If you’ve been craving a crunchy, flavorful snack or a fun dinner idea, this Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It takes tender, juicy chicken and pairs it with creamy cheeses, bold spices, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in golden, crispy tortillas baked to perfection. Lightly crisped on the outside with a rich, savory filling on the inside, these taquitos bring that perfect balance of comfort and excitement to your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role to create bold flavors and a variety of textures. From the spices that infuse the chicken with warmth to the creamy cheeses that add richness, every ingredient is essential for that signature taquito experience.
- 3 large chicken breasts: The base of the filling, providing lean, juicy protein that absorbs all the wonderful spices.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps season the chicken and keeps it moist during baking.
- 1/4 tsp chili powder: Adds a subtle warmth and earthy flavor to the chicken.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory depth.
- 1/4 tsp cumin: Adds a nutty, slightly smoky note that’s classic in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the chicken.
- 8 oz cream cheese (1 block): Softens the filling with a creamy, tangy texture.
- 3 tbsp sour cream: Contributes moisture and a bit of tang for balance.
- 1/3 cup salsa: Brings acidity and a touch of spice, elevating the filling’s complexity.
- 1 tsp cumin: Reinforces the warm spice profile in the filling mixture.
- 1 tsp chili powder: Adds consistent, subtle heat throughout the filling.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Further deepens the savory taste.
- 1/2 tsp coriander: Offers a citrusy freshness to brighten the flavors.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Perfectly seasons the combined filling ingredients.
- 3 green onions, minced: Gives a mild onion bite and fresh color.
- 2 tbsp cilantro, minced: Infuses a vibrant herbaceous note essential to Mexican cuisine.
- 1 lime, juiced: Adds a bright, zesty punch.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty richness.
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese: Adds creamy heat and extra gooey texture.
- 16–18 small flour tortillas: The crisp haven that holds all the savory goodness.
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving): A cool, creamy accompaniment perfect for dipping.
- 1 tbsp cilantro, minced (for serving): Fresh herbs to sprinkle on top for brightness.
- 1/2 lime, juiced (for serving): To drizzle for a finishing citrus kiss.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for serving): Adds a final touch of savory flavor when sprinkled.
How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfect environment for cooking your chicken thoroughly without drying it out. Then, brush your chicken breasts with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. These spices infuse the chicken with warmth and depth. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and juicy.
Step 2: Shredding and Mixing the Filling
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it finely so every bite is tender and easy to roll. Combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, the additional spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander, salt), minced green onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Finally, fold in both cheddar and pepper jack cheeses to create a rich, flavorful filling that’s creamy with a hint of spice.
Step 3: Assembling the Taquitos
Lay out your tortillas on a clean surface, then spoon a generous amount of the chicken filling onto each one. Roll them up tightly, making sure the seam is tucked underneath to prevent unrolling during baking. Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This step is fun and sets the foundation for those perfectly crispy exteriors.
Step 4: Baking the Taquitos to Crispy Perfection
Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Bake the taquitos for 15 to 20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and crisp up nicely. This higher temperature in the final step is key for that irresistible crunch without the need for frying, keeping things lighter but still incredibly tasty.
How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes turn your dish from simply good to stunning. Sprinkle minced cilantro on top for a fresh herbal note, squeeze fresh lime juice for a citrusy brightness, and lightly dust with garlic powder for an unexpected punch. Serve with a side of sour cream for dipping that creamy, cooling contrast to the warm, spicy taquitos.
Side Dishes
Pair your Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos with simple yet complementary sides like Mexican rice, a crisp green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette, or even a street-style corn salad loaded with cotija cheese and chili powder. These sides keep the meal balanced and packed with a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Taquitos are fun to serve individually on a platter with different dipping sauces like guacamole, pico de gallo, or a spicy chipotle aioli. For a party, arrange them upright in a tall glass or arrange in a circular basket lined with colorful napkins to showcase their crunchy charm and invite sharing among friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure they have fully cooled before sealing the container to maintain crispness and avoid sogginess. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them until warmed through and crispy again.
Freezing
These taquitos freeze beautifully, making them perfect for meal prep. Place the assembled, unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months, and you can bake them straight from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Reheating
For the crispiest texture when reheating refrigerated or frozen taquitos, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the tortillas. A toaster oven works great for reheating single servings and keeping that crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas work well if you prefer their flavor or want a gluten-free option; just warm them gently before rolling to prevent cracking.
How spicy are these Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos?
The spice level is mild to medium because of the chili powder and pepper jack cheese, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more chili powder or including diced jalapeños in the filling.
Can I make the filling ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the filling in advance saves time and allows the flavors to meld. Just keep it refrigerated and assemble the taquitos right before baking for the best texture.
What’s the secret to making the taquitos extra crispy?
Baking at a higher temperature at the end and placing the taquitos seam-side down on parchment paper prevents them from unrolling and ensures an even, golden crisp finish.
Is this recipe healthy?
This Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is a lighter alternative to fried versions, using lean chicken and baking instead of frying, but it still feels indulgent thanks to the cheeses and creamy filling—a perfect balance!
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about biting into a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful taquito, and this Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe nails it every time. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, this recipe brings ease, comfort, and a little fiesta to your table. Give it a try and watch it quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals!
Print
Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings (approximately 12 taquitos)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos are crispy, flavorful, and packed with a creamy, spiced chicken filling. Perfect as a snack or main dish, they combine tender baked chicken with cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, and cheeses, wrapped in small flour tortillas and baked until golden brown for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 3 large chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
Filling
- 8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp sour cream
- 1/3 cup salsa
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 green onions, minced
- 2 tbsp cilantro, minced
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Assembly and Serving
- 16–18 small flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup sour cream (for serving)
- 1 tbsp cilantro, minced (for serving)
- 1/2 lime, juiced (for serving)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken.
- Season and Bake Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and the initial spices (chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt). Place them on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside.
- Prepare the Filling: After baking, shred the chicken finely. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with softened cream cheese, sour cream, salsa, additional spices (cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander, salt), minced green onions, cilantro, lime juice, and shredded cheeses. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Assemble Taquitos: Lay out the small flour tortillas. Spoon an appropriate amount of the chicken filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly. Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
- Bake Taquitos: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C). Bake the assembled taquitos for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Serve warm with sour cream mixed with cilantro, a squeeze of lime juice, and a light dusting of garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding to avoid any food safety risks.
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray or brush the taquitos with oil before the final bake.
- Flour tortillas are recommended for flexibility and crispness, but corn tortillas can be used though they may be less pliable.
- Adjust the level of spices to suit your heat preference, adding more chili powder or jalapeños for extra spice.
- Taquitos can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen and reheated in the oven to maintain their crisp texture.
