Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe for Taco Night

Crispy, golden taquitos loaded with spicy baked chicken dance on the edge of comfort food perfection.

Tender shredded chicken nestled in corn tortillas creates an irresistible flavor combination that sparks instant hunger.

These handheld delights pack a serious punch of deliciousness without overwhelming complexity.

Each bite promises a satisfying crunch that breaks through the delicate tortilla exterior.

Seasoned with bold spices and baked until perfectly crisp, these taquitos deliver restaurant-quality flavor straight from your kitchen.

The simple ingredients and straightforward method make this recipe a weeknight winner that everyone will devour.

You won’t be able to stop at just one of these mouthwatering Mexican-inspired treats.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Oven Warmup

Get your oven ready by setting it to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect environment for crispy golden taquitos.

• Flavor Fusion

Blend shredded chicken with cheese and your favorite spices, creating a mouthwatering filling that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Tortilla Magic

Soften corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp towel, making them flexible and ready to roll without cracking.

• Rolling Adventure

Spread the chicken mixture along one edge of each tortilla, then carefully roll into tight cylinders, placing them seam-side down on a baking sheet.

• Crispy Transformation

Lightly brush the taquitos with oil to help them turn golden and crunchy in the oven. Bake until they’re perfectly crisp and sizzling, typically around 15-20 minutes.

• Delicious Finale

Let the taquitos cool briefly, then serve with your favorite dips like creamy guacamole or zesty salsa for a crowd-pleasing snack that’ll disappear in minutes.

Flavor Filling Options for Chicken Taquitos

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with pulled pork, shredded beef, or black beans for a delightful protein variation that keeps the recipe exciting and versatile.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack, queso fresco, or a Mexican cheese mix to add extra flavor and creaminess to your taquitos.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or hot sauce to the filling for those who love a spicy kick, or keep it mild for sensitive palates.
• Gluten-Free Magic: Use corn tortillas for a naturally gluten-free option, or choose gluten-free flour tortillas to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare and roll the taquitos in advance, then freeze them uncooked. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time for a quick and convenient meal.

Fun Ways to Plate and Serve Chicken Taquitos

• Zesty Dip Delights: Whip up a quick salsa verde or creamy avocado dip that perfectly complements the crispy taquitos, adding a fresh burst of flavor to each bite.
• Family Feast Platter: Create a colorful spread by arranging the taquitos on a large platter with small bowls of different dips, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges for squeezing.
• Healthy Side Kick: Pair the taquitos with a light Mexican-inspired salad featuring mixed greens, corn, black beans, and a tangy citrus dressing to balance the crispy appetizer.
• Fiesta Night Special: Transform your meal into a complete Mexican-themed dinner by serving the taquitos alongside Spanish rice, refried beans, and a refreshing cucumber-tomato salsa.

Tips to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Stack them carefully with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking and maintain their crispy texture.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven to restore their original crunch.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare a big batch on weekends and portion into grab-and-go containers. Perfect for quick lunches or after-school snacks that keep everyone satisfied and excited about mealtime.
• Reheating Rescue: Crisp up refrigerated or frozen taquitos in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to maintain that perfect golden crunch that makes these taquitos irresistible.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

What You Need for Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Shredded Chicken: Tender, juicy meat that forms the hearty base of the taquitos, best prepared from freshly cooked or leftover chicken breast or thigh.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mexican Cheese Blend: Melty, flavorful cheeses that add creamy richness and help bind the filling together.

• Ground Cumin: Earthy, warm spice that brings depth and authentic Mexican flavor to the filling.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic garlic notes without overwhelming the other ingredients.
• Chili Powder: Provides a gentle heat and vibrant color to the taquito filling.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet undertone that enhances the overall taste.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the other flavors.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional, soft tortillas that crisp up beautifully when baked, creating a perfect wrapper for the filling.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior and prevents sticking during baking.

• Cilantro: Fresh, bright herb that adds a zesty, herbal touch.
• Diced Onion: Provides a crisp, sharp contrast to the creamy filling.
• Lime Juice: Adds a tangy, citrusy brightness that cuts through the richness.

Equipment to Roll and Bake Chicken Taquitos

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining chicken, cheese, and spices.
• Baking Sheet: Essential for even baking and crispy taquitos.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Microwave-Safe Plate: Used to warm tortillas and make them flexible.
• Damp Paper Towel: Helps soften corn tortillas without drying them out.
• Cooking Spray or Pastry Brush: Creates a golden, crispy exterior on taquitos.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise seasoning and portioning.

Hearty Cheesesteak Potato Soup

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4.8 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty Philly cheesesteak potato soup combines savory beef, melted cheese, and creamy potatoes in one comforting bowl. Classic sandwich ingredients meld seamlessly into a rich, satisfying soup that you’ll crave during chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs shaved steak
• ½ cup white American cheese
• ¼ cup provolone cheese
• 2 ½ lbs Yukon Gold potatoes, cut into ½-inch cubes
• 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups beef broth (plus more as needed)
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 4 tbsps salted butter
• 2 tsps vegetable oil, divided
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 tsps garlic salt, divided (1 tsp + 2 tsps, to taste)
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley

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Instructions

1. Protein Preparation: Sear shaved steak in a Dutch oven with vegetable oil, seasoning with Worcestershire sauce and garlic salt. Continuously flip until perfectly cooked, then set aside on a separate plate.
2. Vegetable Sautéing: In the same pot, quickly soften bell peppers until they release their aromatic oils, then transfer to the plate with the steak.
3. Flavor Foundation: Caramelize onions in butter until they develop a rich golden hue, then briefly introduce minced garlic to enhance the aromatic base.
4. Roux Development: Dust flour over the onion-garlic mixture, stirring consistently to create a smooth thickening agent. Cook for 3 minutes, adding extra butter if needed to prevent scorching.
5. Liquid Integration: Gradually whisk in beef broth, milk, and half-and-half, incorporating oregano, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and black pepper. Ensure a smooth, lump-free consistency.
6. Potato Cooking: Submerge diced potatoes in the liquid mixture, bringing to a rolling boil before reducing heat. Simmer covered for 10-15 minutes until potatoes reach perfect tenderness.
7. Texture Refinement: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup, creating a luxurious creamy base while maintaining delightful potato chunks.
8. Cheese Fusion: Melt white American and provolone cheeses into the soup, stirring until completely integrated and achieving a velvety smooth texture.
9. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings, allowing the soup to rest for 5 minutes to marry the flavors. Garnish with fresh herbs before serving hot.

Notes

• Meat Preparation Tip: Shave steak against the grain for maximum tenderness and faster cooking, ensuring even seasoning and quick caramelization.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheeses gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, velvety soup texture.
• Potato Blending Strategy: Use an immersion blender sparingly to maintain some potato chunks, creating a rustic and hearty soup consistency.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Let the soup rest for 5 minutes after final seasoning to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg