Quick Description
Golden, crispy tortillas filled with juicy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and savory seasonings — baked instead of fried for a lighter but still delicious crunch.
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 12 taquitos (about 4 servings)
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella)
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon (optional)
- 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cumin (optional for Tex-Mex flavor)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
For the Assembly:
- 12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for brushing or spraying)
- Extra shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
For Dipping (Optional):
- Salsa or pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Sour cream or ranch
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Filling
- In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and seasonings.
- Fold in bacon (if using) and cilantro.
Step 2: Roll the Taquitos
- Warm tortillas slightly so they roll without cracking.
- Place 2–3 tbsp filling onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 3: Bake
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Lightly brush or spray taquitos with olive oil.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with extra cheese during the last 5 minutes if desired.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot with salsa, guacamole, or dipping sauce.
Additional Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the taquitos for 2 minutes after baking.
- Works well with leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken.
- You can prep ahead and freeze before baking.
Dietary Info (per taquito, approx.):
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 13 g
- Carbs: 12 g
- Fat: 10 g
Ingredient Substitutions
- Lower Carb Option: Use low-carb tortillas.
- Higher Protein: Add 1–2 tbsp cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to the filling.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt.
Variations
- Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Add buffalo sauce + blue cheese crumbles.
- BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Mix filling with BBQ sauce instead of cream cheese.
- Vegetarian Taquitos: Use black beans + corn instead of chicken.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store leftovers in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispness.
- Freeze rolled, unbaked taquitos in a single layer; bake directly from frozen.
FAQs
Q: Can I air-fry these?
A: Yes! Air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy.
Q: Why do my tortillas crack when rolling?
A: Warm them slightly in the microwave or wrap in foil and heat in the oven for a few minutes before filling.
Q: Can I make them spicier?
A: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
Call-to-Action
These Cheesy Chicken Taquitos are perfect for game nights, family dinners, or meal-prep lunches. Crispy, cheesy, and protein-packed — you’ll definitely want to make a double batch!
