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Baked Chicken Taquitos: Easy Recipe & Crispy Perfection


  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 16 taquitos 1x

Description

Crispy baked chicken taquitos filled with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese, diced tomatoes, green chilies, and cilantro. A quick and easy meal perfect for any night of the week!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, drained
  • 16 corn tortillas
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Drizzle chicken breasts with olive oil and season with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Alternatively, poach or use leftover cooked chicken.
  2. Shred the Chicken: Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks.
  3. Combine with Spices: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the remaining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
  4. Add Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and softened cream cheese to the bowl.
  5. Incorporate Remaining Ingredients: Add the chopped cilantro and drained diced tomatoes and green chilies to the bowl.
  6. Mix Well: Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  7. Warm the Tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or until soft and pliable. Alternatively, warm in a dry skillet or in the oven wrapped in foil. Keep warmed tortillas covered with a clean kitchen towel to prevent drying.
  8. Assemble the Taquitos: Lay out a warmed tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the center of the tortilla.
  9. Roll Tightly: Fold one side of the tortilla over the filling, then tightly roll it up like a cigar.
  10. Place on Baking Sheet: Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  11. Repeat: Repeat steps 8-10 with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  12. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  13. Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray.
  14. Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
  15. Let Cool Slightly: Remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Warming the tortillas is crucial to prevent cracking.
  • Don’t overfill the tortillas.
  • Roll the taquitos tightly to prevent unraveling.
  • Adjust seasonings to taste.
  • Serve with sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo, queso, rice and beans, lettuce, and tomato.
  • Taquitos can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
  • Baked taquitos freeze well. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat them, bake them from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
  • Experiment with different fillings like ground beef, shredded pork, or vegetarian fillings like black beans and corn.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes