Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and downright satisfying meal, you’ve got to try my baked chicken taquitos recipe! These little bundles of joy are not only easy to make, but they’re packed with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance. Seriously, I whip these up when I want something crispy and cheesy without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re baked, so they’re a bit lighter than their fried cousins. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Perfect for a cozy night in, game day snacks, or even a fun appetizer for friends. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients List
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to making these scrumptious baked chicken taquitos! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience!)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a Mexican blend works wonders)
- 1/2 cup salsa (pick your favorite brand or homemade if you’re feeling adventurous)
- 8 small corn tortillas (make sure they’re pliable for easy rolling)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (this gives the taquitos that lovely golden crisp)
- 1 teaspoon cumin (for that warm, earthy flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt to taste (don’t skip this—it really enhances the flavors)
Once you have everything ready, you’ll be just a few steps away from crispy, cheesy perfection!
How to Prepare Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Alright, let’s dive into the fun part—making these baked chicken taquitos! It’s super simple, and I promise you’ll be snacking on these in no time. Follow my steps closely, and you’ll have a plateful of golden goodness in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This is crucial for that crispy texture we all love!
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is well combined and dreamy.
- Next up, let’s make those tortillas pliable. Pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This will make it so much easier to roll them without cracking.
- Now, take a tortilla, scoop a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture onto the center, and roll it up tightly. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look perfect; it’ll all come together in the oven!
- Brush each taquito with olive oil to help them achieve that beautiful golden color. Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Now it’s baking time! Slide them into the oven and let them bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crispy.
- Once done, take them out and let them cool for just a minute before diving in. Serve them up with extra salsa or guacamole, and enjoy every crunchy, cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Super quick to prepare—just 35 minutes from start to finish!
- Made with simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfectly crispy and cheesy, satisfying every craving.
- Customizable with your favorite salsas and dips for extra flavor.
- Great for meal prep or to feed a crowd—everyone loves them!
- Baked, not fried, so you can enjoy them guilt-free.
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my go-to tips to ensure your baked chicken taquitos turn out perfect every time! First off, make sure your tortillas are warm and pliable; if they’re too cold, they might crack when you roll them. If you want extra crispy taquitos, try spraying them lightly with cooking spray instead of brushing with oil. Another pro tip? Don’t overfill your tortillas—just a spoonful of the filling will do! This helps them roll up easily and keeps everything intact while baking. Lastly, keep an eye on them in the oven; every oven is different, so check for that golden-brown color around the 15-minute mark to avoid overbaking. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations for the Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up these baked chicken taquitos! For a spicy kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili powder to the chicken mixture. You can also mix in some black beans or corn for added texture and flavor. Craving something cheesy? Swap out the shredded cheese for pepper jack or even crumbled queso fresco for a different twist. And if you’re in the mood for something unique, try using shredded beef or pulled pork instead of chicken. The possibilities are endless—get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re so delicious!), storing them properly is key to keeping that crispy texture. Let the baked chicken taquitos cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll be good in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the taquitos on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again. Trust me, this method will keep them tasting fresh and irresistible, just like when they came out of the oven the first time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my baked chicken taquitos, knowing the nutritional values can help you make informed choices. Each taquito is approximately 150 calories, with 7g of fat, 10g of protein, and 15g of carbohydrates. You’ll also find about 1g of sugar and 250mg of sodium per taquito. Remember, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. So, whether you’re counting calories or just enjoying a tasty treat, these taquitos are a delightful option that won’t weigh you down!
FAQ Section
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Absolutely! While my baked chicken taquitos recipe uses corn tortillas for that authentic flavor and crunch, flour tortillas work just as well. Just keep in mind they might not get as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!
What can I serve with baked chicken taquitos?
These taquitos are perfect with a side of salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or some Mexican rice for a complete meal. They’re so versatile, you can’t go wrong!
Can I freeze the taquitos before baking?
Yes, you can! Just assemble the taquitos, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to bake, you can cook them straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I make the taquitos spicier?
If you want a kick, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. You could also use spicy salsa instead of regular. It’s all about personal preference, so adjust to your heat tolerance!
Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap out the chicken for a mix of black beans, corn, and diced bell peppers. You can even add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor. They’ll still be packed with deliciousness!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy garlic pasta recipe or this creamy chicken pasta recipe!
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Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe for Irresistible Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple recipe for baked chicken taquitos that are crispy and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 8 small corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix the chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, garlic powder, and salt.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla and roll them tightly.
- Brush the taquitos with olive oil.
- Place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve with extra salsa or guacamole.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust spice levels by adding jalapeños or chili powder.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: baked chicken taquitos recipe
