Hey there, friend! Let me tell you, Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are my go-to snack whenever I need something quick, flavorful, and totally satisfying. These little bundles of joy are not just easy to make; they’re also baked to crispy perfection, which means you get all that delicious crunch without the guilt of frying. I remember the first time I made these for a gathering—it was a total hit! Everyone was coming back for seconds (and thirds!). The best part? You can customize the filling to your liking and they’re perfect for dipping into your favorite salsa or guacamole. Trust me, once you try these taquitos, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like they are in mine!
Ingredients List
To whip up these Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos, you’ll need some simple yet delicious ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheese, your choice (cheddar or Monterey Jack work great!)
- 1/2 cup salsa, for that zesty kick
- 1 teaspoon cumin, to add warmth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, because garlic makes everything better
- 10 small corn tortillas, warmed for easy rolling
- Cooking spray, to ensure that golden crunch
These ingredients not only make the taquitos yummy but also super easy to prepare. You can even switch things up with your favorite veggies or spices! Enjoy the flexibility!
How to Prepare Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Making these Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Let’s get started on this delicious journey.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Preheating is super important because it ensures that your taquitos cook evenly and get that delightful golden brown color. Trust me, starting with a hot oven makes a world of difference!
Prepare the Filling
Now, grab a mixing bowl and combine your cooked shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, cumin, and garlic powder. Give it a good stir until everything is well mixed. You want those flavors to blend beautifully! The cheese will melt perfectly and hold everything together when it bakes.
Warm the Tortillas
Next up, let’s warm the tortillas! Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side. This step is crucial because it makes the tortillas pliable and easy to roll without tearing. You want them soft and ready to hold that tasty filling!
Assemble the Taquitos
Now it’s assembly time! Place a generous spoonful of your chicken filling onto the center of each tortilla. Roll them up tightly, tucking in the sides as you go to keep that filling secure. Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake the Taquitos
Finally, pop those taquitos in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy. I like to peek in around the 15-minute mark to check on their progress—nothing beats that satisfying crunch! Serve them hot with extra salsa or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
To make sure your Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos turn out perfect every time, I’ve got some trusty tips to share! First, don’t skip warming the tortillas—this little step is key to preventing them from cracking. Also, when rolling, make sure to keep them snug but not too tight; you want them to hold their shape without bursting open in the oven!
If you’re looking to add extra flavor, consider tossing in some chopped onions, bell peppers, or even black beans to the filling. And here’s a little secret: adding a sprinkle of cheese on top of the taquitos before baking can give you that extra cheesy, crunchy goodness you didn’t know you needed! Finally, let them cool for a couple of minutes after baking—this helps them crisp up even more. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Each Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquito packs a flavorful punch while keeping things light! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one taquito:
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, but you can enjoy these taquitos knowing they’re a tasty and satisfying option!
FAQ Section
Can I use different meats in my taquitos?
Absolutely! While I love using shredded chicken, you can easily swap it out for shredded beef, turkey, or even a mix of beans for a vegetarian version. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to match the meat you choose!
How do I keep my taquitos from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, make sure to bake them until they’re golden brown and crispy. Also, avoid overloading the tortillas with filling. A spoonful or two should do the trick—just enough to flavor without being too heavy!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the taquitos and freeze them before baking. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What are some good dipping sauces for these taquitos?
I love serving my Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos with salsa, guacamole, or even a creamy ranch dressing. You can get creative with your dips, too—try a spicy chipotle sauce for a little kick!
Are these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use corn tortillas, these Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are naturally gluten-free! Just double-check any additional ingredients you might add to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
- Full of flavor with every crispy bite
- Healthy alternative to fried taquitos, baked to perfection
- Customizable filling—add your favorite ingredients!
- Great for meal prep or freezing for later
- Perfect for parties, game days, or a cozy family snack
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got any leftovers? Don’t worry, these Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos store beautifully! Simply let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days—perfect for quick snacks or lunch the next day!
When you’re ready to enjoy them again, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and heat them for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again. You can also pop them in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, but I recommend the oven for that delightful crunch. Enjoy!
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Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. They are filled with seasoned chicken and cheese, then baked to a perfect crunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 10 small corn tortillas
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a bowl, mix chicken, cheese, salsa, cumin, and garlic powder.
- Warm tortillas in a skillet for 30 seconds to make them pliable.
- Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture on each tortilla.
- Tightly roll the tortillas and place them seam-side down on a baking sheet.
- Spray the taquitos with cooking spray for extra crunch.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve with additional salsa or dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped onions or peppers to the filling.
- Serve with guacamole for a tasty side.
- These can be frozen before baking for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos, Chicken Taquitos, Oven-Baked Taquitos