Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

There’s something downright irresistible about a platter of crispy, golden-brown taquitos straight from the oven—especially when you make them at home! This Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe brings together tender spiced chicken, a creamy, cheesy filling, and perfectly crisped flour tortillas, all wrapped up with zesty garnishes and a cool, homemade dipping sauce. Not only do these taquitos hit all the right notes for flavor and texture, but they also come together in a way that’s fun for the whole family or a standout appetizer for your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a simple list of ingredients can transform into something so utterly crave-worthy. Each element brings its own special touch to the Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe—smoky spices for flavor, cheeses for creamy richness, and fresh herbs and lime to brighten everything up.

• Chicken Breasts: The hearty and lean foundation of your taquito filling; shred it up for ultimate snackability.
• Olive Oil: Adds a touch of moisture and helps the spices cling perfectly to the chicken.
• Chili Powder: Brings warmth and a gentle kick to both the chicken and the creamy filling.
• Garlic Powder: Savory depth that works magic in every bite.
• Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, it gives a subtle smokiness reminiscent of your favorite Tex-Mex spots.
• Salt: An essential that balances flavors throughout the dish.
• Cream Cheese: Delivers a luscious, dreamy texture to the filling; use full-fat for extra richness.
• Sour Cream: Adds tang and silkiness—both in the filling and for the dip.
• Salsa: Choose your favorite jar for a little tomatoey zip and just the right hint of acidity.
• Coriander: Elevates the spice blend with its citrusy vibe.
• Green Onions: A subtle bite and touch of color in the filling.
• Cilantro: Brings fresh, herbal life to both the taquitos and dipping sauce.
• Lime: Its juice brightens everything up, making the flavors pop.
• Cheddar Cheese: Classic, sharp, and melty—perfect for that gooey interior.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a hint of heat and extra creaminess.
• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pliable, and crisp up beautifully in the oven; smaller ones are easiest to roll.
• Dipping Sauce Ingredients (sour cream, cilantro, lime, garlic powder): This creamy, tangy sauce is icy-cool against the warm, spiced taquitos.

How to Make Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep Your Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Set out a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat—this step keeps cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Bake the Chicken

In a small bowl, mix your chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt. Drizzle the chicken breasts with olive oil, then rub a bit of the spice blend onto both sides. Lay the chicken onto your prepared sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer hits 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). After baking, carefully shred the chicken with two forks and set it aside to cool.

Step 3: Crank Up the Heat and Prep Your Pan

Turn your oven up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius). Re-line your baking sheet with a fresh piece of parchment or a clean baking mat—this ensures the taquitos crisp up and release easily after baking.

Step 4: Mix Up the Cheesy Chicken Filling

In a large, microwave-safe bowl, gently warm the cream cheese for 20 to 30 seconds until it’s super soft. Add in the sour cream, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander, salt, minced green onion, cilantro, lime juice, both shredded cheeses, and your cooled, shredded chicken. Stir well until everything is combined into a creamy, drool-worthy mixture.

Step 5: Fill and Roll Your Taquitos

Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each flour tortilla (leaving a bit of space at the ends to minimize oozing). Roll them up nice and snug, then place them seam-side down onto your lined baking sheet. Want a bit of extra crunch? Brush the tops lightly with melted butter.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden—And Resist Overcrowding!

Pop your prepared taquitos into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and irresistibly crisp. Once they’re done, let them cool for about 5 minutes—if you can stand the wait!

Step 7: Whip Up the Dipping Sauce

For one last flavor flourish, mix together your sour cream, minced cilantro, lime juice, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. This sauce is wonderfully refreshing and perfectly complements the richness of the Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Garnishes

Pile your taquitos high and shower them with extra minced cilantro, a few sliced green onions, or perhaps a scattering of diced tomatoes or thin avocado slices. A squeeze of fresh lime over the top is a pro move that brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe plays so nicely with a side of cilantro-lime rice, zesty Mexican street corn, or a crisp, refreshing side salad. Add in your favorite salsa, guacamole, or even a scoop of black beans to make it a real feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, stand your baked taquitos in a mason jar for a vertical, grab-n-go presentation or slice them in half on the diagonal for dippable appetizers. If you’re feeling fun, serve them family-style on a rustic board surrounded by colorful bowls of every dip and topping you love!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftover Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe as fresh as possible, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Let them cool completely before sealing to prevent any lingering steam from making them soggy.

Freezing

Taquitos are freezer-friendly superstars! Place baked (and fully cooled) taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. This way, you can pull out as many as you want, anytime the craving strikes.

Reheating

For crispy results, reheat your taquitos in a 375 degree Fahrenheit oven for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also pop them in an air fryer for maximum crunch. While the microwave is speedy, it will give you a much softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of baking my own?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for the Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe. Just toss it with the spices and cheeses and proceed as directed.

Which tortillas are best: corn or flour?

This recipe is written for small flour tortillas, which roll up easily and get beautifully crisp in the oven. If you prefer corn tortillas, warm them first to prevent cracking and note that you’ll get a slightly different texture.

Can I make the filling ahead of time?

Definitely. The cheesy chicken filling for this Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe can be mixed up to 2 days ahead and stored tightly covered in the refrigerator. Simply fill and bake when you’re ready.

How do I keep the filling from oozing out during baking?

Be careful not to overfill your tortillas, and don’t forget to leave some space on each end when rolling. Placing the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet also helps keep everything tucked inside.

What can I substitute for pepper jack cheese?

If pepper jack isn’t your thing, Monterey Jack or more cheddar will work just as well in the Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe. For a smoky touch, try a bit of smoked gouda!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to taste just how satisfying and easy these taquitos are. Whether you serve them up for dinner, game night, or as a party appetizer, this Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe always disappears fast—and you’ll soon see why. Happy baking, and don’t forget the dipping sauce!

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