Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Our oven-baked chicken taquitos are the perfect quick and easy meal that’s loaded with flavor. These taquitos are stuffed with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and a zesty blend of spices, then baked to crispy perfection. With no frying needed, they’re a healthier choice for those craving authentic Mexican flavors. Serve these cheesy chicken taquitos as a tasty appetizer, snack, or main dish. Ideal for family dinners, game nights, or meal prep, this recipe will be your go-to for crunchy, satisfying taquitos.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

3 large chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
¼ tsp chili powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp cumin
¼ tsp salt

For the Filling:

8 oz (1 block) cream cheese, softened
3 tbsp sour cream
⅓ cup salsa
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp coriander
½ tsp salt
3 green onions, minced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, minced
Juice of 1 lime
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
16-18 small flour tortillas

For the Creamy Cilantro Dipping Sauce:

½ cup sour cream
1 tbsp cilantro, minced
Juice of ½ lime
¼ tsp garlic powder

Table of Contents

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a small bowl, mix together chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and salt.
Drizzle olive oil over the chicken breasts and season both sides with the spice mixture.
Place the chicken breasts on a parchment or baking mat-lined baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Once done, shred the chicken with two forks and set aside to cool.

Increase Oven Temperature:
Turn the oven up to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with fresh parchment paper or a baking mat.
Prepare the Filling:

In a large microwave-safe bowl, soften the cream cheese by heating it for 20-30 seconds in the microwave.
Add sour cream, salsa, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, coriander, salt, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, cheddar cheese, pepper jack cheese, and the shredded chicken. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Taquitos:

Spoon a few tablespoons of the filling mixture onto the lower edge of a tortilla, leaving space at the ends to prevent filling from oozing out during baking.
Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling. For extra crispiness, brush each taquito with a little melted butter before baking.

Bake:

Bake the taquitos for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Make the Dipping Sauce:

In a small bowl, mix sour cream, minced cilantro, lime juice, and garlic powder. Serve alongside the taquitos.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These oven-baked chicken taquitos are incredibly crispy without the need for frying, making them a healthier alternative. Packed with creamy, zesty, and cheesy chicken filling, they’re perfect for satisfying cravings. Great for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep, these taquitos offer a delicious twist on a classic dish.

Tips

Make it Extra Crispy: Brushing the taquitos with a bit of melted butter or olive oil before baking enhances their crunch.
Easy Shredded Chicken: Cook the chicken ahead of time or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
Adjust Spice Level: Modify the chili powder or add jalapeños to the filling for a spicier version.

Variations and Substitutions

Tortilla Choice: Use corn tortillas for a more authentic taste or gluten-free option.
Cheese Options: Substitute with Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese for a milder flavor.
Add Veggies: Include diced bell peppers or corn in the filling for added texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I freeze these taquitos?
Yes! You can freeze unbaked taquitos on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free flour or corn tortillas.

What’s the best way to reheat taquitos?
For best results, reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken taquitos with the creamy cilantro dipping sauce and extra lime wedges. They pair well with sides like Mexican rice, guacamole, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Enjoy them as an appetizer or a fun dinner option for everyone to enjoy!