The Ultimate Baked Not-Too-Spicy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Crafting delectable baked not-too-spicy chicken taquitos brings pure culinary joy to weeknight dinners.

Crispy tortillas wrapped around tender, seasoned chicken create a delightful meal everyone adores.

Homemade comfort arrives without complicated preparation steps or exotic ingredients.

Quick and satisfying, these taquitos promise minimal kitchen effort with maximum flavor impact.

Lean protein and simple spices combine perfectly inside each golden roll.

Crunchy exterior meets succulent interior, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly these taquitos come together in under thirty minutes.

Dive into this delicious adventure and watch family faces light up with excitement!

Why Everyone’s Talking About Baked Not-Too-Spicy Chicken Taquitos

• Craft with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with mild spices and cheesy chicken filling, these taquitos will delight both kids and adults, creating a guaranteed mealtime win.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable for lunch, dinner, game day snacks, or party appetizers, these taquitos offer maximum flexibility for various dining scenarios.
• Healthier Baking Approach: Oven-baked instead of deep-fried, this method reduces oil consumption while maintaining a satisfyingly crispy exterior, making it a smarter cooking choice.

What Goes Into Baked Not-Too-Spicy Chicken Taquitos

• Chicken: Shredded meat provides the primary protein and hearty base for the taquitos.

• Cheddar Cheese, Cream Cheese: Add rich, creamy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the filling.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Create a balanced and complex flavor blend that complements the chicken.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, bright herbal note to the filling.

• Tortillas: Serve as the outer shell to hold and contain the flavorful chicken mixture.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior when baking.

• Salsa, Sour Cream, Guacamole: Provide additional flavor and serve as complementary dipping sauces.

How to Make Baked Not-Too-Spicy Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab your baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Crank up the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect environment for crispy taquito magic.

Step 2: Mix Flavor-Packed Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped cilantro

Stir everything until the mixture becomes a harmonious blend of deliciousness.

Step 3: Soften Tortilla Wrappers

Give your tortillas a quick 15-20 second warm-up in the microwave. This trick makes them super flexible and prevents annoying cracks when rolling.

Step 4: Create Taquito Rolls

Spread a generous spoonful of the chicken mixture down the center of each tortilla. Make sure the filling sits right in the middle for perfect rolling.

Step 5: Roll with Precision

Carefully roll each tortilla into a tight cylinder, pressing gently to seal the edges. Aim for a compact shape that’ll hold together beautifully.

Step 6: Position Taquitos

Place your rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Leave a little breathing room between each roll.

Step 7: Add Golden Crispy Coating

Brush the exterior of each taquito with olive oil. This secret weapon helps create that irresistible golden-brown crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Halfway through, give the sheet a quick rotation to ensure even browning.

Step 9: Check for Delicious Doneness

Pull out the taquitos when they’re golden brown with crispy edges. Let them rest for a quick 2-3 minutes to cool slightly.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your taquitos and serve immediately. Set out some salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for extra flavor excitement.

Helpful Tips for Baking the Perfect Chicken Taquitos

• Prevent Tortilla Cracking: Microwave tortillas for 15-20 seconds to increase flexibility and reduce breakage during rolling.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne to the chicken mixture for a subtle flavor enhancement without overwhelming heat.
• Achieve Crispy Texture: Brush taquitos with olive oil and bake on a parchment-lined sheet to ensure golden, crunchy exteriors without deep-frying.
• Seal Taquitos Securely: Roll tortillas tightly and place seam-side down to prevent filling from spilling out during baking.
• Store and Reheat Smartly: Freeze unbaked taquitos between parchment layers, then bake directly from frozen, adding 5-7 minutes to cooking time for a quick future meal.

Different Styles for Your Chicken Taquitos

• Southwest Ranch Taquitos: Replace chili powder and cumin with ranch seasoning mix for a creamy, tangy flavor profile.
• Green Chile Chicken Taquitos: Add diced green chiles and pepper jack cheese for a zesty, mild heat variation.
• BBQ Pulled Chicken Taquitos: Swap traditional seasonings with smoky BBQ sauce and use shredded rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor.
• Mediterranean Chicken Taquitos: Incorporate feta cheese, dried oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Great Pairings for Chicken Taquitos with a Kick

• Pair with Zesty Salsa Verde: Bright, tangy green salsa cuts through the rich chicken filling, adding a fresh and vibrant layer of flavor that complements the crispy taquitos.
• Combine with Cool Sour Cream Dip: Creamy, smooth sour cream provides a cooling contrast to the warm, spiced taquitos, balancing the mild heat and offering a luxurious texture.
• Match with Crisp Mexican Lager: Light, refreshing beer like Corona or Modelo neutralizes the taquitos' richness, cleansing the palate and enhancing the overall dining experience with its subtle maltiness.
• Serve alongside Cilantro-Lime Rice: Bright, herbal rice with a citrus punch creates a perfect side that echoes the taquitos' flavor profile and adds a light, refreshing element to the meal.

How to Keep Chicken Taquitos Crispy and Tasty

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure they cool completely before placing in the container to prevent condensation.
• Wrap individual taquitos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the bag with the date of preparation.
• Warm refrigerated taquitos in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Bake frozen taquitos directly from the freezer at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.

Baked Not-Too-Spicy Chicken Taquitos Questions You May Have

• Can I use corn or flour tortillas for this recipe?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well. Corn tortillas provide a more traditional texture, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.

• How can I make the filling more moist?

Add a bit more cream cheese or a splash of chicken broth to prevent the filling from drying out during baking.

• What type of chicken works best for taquitos?

Shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken are ideal. You can also use freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast for the recipe.

• Is there a way to make these taquitos ahead of time?

Prepare and roll the taquitos, then refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours. Brush with olive oil and bake when ready to serve.

Baked Not-Too-Spicy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy baked chicken taquitos bring Mexican street flavor straight to home kitchens with minimal effort. Packed with zesty seasoned chicken and wrapped in golden tortillas, these delightful rolls deliver irresistible crunch you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Filling:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese

Tortilla and Wrapping:

• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning and Flavor:

• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and crisp taquito bottoms.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cilantro, stirring until ingredients are thoroughly blended and evenly distributed.
3. Warm tortillas in microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them more pliable and prevent cracking during rolling.
4. Place a generous spoonful of chicken mixture along the center of each tortilla, ensuring filling is compact and centered.
5. Carefully roll each tortilla tightly from one edge to the other, creating a compact cylindrical shape with sealed ends.
6. Arrange rolled taquitos seam-side down on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between each roll.
7. Brush exterior of taquitos with olive oil, which will help create a golden, crispy exterior during baking.
8. Bake for 15-20 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even browning and crisp texture.
9. Remove from oven when taquitos are golden brown and edges are slightly crisp, allowing them to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
10. Serve hot with optional accompaniments like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole for added flavor.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder for mild or bold taste preferences.
• Make vegetarian version by replacing chicken with black beans, roasted corn, or diced vegetables.
• Ensure tight rolling technique prevents filling from falling out during baking.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like pepper jack or Mexican blend for varied flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 348
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg