Golden, Crunchy, and Stuffed with Cheesy Chicken Goodness—No Frying Needed!
These Chicken Taquitos are crispy on the outside, creamy-cheesy inside, and packed with flavorful shredded chicken—all baked to perfection for a lighter twist on the classic! 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 filling extra creamy)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup salsa (mild or spicy—your choice!)
- ½ tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 10 small flour tortillas (or corn tortillas for gluten-free)
- Cooking spray or olive oil (for crispiness)
For Serving (Optional):
- Guacamole, salsa, sour cream, 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.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Warm tortillas for 10 sec in the microwave to prevent cracking.
2️⃣ Make the Cheesy Filling
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, sour cream, salsa, and spices until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken until fully combined.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Season to taste—add more salsa or spices if you like it bold!
3️⃣ Roll the Taquitos
- Place 2–3 tbsp filling on one end of each tortilla.
- Roll tightly (like a mini burrito).
- Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Don’t overfill, or they’ll burst while baking!
4️⃣ Bake to Crispy Perfection
- Lightly spray or brush taquitos with oil.
- Bake 15–18 mins until golden and crispy.
📌 Pro Tip:
- Flip halfway for even browning (optional).
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
- Let cool 2–3 mins (filling will be HOT!).
- Serve with dips like guacamole or ranch.
📌 Serving Suggestion:
- Pair with Mexican rice & black beans for a full meal!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use corn tortillas?
✅ Yes! Warm them first (they crack easily).
2. Can I make these ahead?
✅ Yes! Assemble (unbaked), freeze, then bake +5 mins from frozen.
3. Why are my taquitos soggy?
- Not enough oil/spray (helps crisp them up).
- Overfilled (stick to 2–3 tbsp per taquito).
4. Can I air-fry these?
✅ Yes! Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 mins, flipping halfway.
5. What other fillings work?
✅ Try shredded beef, black beans, or buffalo chicken!
🔥 Flavor Variations
- Buffalo Chicken: Swap salsa for ½ cup buffalo sauce + blue cheese crumbles.
- Tex-Mex: Add diced jalapeños + taco seasoning.
- Vegetarian: Use refried beans + roasted veggies.
⏱️ Time-Saving Tips
✔ Use pre-shredded cheese for faster prep.
✔ Shred chicken in a stand mixer (30 sec!).
🍽 Serving Occasions
- Game day appetizers
- Quick weeknight dinner
- Meal prep lunches
💬 Final Thoughts
These Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos are irresistibly crunchy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—like restaurant-quality taquitos but healthier! The cream cheese keeps the filling luscious, while the high-heat bake ensures maximum crispiness.
Perfect for when you crave something crispy without deep-frying! 🌮🔥
Tried them? Share your pics below! 📸👇
