Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Learn how to make homemade baked chicken taquitos that are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This easy baking recipe uses shredded rotisserie chicken and baking instead of frying for the best healthier version of the classic Mexican favorite that's perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Serves:

16 taquitos

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">500g cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g cream cheese, softened</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g cheddar cheese, grated</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">100g Monterey Jack cheese, grated (or additional cheddar)</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 small green chili, finely chopped (or 1 tbsp canned green chilies)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp fresh lime juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp ground cumin</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">½ tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Salt and pepper to taste</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">16 small corn tortillas (15cm diameter)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">3 tbsp olive oil, for brushing</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For serving: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, fresh cilantro</li></ul>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size:

🔥 Calories:

🥑 Fat:

🧈 Saturated Fat:

🍞 Carbohydrates:

🍭 Sugar:

🍗 Protein:

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🧂 Sodium:

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking tray</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Baking paper/parchment</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Pastry brush</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) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Positioning your rack in the middle of the oven ensures even heat distribution for uniformly crispy taquitos.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, both grated cheeses, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped green chili, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated. The cream cheese acts as a binding agent while adding creaminess, and the lime juice brightens the flavors.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>To make the corn tortillas pliable and prevent cracking when rolling, warm them slightly. You can do this by wrapping stacks of 4-5 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or heating them individually in a dry pan for 10-15 seconds per side. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a clean towel to retain moisture and heat.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Working with one tortilla at a time (keeping the others covered), place about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture in a line across the lower third of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam-side down on the prepared baking tray. The tight roll ensures the filling stays inside during baking and helps create that satisfying crunch.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling, arranging the rolled taquitos on the baking tray about 2cm apart to allow for proper air circulation. If needed, secure each taquito with a toothpick to prevent unraveling (remember to remove before serving!).</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Brush each taquito generously with olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior that mimics frying but with significantly less fat. Ensure you coat the entire surface, paying special attention to the edges where the tortilla might otherwise dry out.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crisp. For even browning, rotate the baking tray halfway through cooking. You'll know they're done when you hear a hollow sound when tapped gently with a utensil.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</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 warm with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a complete experience. Enjoy your homemade, crispy baked chicken taquitos!</li></ol>

FAQs

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

What ingredients are used in Chicken Taquitos Recipe?

The key ingredients include shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, onion, garlic, green chili, lime juice, spices (cumin, paprika, oregano), corn tortillas, and olive oil. Serve with guacamole, salsa and sour cream.

How to cook Chicken Taquitos Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Chicken Taquitos Recipe by combining shredded chicken with cheeses and spices, rolling the mixture in softened corn tortillas, brushing with olive oil, and baking at 200°C for 12-15 minutes until golden and crispy. This method delivers restaurant-quality taquitos without deep-frying for a healthier but equally delicious result.

Can I make taquitos ahead of time and freeze them?

Yes! Prepare the taquitos through the rolling stage, but don't brush with oil. Arrange on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, brush frozen taquitos with oil and bake for 18-20 minutes.

What's the best way to keep corn tortillas from cracking when rolling taquitos?

Properly warming corn tortillas is crucial. Wrap stacks of 4-5 tortillas in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or quickly heat each in a dry pan. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a kitchen towel while working to retain moisture and flexibility.

Are baked taquitos healthier than the traditional fried version?

Absolutely! Baked taquitos contain significantly less fat and calories than fried versions, reducing the oil content by up to 70%. You still achieve that satisfying crunch through the baking process, but with a much lighter nutritional profile.

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