I can still picture my mom in her apron, humming along to the radio as she prepped dinner. Weeknights were always a whirlwind, but somehow, she always managed to get a delicious meal on the table. Baked chicken taquitos were one of our favorites.
The smell of the taco seasoning and melting cheese would fill the entire house. It was a sign that dinner was almost ready and that we’d soon be gathered around the table, sharing stories about our day. These taquitos always felt special, a simple dish that held so many happy memories.
I remember one time, I tried to help her roll the taquitos. They were a mess, all lopsided and bursting at the seams! We laughed so hard, and she gently showed me how to do it properly. Now, every time I make them, I think of her and that funny memory. If you’re looking for another simple, family-friendly dish, you should definitely give this garlic parmesan meatloaf recipe a try.
Why you’ll love this Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- These oven-baked chicken taquitos are incredibly easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Baking instead of frying makes them a healthier and lighter alternative.
- The combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese creates a delicious, cheesy filling.
- They’re easily customizable – add your favorite toppings for a personalized experience.
- These taquitos are a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken, reducing food waste and saving you time.
- Their crispy texture and flavorful filling make them a hit with both kids and adults. You can’t go wrong with a baked chicken taquito!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Directions
Step 1
Baked chicken taquitos makes every moment feel velvety. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
Step 2
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
Step 3
Warm the corn tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking.
Step 4
Fill and roll the taquitos: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 5
Brush the taquitos with olive oil. This will help them get crispy in the oven.
Step 6
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
Step 7
Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to add a little something extra to your baked chicken taquitos? Try mixing in some diced onions or chopped green chilies into the chicken mixture for a boost of flavor. You could also swap out the cheeses – pepper jack would give them a spicy kick, or try a blend of Mexican cheeses.
Another fun variation is to add a layer of refried beans to the tortilla before adding the chicken mixture. This adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein. You can also add a little shredded lettuce inside for some extra crunch and freshness.
For a vegetarian option, you could easily substitute the chicken with black beans or seasoned lentils. Just make sure to drain any excess liquid from the beans or lentils before mixing them with the cheese and other ingredients.
Pairings
These baked chicken taquitos pair perfectly with a variety of sides. A simple Mexican rice and refried beans are classic choices. You could also serve them with a fresh and zesty coleslaw or a light salad with a lime vinaigrette.
For a heartier meal, consider serving them with a side of Mexican street corn. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory filling of the taquitos. Black bean soup is another great option, providing a comforting and flavorful contrast.
Don’t forget the drinks! A refreshing glass of lemonade or iced tea pairs well with the savory flavors of the taquitos. Or, for a more festive occasion, you could serve them with a pitcher of margaritas. You can even find excellent non-alcoholic margaritas these days!
Serving ideas
Presentation is key! Arrange the baked chicken taquitos on a platter with small bowls of your favorite toppings. This allows everyone to customize their own taquitos and adds a pop of color to the table.
Garnish with fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges for a vibrant and appealing presentation. You could also drizzle some creamy avocado sauce or a spicy chipotle sauce over the taquitos for added flavor and visual appeal. Fork Haven has a great collection of recipes, including this grinder tortellini salad recipe, that would complement the meal perfectly. Check it out for some inspiration!
For a fun and casual gathering, serve the taquitos in individual paper cones or baskets. This makes them easy to eat while mingling and adds a festive touch. Place a napkin at the bottom of the cone to catch any drips.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover baked chicken taquitos can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer for the best results, as microwaving can make them soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the taquitos before baking. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months.
When reheating frozen taquitos, thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from becoming soggy. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they are heated through.
Make-ahead
These baked chicken taquitos are a great make-ahead option for busy weeknights. You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the taquitos.
You can also assemble the taquitos ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, unbaked, for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover them tightly with plastic wrap to prevent the tortillas from drying out. Brush them with olive oil just before baking.
For a quick and easy meal prep option, make a big batch of taquitos on the weekend and freeze them for later. This way, you’ll always have a delicious and convenient meal on hand when you’re short on time. Just thaw and bake whenever you need them.
Common mistakes when making Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- Using cold tortillas: Cold tortillas are more likely to crack when rolled. Warming them slightly in the microwave or on a dry skillet makes them more pliable and prevents breakage.
- Overfilling the taquitos: Adding too much filling can cause the taquitos to burst open during baking. Stick to 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla.
- Not brushing with olive oil: Brushing the taquitos with olive oil is crucial for achieving a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step!
- Baking at too low a temperature: Baking at a low temperature can result in soggy taquitos. Make sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
- Not flipping halfway through: Flipping the taquitos halfway through baking ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.
Final notes
I hope you enjoy these baked chicken taquitos as much as my family does. They’re such a simple and satisfying meal, perfect for any occasion. Plus, knowing they’re baked instead of fried makes me feel a little bit better about indulging!
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fillings and toppings to create your own unique version. Get creative and have fun with it! This recipe is really a blank canvas for your culinary imagination.
Happy cooking! And remember, even if your taquitos aren’t perfectly rolled, they’ll still taste delicious. It’s all about the flavor and the memories you create while making them.
Loved this Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos? Try these next
- Garlic Parmesan Meatloaf Recipe
- Jalapeno Peach Chicken Recipe Perfect Spicy
- French Dip Tortilla Roll Ups
- Grinder Tortellini Salad Recipe
- Chicken Stuffing Casserole Recipe
Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
These crunchy oven-baked chicken taquitos are packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. A healthier alternative to frying, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional toppings: guacamole, salsa, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, salsa, and taco seasoning. Mix well.
- Warm the corn tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-60 seconds, or warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few seconds per side. This makes them more pliable and prevents them from cracking.
- Fill and roll the taquitos: Place about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the taquitos with olive oil. This will help them get crispy in the oven.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Flip halfway through for even browning.
- Serve immediately with your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Notes
For extra flavor, try adding diced onions or green chilies to the chicken mixture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. You can also freeze the taquitos before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg