Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious, easy-to-make dish that everyone in your family will love. Perfect for snacking, appetizers, or a satisfying meal, these crispy rolls are filled with savory chicken and cheese, making them a go-to choice for any occasion. The combination of flavors and textures makes this recipe a winner, whether you enjoy them on game day or as a fun weeknight dinner.
Why We Love This Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
One of the best things about Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is their irresistible crunch. As you take a bite, you’ll experience the satisfying crispiness of the tortilla combined with a flavorful filling that delights your taste buds. You’ll find that they are a flexible dish, too; you can easily adjust the ingredients based on your preferences or what you have available at home. Plus, making them in the oven means less mess and healthier cooking compared to frying. These taquitos are not only delicious but also a fun way to get everyone involved in the kitchen.
Ingredients about Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 12 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
How to Make Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Directions
To start, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). It’s crucial to have your oven ready at the right temperature so that your taquitos cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coat with cooking spray. This step helps to ensure that your taquitos won’t stick and can crisp up nicely.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, sour cream, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix these ingredients well, making sure everything is combined. The combination should look uniform, with the chicken well coated in the flavorful salsa and seasonings.
Next, you’ll want to prepare the corn tortillas. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Take each tortilla and warm it in the skillet for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side, or until it becomes pliable. Alternatively, if you prefer a quicker method, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave them for about 30 seconds. This will make the rolling process much easier.
Once your tortillas are heated, start the filling process. Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place it on one end of a tortilla. Carefully but tightly roll up the tortilla around the filling, ensuring that the mixture is well contained inside. Place each rolled tortilla seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until you’ve used all the tortillas and filling.
For that perfect crunch, lightly spray or brush the tops of your taquitos with cooking spray or vegetable oil. This step is essential to achieve a golden-brown, crispy finish. Now, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to become crispy and develop a beautiful golden color.
Once your taquitos have finished baking, carefully remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. They will be hot, so allow them to sit for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces like salsa or sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
How to Serve Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Serving Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is a delightful experience. Arrange the taquitos on a platter, making sure they are neatly presented. You can add garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of crumbled cheese for an added touch of color and flavor.
For dipping, provide small bowls filled with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side. This allows everyone to customize their experience, dipping as desired. If you want to elevate the presentation, consider serving them alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables. The fresh elements will perfectly complement the crunchy taquitos while adding some nutritional value to your meal.
To enhance convenience for your guests, you can serve the taquitos in a standing position in a tall glass or jar. This allows for easy access while keeping your party vibe fun and casual. No matter how you serve them, these taquitos are sure to be a hit!
Expert Tips: Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Getting the most out of this Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos recipe is all in the details. Here are some expert tips to help you nail it every time:
- Ensure that your tortillas are fresh: Using soft, pliable tortillas will make rolling much easier. If they are stale or too stiff, they are more likely to crack when you roll them up.
- Don’t overload the filling: It can be tempting to add more filling, but doing so can make it difficult to roll the tortillas tightly. Stick to about 2 tablespoons per tortilla for best results.
- For extra crunch, consider broiling: If you want an extra crispy finish, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Just be sure to monitor them closely to prevent burning.
- Customize your filling: Feel free to add different spices or even veggies to your chicken mixture. Ingredients like diced bell peppers, corn, or black beans can add extra texture and taste.
How to Store Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
To store any leftover Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. You can keep them in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. Reheating in the oven or using an air fryer is the best way to regain that crispy texture.
If you want to store taquitos for a longer period, consider freezing them. Arrange the taquitos in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake straight from frozen, but increase the baking time by a few minutes until they are heated through and crispy.
Variation of Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
One of the best aspects of Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is that they are highly versatile. You can switch up the ingredients to keep things exciting. For instance, try using different types of cheese – pepper jack cheese can add a spicy kick, while mozzarella offers a mild and gooey texture.
For those who prefer a vegetarian option, consider using black beans or lentils in place of chicken. You could also add roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
If you’re in the mood for something spicy, add jalapeños to the mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken blend. On the other hand, if you want to tone down the heat, you can omit the chili powder and stick with milder flavors. The beauty of taquitos is that you can tailor them to suit your taste.
FAQ
How do I ensure my Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos get crispy?
For the crispiest taquitos, don’t forget to spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush them with oil before baking. Additionally, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet, as this can affect the crispiness.
Can I prepare Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. Just allow them to come to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
What type of chicken can I use for the filling?
You can use any cooked chicken for the filling, but shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. It’s convenient and packed with flavor.
Are Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos healthy?
These taquitos can fit into a healthy diet, especially when baked instead of fried. Using lean chicken breast and adding vegetables can enhance their nutritional value.
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free corn tortillas, and ensure that all of your other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Ingredients
Filling ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack) Feel free to customize with different types of cheese.
- 1/2 cup salsa Choose your favorite salsa for flavor.
- 1/4 cup sour cream Can be replaced with Greek yogurt.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin Adds warm flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder You can use fresh garlic if preferred.
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder Adjust for heat preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust based on your taste.
Wrapper
- 12 small corn tortillas Use fresh tortillas for best results.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray For coating to achieve crispiness.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coat with cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, sour cream, ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 10 to 15 seconds on each side until pliable.
Assembly
- Take about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and place it on one end of a tortilla.
- Carefully roll up the tortilla tightly, seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Repeat with all tortillas and filling.
- Lightly spray or brush the tops with cooking spray or oil.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let cool for a minute or two before serving.
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