fuss!
How Do I Store Leftover Taquitos?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
