introduction
Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are a fun and delicious way to enjoy a meal or snack. These crispy, rolled tortillas filled with shredded chicken and cheese are baked to golden perfection. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and can be served with various dips. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just looking for a quick dinner, taquitos are sure to please everyone at the table.
why make this recipe
Making Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos is a great choice for several reasons. First, they are simple to prepare, making them perfect for weeknight dinners or parties. You can use leftover chicken, which reduces waste and saves time. The recipe also allows for versatility in ingredients, so you can easily customize the fillings to suit your taste. Additionally, baking instead of frying makes them a healthier option while still delivering that satisfying crunch. Plus, they are fun to eat and can be enjoyed by adults and kids alike!
how to make Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients :
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray
- Salt to taste
Directions :
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that taquitos cook evenly and become crispy.
Mix the filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, and salt. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are fully incorporated and well combined. This will create a flavorful filling for your taquitos.
Prepare the tortillas: To make the corn tortillas more pliable, warm them in the microwave for about 30 seconds. This step is essential because it prevents the tortillas from breaking when you roll them.
Assemble the taquitos: Take a warm tortilla and spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken and cheese mixture onto the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling, ensuring the seam is on the bottom. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking tray.
Spray with olive oil: Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil. This will help them attain that beautiful golden brown color and crispy texture as they bake.
Bake the taquitos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t overcook. They’ll be ready when they turn golden brown and crispy.
Serve and enjoy: Once they are done baking, remove the taquitos from the oven and let them cool for a couple of minutes. Serve them hot with additional salsa or guacamole for dipping. They are the perfect finger food!
how to serve Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Serving Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos is easy. You can place them on a large platter or a serving dish. It’s a great idea to include a selection of dipping sauces such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor. Arrange the dipping sauces in small bowls around the taquitos for guests to easily access. These taquitos also go well with a side of Mexican rice or a fresh salad, making for a complete meal.
how to store Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
If you have any leftover taquitos, storing them properly is essential to maintain their freshness. Allow them to cool completely before storing. Place the taquitos in an airtight container or wrap them in plastic wrap to keep them moist. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place the taquitos in a freezer-safe container or bag, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Frozen taquitos can be stored for up to 3 months.
To reheat refrigerated taquitos, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. If reheating frozen taquitos, bake them directly from the freezer for 20-25 minutes or until they are hot and crispy.
tips to make Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Use leftover chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save time and enhance the flavor. Just make sure it’s shredded before mixing with the other ingredients.
Customize the filling: Feel free to add other ingredients to the filling, like black beans, corn, or bell peppers to increase the nutrition and flavor.
Be careful with salsa: While salsa adds moisture and flavor, too much can make the filling watery, so use it carefully. You want a slightly moist but not soggy mixture.
Ensure tortillas are pliable: Warming the tortillas is crucial. It can be helpful to cover them with a damp cloth while you assemble the taquitos to prevent them from drying out.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Giving each taquito enough space on the baking sheet allows for even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
variation
There are several interesting variations you can experiment with when making Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos. Here are a few:
- Spicy Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or a few drops of hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Taquitos: Try using different types of cheese, like pepper jack or mozzarella, to create a unique flavor profile.
- Veggie Taquitos: Substitute chicken with a mix of sautéed veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and spinach for a vegetarian option.
- Breakfast Taquitos: For a twist, consider adding scrambled eggs, sausage, or bacon to the filling for a satisfying breakfast treat.
FAQs
1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
Yes, you can use flour tortillas if you prefer. They will yield a different texture but are still delicious.
2. How do I make these taquitos gluten-free?
To make gluten-free taquitos, use gluten-free corn tortillas. Most taco seasonings are gluten-free, but always check the label.
3. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken filling a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just roll the taquitos and bake them when ready to serve.
4. How do I make taquitos crispy?
Baking them at a high temperature and lightly spraying them with olive oil before baking helps achieve that crispy texture.
5. Can I freeze unbaked taquitos?
Yes, you can freeze assembled but unbaked taquitos. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen when ready to cook, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos
Crispy, baked taquitos filled with shredded chicken and cheese, perfect for a fun meal or snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- Corn tortillas
- Olive oil spray
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Mix the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, taco seasoning, and salt in a large bowl.
- Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for about 30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Assemble by placing about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each tortilla and rolling them tightly.
- Spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve hot with salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Notes
For a variety, try adding black beans or corn to the filling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: taquitos, chicken, baked, appetizer, Mexican