Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos always remind me of those cozy family nights spent gathered around the table, chatting and laughing while enjoying a delicious meal. I can still picture my younger self, eagerly rolling up those tortillas, filling them with a savory mixture of chicken and cheese, and waiting impatiently for them to come out of the oven. The smell wafting through the house was simply irresistible! These taquitos have become a staple in our home, perfect for casual dinners, game days, or even a fun movie night.
What makes these Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos so special is how versatile they are. You can whip them up in no time, and they make for a fantastic snack or a satisfying meal. Plus, they’re easy to customize based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. Trust me; once you try them, you'll be looking for reasons to make them again and again!
Why You’ll Love "Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos"
- Quick and easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal ingredients required, so you can throw them together with pantry staples.
- Family-friendly and customizable, ensuring everyone gets a taquito just the way they like it.
- Freezer-friendly! Make a big batch and save some for later.
- Perfectly crispy without the mess of frying – baked to golden perfection!
- Great for game days, parties, or even a cozy movie night at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to use your favorite cheese blend!)
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (For a little kick, but use Monterey Jack for milder flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin (Adds depth; adjust if you want it more or less intense.)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (This brings in a touch of warmth; you can increase it for more spice!)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (Fresh minced garlic works too if you prefer!)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder (Or finely chopped onion for a fresh taste.)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (Always taste your filling to get it just right!)
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (This adds freshness; you can skip if you're not a fan.)
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas (I love corn for an authentic taste, but flour is super soft and pliable.)
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons of olive oil (A light spray keeps them crispy without being greasy.)
- Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for serving (These are must-haves for dipping and adding flavor!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This way, it’s nice and hot when your taquitos are ready to go in!
Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, both cheeses, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro.
- Mix everything together until well combined. Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there – it’s way more fun that way!
Prepare the Tortillas
- Next, take those lovely tortillas and warm them up in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This makes them soft and pliable, perfect for rolling up!
Assemble the Taquitos
- Now it’s time to fill those tortillas! Spoon a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture into the center of each tortilla.
- Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, tucking in the sides as you go to keep everything snug.
- Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will help them stay in shape while baking.
Bake the Taquitos
- Give your rolled taquitos a light spray with olive oil or brush them gently with olive oil to ensure they get nice and crispy.
- Bake them in the preheated oven for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too toasty!
- Once done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Variations
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and opt for low-fat cheese.
- Add some diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for an extra kick.
- Try using ground turkey or beef instead of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Switch up the cheeses by including crumbled feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist.
- Make it vegetarian by substituting chicken with black beans and corn.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving
Serve these crispy taquitos hot out of the oven for the best texture! Pair them with a side of fresh salsa, creamy guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream for dipping. You can also add a simple salad or some Mexican rice to make it a complete meal. Everyone will love customizing their own plate!
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep them crispy, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. You can also freeze unbaked taquitos; just wrap them tightly and bake from frozen for an extra 5 minutes when you're ready to enjoy!
Helpful Notes
- If you're in a pinch, canned chicken or pre-cooked chicken strips work great as substitutes.
- Feel free to add in some black beans or corn to the filling for extra texture and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Adjust the seasonings based on your family’s taste – more cumin for depth or extra chili powder for heat!
- These taquitos can easily be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos?
Yes, you can absolutely freeze these delicious taquitos! Just wrap the unbaked taquitos tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer; just add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for shredded chicken?
If you don’t have shredded chicken on hand, there are plenty of great alternatives! You can use ground turkey, cooked diced beef, or even canned tuna if you’re feeling adventurous. For a vegetarian option, try using black beans, lentils, or roasted vegetables.
How can I make these taquitos spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños, serrano peppers, or a splash of hot sauce into the filling. You can also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes into the mixture for an extra kick. Adjust to your taste and enjoy the spicy goodness!
Final Thoughts
Making Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is not just about the food; it’s about creating those cherished moments around the table with family and friends. I hope you feel inspired to whip up a batch and enjoy the delightful crunch and cheesy goodness that comes with each bite. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these taquitos are sure to impress! So roll up those tortillas, get your hands a little messy, and savor the joy of cooking. You’ve got this, and I can’t wait for you to taste the magic!
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Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy snack or meal option. They are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, combine chicken, cheeses, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cilantro.
- Warm tortillas in a microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place a few tablespoons of the chicken mixture in each tortilla and roll tightly.
- Place rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Serve with salsa, sour cream, and guacamole.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos, Chicken Taquitos, Taquitos Recipe
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