Crispy, Cheesy, and Perfectly Spiced—Without the Deep Fryer!
These Oven-Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos deliver all the crunchy, savory satisfaction of the fried version but are lighter and easier to make at home. Stuffed with a creamy, cheesy chicken filling and baked until golden and crispy, they’re perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or meal prep!
📝 Ingredients Breakdown
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened – Makes the filling ultra-creamy
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese – For sharp, melty goodness
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese – Adds a mild, buttery flavor
- ½ tsp garlic powder + ½ tsp onion powder – Savory depth
- ½ tsp cumin + ¼ tsp chili powder – Warm, smoky spice
- Salt & pepper – To taste
- ¼ cup salsa or diced green chilies – For a little tang and kick
For Assembly & Baking:
- 10 small flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
- Olive oil spray – For maximum crispiness
For Serving (Optional):
- Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or pico de gallo
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)
1️⃣ Prep & Preheat
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (or lightly grease it).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Use a cooling rack on the baking sheet for extra crispiness on all sides!
2️⃣ Make the Creamy Chicken Filling
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, Monterey Jack, spices, and salsa until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken until fully coated.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Season to taste—add more chili powder or hot sauce if you like it spicy!
3️⃣ Assemble the Taquitos
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 15–20 secs (prevents cracking).
- Place 2–3 tbsp filling on the lower third of each tortilla.
- Roll tightly (like a mini burrito).
📌 Pro Tip:
- Keep unused tortillas covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
4️⃣ Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray with olive oil (for golden crunch).
- Bake 15–20 mins until crispy and golden brown.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Flip halfway for even browning (optional).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Pair with dips like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
- Squeeze fresh lime for extra zing!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
✅ Yes! Corn tortillas are traditional—just double-wrap them (use 2 per taquito) to prevent cracking.
2. Can I make these ahead?
✅ Yes! Assemble (unbaked), freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen (+5 mins).
3. Why are my taquitos soggy?
- Overfilled (use 2–3 tbsp max).
- Not baked hot enough (425°F is key for crispiness).
4. Can I air-fry these?
✅ Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 mins, flipping halfway.
5. What’s the best chicken to use?
- Rotisserie chicken (quick & flavorful).
- Leftover grilled or baked chicken.
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Buffalo Chicken: Swap salsa for ½ cup buffalo sauce + blue cheese crumbles.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Use shredded pork + BBQ sauce instead of chicken.
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with black beans + sautéed peppers & onions.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie or canned).
✔ Prep filling a day ahead (store in fridge).
🍽 Serving Suggestions
- Game day appetizer (with beer & guac!)
- Weeknight dinner (serve with Mexican rice & salad)
- Meal prep lunch (pack with salsa on the side)
💬 Final Thoughts
These Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos are irresistibly crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—without the mess of frying! The cream cheese keeps the filling moist, while the high-heat bake ensures maximum crispiness.
Perfect for parties or a fun family dinner! 🌮🔥
Tried them? Tag us in your pics! 📸👇
