Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos have become my go-to for a quick and satisfying meal, and I’m so excited to share this recipe with you! I remember the first time I made them for a game night; the aroma of the cumin and garlic filling the kitchen had everyone asking for seconds. They’re so incredibly easy to put together, and the crispy baked shell with that gooey, cheesy chicken filling is just pure comfort food. If you’re looking for an easy cheesy chicken taquitos recipe that’s also a healthier alternative to fried versions, you’ve found it. These homemade baked chicken taquitos are a guaranteed hit for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
These baked cheesy chicken taquitos are a winner for so many reasons. They’re incredibly flavorful, packed with a delicious chicken and cheese filling that makes them irresistible.
- Incredibly tasty with a perfect balance of savory chicken and gooey cheese.
- Super fast prep time means you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
- A healthier option compared to fried versions, making them a guilt-free favorite.
- Budget-friendly ingredients make this an economical choice for families.
- Kid-approved and family-friendly, perfect for picky eaters.
- This easy cheesy chicken taquitos recipe is simple enough for beginners.
- You’ll find this easy cheesy chicken taquitos recipe versatile for appetizers or a main meal.
- Great for meal prep – make a batch and enjoy them throughout the week!
Ingredients for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to these delicious homemade baked chicken taquitos. You’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken – rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – for that classic cheesy flavor.
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – melts beautifully for the perfect ooey-gooey texture.
- 1 cup salsa – your favorite kind works, mild or spicy!
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro – adds a burst of freshness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – essential for that authentic taquito taste.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – because garlic makes everything better.
- 10 flour or corn tortillas – corn tortillas are great for a gluten-free option and offer a slightly different texture for your oven baked chicken taquitos cheese filling.
- Cooking spray or olive oil – for brushing the taquitos to get them golden and crispy.
The combination of cheeses and salsa creates the irresistible oven baked chicken taquitos cheese filling that makes these so special.
How to Make Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Making these delicious homemade baked chicken taquitos cheesy is a breeze! Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy results.
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet. I like to line mine with parchment paper or give it a good coating of nonstick spray so nothing sticks.
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Add the 1 cup salsa, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir everything together until it’s all beautifully blended, creating that amazing cheesy chicken mixture.
- Step 3: Warm your 10 flour or corn tortillas. The best way I’ve found is to wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them super pliable and easy to roll without cracking.
- Step 4: Spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken-cheese filling onto the center of each warmed tortilla. Roll them up tightly, tucking in the sides if you can, and place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. This helps keep your homemade baked chicken taquitos cheesy and intact.
- Step 5: Once all your taquitos are rolled and on the baking sheet, lightly spray or brush the tops and sides with cooking spray or olive oil. This step is crucial for achieving that gorgeous golden-brown color and satisfying crispiness on your baked cheesy chicken taquitos.
- Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; you’re looking for the tortillas to be golden brown and crispy. The aroma filling your kitchen is a sure sign they’re almost ready!
- Step 7: Once they’re perfectly baked, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let your delicious homemade baked chicken taquitos cheesy treats cool for just a couple of minutes before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm with your favorite toppings!
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Want to elevate your taquito game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make these baked cheesy chicken taquitos absolutely perfect every time.
- Always warm your tortillas! This is non-negotiable for preventing cracks and ensuring they roll up beautifully.
- Don’t overstuff the tortillas. Too much filling makes them hard to roll and can cause them to burst during baking.
- For an extra crispy exterior, you can lightly brush the taquitos with a mixture of olive oil and a pinch of chili powder before baking.
- If you’re using corn tortillas, make sure they are fresh or lightly steamed to avoid them becoming brittle.
What’s the secret to perfect Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos?
The secret lies in warming the tortillas thoroughly to make them pliable and not overstuffing them. This ensures a tight roll and a crispy exterior for your simple baked chicken taquitos cheese delight.
Can I make Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos up to 24 hours in advance. Store them seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, covered tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos?
The biggest mistakes are using stale tortillas and overstuffing. Always warm your tortillas, and use just enough filling so they can be rolled tightly. Also, ensure they are placed seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent them from unrolling during baking.
Best Ways to Serve Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
These versatile baked cheesy chicken taquitos are fantastic on their own, but they truly shine with the right accompaniments. For a classic pairing, serve them with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt and plenty of fresh pico de gallo or your favorite salsa. The cool creaminess balances the warm, spicy filling perfectly. I also love to serve these alongside a simple side salad with a lime vinaigrette or some seasoned black beans and Mexican rice for a complete meal.
Don’t forget the toppings! Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, extra cilantro, and a sprinkle of cotija cheese are always welcome. These baked chicken taquitos cheese and salsa combinations are just delicious and offer something for everyone.
Nutrition Facts for Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for one serving of these delicious baked cheesy chicken taquitos:
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on healthy eating, you can consult resources on nutrition guidelines.
How to Store and Reheat Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
Once your delicious baked cheesy chicken taquitos have cooled slightly, proper storage is key to keeping them tasty. For enjoying these healthy baked chicken taquitos within a few days, place them in an airtight container or a resealable bag. They should stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to enjoy them even longer, you can freeze them! Individual taquitos should be wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating is simple and brings back that wonderful crispiness. To reheat from the refrigerator, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until heated through and crisp. If reheating from frozen, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, ensuring they are heated all the way through and golden.
Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos
What are cheesy baked chicken taquitos?
Cheesy baked chicken taquitos are a healthier, oven-baked version of the traditional fried Mexican dish. They feature a filling of seasoned shredded chicken and melted cheese rolled tightly inside tortillas and then baked until golden and crispy. They offer all the flavor you love with less of the oil.
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour for baked chicken taquitos with cheese?
Absolutely! Using corn tortillas is a fantastic option, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free meal. They bake up beautifully and provide a slightly different, but equally delicious, texture. Just be sure to warm them well as per the instructions to prevent cracking, as corn tortillas can sometimes be more delicate.
What kind of cheese is best for baked chicken taquitos with cheddar cheese?
While cheddar cheese is a classic choice and works wonderfully, a blend of cheeses often yields the best results. I love using a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack because they melt so well together, creating that perfectly gooey and stretchy cheese filling. You could also try pepper jack for a little kick, or even a Mexican blend.
How do I make spicy baked cheesy chicken taquitos?
To add some heat to your baked cheesy chicken taquitos, you have a few options! You can incorporate a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chicken and cheese filling. Alternatively, serving them with a spicy salsa or a drizzle of hot sauce after baking is an easy way to amp up the heat to your preference.
Variations of Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos You Can Try
Once you’ve mastered the basic baked cheesy chicken taquitos, don’t be afraid to get creative! These variations are simple ways to switch things up and cater to different tastes or dietary needs.
- Spicy Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: For those who love a kick, add a finely diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of chipotle powder to the filling. You can also serve them with a spicy salsa or a drizzle of sriracha for extra heat.
- Black Bean and Corn Taquitos: Stir in a cup of drained black beans and corn kernels into the chicken and cheese mixture. This adds great texture and a lovely sweetness.
- Sweet Potato and Black Bean Taquitos: A fantastic vegetarian option! Mash about 1 cup of cooked sweet potato and combine it with black beans, cheese, and your favorite seasonings.
- Air Fryer Taquitos: If you don’t have an oven, you can make these in an air fryer! Arrange them in a single layer, spray with oil, and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos: Easy 30 Min Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 taquitos 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these crispy Baked Cheesy Chicken Taquitos, a perfect appetizer or main dish. They are easy to make, customizable, and a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese
- 1 cup Salsa
- 1/4 cup Chopped Fresh Cilantro
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 10 Flour or Corn Tortillas
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or nonstick spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, salsa, cilantro, cumin, and garlic powder. Stir until well blended.
- Warm the tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, wrapped in a damp paper towel, to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken-cheese mixture onto each tortilla. Roll them up tightly and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with cooking spray or olive oil for a golden, crispy finish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crisp.
- Let the taquitos cool for 2-3 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can increase the baking time slightly, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Consider adding fresh lime juice or a dash of hot sauce to the filling for an enhanced flavor.
- These taquitos can be made gluten-free by using corn tortillas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- For longer storage, freeze taquitos individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg