Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Learn how to make homemade baked taquitos with this easy recipe that delivers authentic Mexican flavors without deep-frying. Featuring shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a perfect blend of spices rolled in corn tortillas that crisp beautifully in the oven for the best healthier version of this family favorite.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

25 mins

Cook Time:

20 mins

Serves:

12 taquitos

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">400g cooked chicken breast, shredded</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g grated cheese (mix of cheddar and monterey jack)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">12 corn tortillas (15cm/6-inch diameter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small onion, finely diced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 cloves garlic, minced</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tbsp olive oil, plus extra for brushing</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g fresh coriander, chopped (cilantro)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 small green chile, deseeded and finely chopped (optional)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 185 calories

🥑 Fat: 8 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 3.5 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 15 g

🍭 Sugar: 1 g

🍗 Protein: 14 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 45 mg

🧂 Sodium: 320 mg

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking sheet</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Parchment paper</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Kitchen towels or microwave-safe tortilla warmer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Toothpicks (optional, for securing)</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly brush with olive oil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, cooked onion and garlic, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, chopped coriander, and green chile (if using). Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. The cream cheese helps bind the filling while adding moisture that prevents the chicken from drying out during baking.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Stir in the grated cheese until evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The combination of cheeses adds both flavor and a stretchy texture when melted.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Warm the tortillas to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolled. Either wrap them in damp kitchen towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm them individually in a dry frying pan for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel to retain moisture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Working with one tortilla at a time (keeping the others covered), place about 2-3 tablespoons of filling in a line along one side of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. If the tortillas are cracking, they need to be warmed more.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Continue with remaining tortillas, placing the rolled taquitos close together but not touching on the baking sheet. This helps them stay rolled during baking. If needed, secure with toothpicks.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Brush the tops and sides of the taquitos lightly with olive oil. This replaces the function of frying, helping the tortillas crisp up in the oven and develop a golden color.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are crispy and golden brown. Turn them halfway through cooking for even browning.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 10</h4>Remove from the oven and let cool for 2-3 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the filling to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth on the hot filling. Serve with your favorite toppings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or extra cheese.</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?

This recipe uses shredded chicken breast, cheddar and monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, corn tortillas, onion, garlic, olive oil, lime juice, spices (cumin, smoked paprika, oregano), fresh coriander, and optional green chile. These create flavorful taquitos without the need for deep frying.

How to cook Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe by mixing seasoned shredded chicken with cheeses and spices, warming corn tortillas until pliable, filling and rolling them tightly, then brushing with olive oil and baking at 200°C for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy. This healthier method delivers authentic Mexican flavors without deep-frying.

Can I make these taquitos with different fillings?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses chicken, you can create equally delicious taquitos with beef, pork, or vegetarian fillings like black beans and sweet potato. The key is ensuring your filling is well-seasoned and not too wet to prevent soggy tortillas when baking.

Why do my corn tortillas crack when I try to roll them?

Corn tortillas crack when they're not properly warmed. Make sure to thoroughly heat them either in a microwave wrapped in damp towels for 30 seconds or in a dry skillet for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep them covered and work quickly, warming more as needed.

How can I make these taquitos ahead for a party or meal prep?

You can prepare the filling up to two days ahead and store in the fridge. For fully assembled taquitos, either refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, or freeze them after baking and cooling. Reheat frozen taquitos at 180°C for 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.

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