Baked Chicken Taquitos are a tasty treat, filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. They’re great for a snack or party food!
These little rolls are not only yummy but also easy to make. I love serving them with guacamole or salsa for extra fun. Trust me, they disappear fast! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is perfect here. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for ease. If you’re looking for a meatless option, try shredded jackfruit or a mix of beans for a vegetarian version.
Cheese: Monterey Jack is my first choice due to its meltiness. If you want to switch it up, mozzarella works too. A dairy-free cheese can be a great substitute for a vegan option.
Green Chilies: These add a nice kick. You can use fresh jalapeños for more heat or skip them if you prefer milder flavors. Canned diced tomatoes are also a fun alternative for added moisture.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas hold together well. If you can’t find corn tortillas, flour tortillas work too, though they may be a bit softer.
What’s the Best Way to Roll Taquitos Without Cracking the Tortillas?
Rolling your taquitos without tearing the tortillas can be tricky. Warming them helps a lot! Here’s how to do it properly:
- Microwave tortillas wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds.
- Keep them covered with a towel as you work to maintain warmth.
- Place your filling only at one edge, then roll tight but not too tight to allow for expansion while baking.
These steps will ensure your taquitos hold together beautifully and make for a lovely presentation!
How to Make Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped green chilies (mild or spicy, depending on preference)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 8-10 small corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for brushing
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes of preparation time and another 15-20 minutes for baking. So, in about 30-35 minutes, you’ll have delicious, crispy taquitos ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your taquitos will bake evenly and get nice and crispy! While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Filling:
In a large bowl, combine your shredded chicken, shredded cheese, chopped red onion, green chilies, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, and the flavors are combined!
3. Prepare the Tortillas:
To keep the tortillas from cracking when you roll them, warm them up a little. You can do this by microwaving them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds. This softens them up, making them easier to roll without breaking.
4. Roll the Taquitos:
Take about 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place it near one edge of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and place it seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this step until all the tortillas are filled and rolled!
5. Bake the Taquitos:
Before baking, lightly spray or brush the taquitos with cooking spray or a bit of oil. This helps them brown beautifully in the oven! Then, bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once they’re out of the oven, you can sprinkle the taquitos with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve them hot with your favorite dip, like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole. Enjoy your crispy and delicious baked chicken taquitos!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred it and mix it with the other ingredients as directed.
Can I Freeze These Taquitos for Later?
Yes, you can! Prepare the taquitos, but don’t bake them. Once rolled, place them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Substitute for Corn Tortillas?
If you’re not a fan of corn tortillas, flour tortillas can be used instead. Just be aware that they may not crisp up quite the same but will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.