Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

why make this recipe

Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos bring a delightful mix of flavors and textures that make for a great meal or snack. These tasty bites are filled with tender chicken, cream cheese, and spices, all wrapped in crispy tortillas. Plus, baking them instead of frying means you can enjoy all the crunch without the extra grease. They are easy to make and can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as appetizers at parties. Making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and customize the fillings to your liking.

Another great reason to make these taquitos is their versatility. You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, which enhances the flavor even more. Whether you’re serving them to a group of friends or enjoying them for a cozy night in, these taquitos are sure to please everyone.

how to make Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Making Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is a straightforward process that requires just a few simple steps. With easily accessible ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Here’s how to make them:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken
• 8 oz Cream Cheese
• 1 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mexican Blend)
• 1/2 cup Salsa
• 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning
• 1 tbsp Lime Juice
• 1/4 cup Fresh Cilantro (Optional)
• 10 small Flour Tortillas
• Cooking Spray or Olive Oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is important to get the taquitos nice and crispy.

2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, lime juice, and optional cilantro. Mix everything until it is well combined. This will be your delicious filling.

3. Warm the Tortillas: To make the tortillas easier to roll, warm them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This makes them pliable and less likely to break.

4. Fill and Roll: Take one tortilla and place 2-3 tablespoons of the filling on one side. Roll the tortilla tightly from that side and place it seam-side down on a greased baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and filling.

5. Add Crunch: Once all the taquitos are rolled and on the baking sheet, spray the tops with cooking spray or brush them lightly with olive oil. This helps them to crisp up nicely in the oven.

6. Bake: Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taquitos for about 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve: After baking, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.

how to serve Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos can be served in many ways. Here are a few ideas:

• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter with a few different dipping sauces. Guests can grab them easily, making them perfect for parties or gatherings.

• For Lunch or Dinner: Enjoy the taquitos alongside a fresh salad or some Mexican rice. This makes for a complete meal that is both satisfying and delicious.

• Game Day Snacks: These taquitos are perfect for sports events or movie nights. Their finger-food nature makes them an ideal choice for casual gatherings.

• Kid-Friendly Meal: Children will love these taquitos. You can even set up a taco bar where they can add their own toppings, like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, or shredded lettuce.

• Freezing for Later: If you make a big batch, consider freezing some for later. Just bake them, let them cool, and then freeze in a single layer. When you’re ready to eat, bake from frozen for a quick meal.

how to store Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Storing leftover taquitos is easy. Here’s how to keep them fresh:

• In the Refrigerator: Allow the taquitos to cool completely. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with plastic wrap. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• In the Freezer: If you want to store them for a longer time, you can freeze them. Place the cooled taquitos in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They should last for about 2-3 months in the freezer.

• Reheating: To reheat, place refrigerated or frozen taquitos in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until heated through. This will help them regain some of their original crispiness. You can also microwave them, though they may not be as crispy.

tips to make Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Here are some useful tips for making the best Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos:

• Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works great. This cuts down on prep time and adds flavor.

• Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and Mexican blend cheeses are great options, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese, such as pepper jack for a bit of spice or mozzarella for a milder flavor.

• Spice it Up: If you like heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.

• Use Smaller Tortillas: If you want bite-sized taquitos, use smaller tortillas. This creates perfect little snacks that are easy to eat.

• Avoid Overfilling: Be careful not to overfill the tortillas. If you pack them too tightly, they might burst while baking.

• Roll Tightly: Ensure that you roll the taquitos tightly to help them hold their shape during baking.

variation

Here are a few variations of Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos you might want to try out:

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. You can also add extra spices like cumin and paprika for flavor.

• Cheesy Beef Taquitos: Use ground beef instead of chicken and mix it with cream cheese and shredded cheese. Add some onions and taco seasoning for a different taste profile.

• Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and cream cheese for a spicy twist. These can be served with blue cheese dressing.

• Breakfast Taquitos: Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and cooked bacon or sausage for a breakfast treat.

• Sweet Taquitos: For a dessert version, fill tortillas with cream cheese and fruit like strawberries or bananas, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and bake until golden.

FAQs

1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas for taquitos?

Yes, you can use corn tortillas. Just be sure to warm them up well to prevent them from breaking when rolling. However, corn tortillas can be a bit more challenging to work with than flour.

2. Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the taquitos up to the baking step and store them in the fridge for a day or freeze them for later baking. Just remember to adjust baking times if you’re cooking them from frozen.

3. How can I make these taquitos gluten-free?

To make gluten-free taquitos, simply use gluten-free tortillas. Most grocery stores offer a variety of gluten-free tortilla options that work well.

4. What can I serve with taquitos?

Serve Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos with your choice of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a yogurt dip. Freshly chopped vegetables or a side salad can also complement the dish nicely.

5. How do I keep the taquitos crispy after baking?

To keep the taquitos crispy, wait until just before serving to cover them. If you’re making them ahead of time, reheat in the oven rather than the microwave to maintain their crunch.

6. Can I bake taquitos without oil?

Yes, you can bake taquitos without oil, though they might not be as crispy. You can brush them with a light layer of water to help them crisp up.

7. Is it possible to air-fry taquitos?

Yes! Air-frying taquitos is a great way to achieve a crispy outside. Air fry them at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through for even cooking.

8. Can I freeze cooked taquitos?

Yes, you can freeze cooked taquitos. Allow them to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat them in the oven for the best texture.

9. What is the recommended cooking time for frozen taquitos?

If cooking frozen taquitos, increase the baking time to about 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until they are heated through and crispy.

10. Can I make these taquitos in an Instant Pot?

While you typically bake taquitos, you can use an Instant Pot to cook the filling quickly. Once it’s ready, assemble the taquitos and bake them in the oven for that crunchy finish.

Making Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is not only simple, but it’s a delicious way to bring family and friends together. With the ability to customize fillings and serve with various sauces, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home!

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