Description
Mexican-inspired crispy baked chicken taquitos deliver a crowd-pleasing appetizer packed with flavor. Corn tortillas cradle seasoned shredded chicken, promising a crunchy exterior that satisfies hungry guests at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 12–16 corn tortillas
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- cooking spray or oil (for coating)
- cilantro, chopped (optional)
- onion, diced (optional)
- lime juice (optional, for added flavor)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F and position the rack centrally for consistent heat circulation.
- Preparation Surface: Layer a parchment sheet across the baking tray to prevent adherence.
- Flavor Foundation: Blend shredded chicken with melted cheese, integrating cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
- Tortilla Transformation: Soften tortillas using a damp paper towel in the microwave, creating a pliable canvas for rolling.
- Assembly Technique: Distribute the seasoned chicken mixture evenly along each tortilla’s length, rolling tightly with the seam positioned downward on the prepared baking surface.
- Crisp Enhancement: Delicately mist the rolled taquitos with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crunchy exterior.
- Baking Process: Slide the tray into the preheated oven, allowing the taquitos to roast and crisp for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich, bronzed finish.
- Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven, let cool momentarily, and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a vibrant lime accent to elevate the dish’s sensory experience.
Notes
- Warm Tortillas Wisely: Softening tortillas in a damp paper towel prevents cracking, ensuring smooth, easy rolling without splitting.
- Seal Taquitos Securely: Position rolled taquitos seam-side down to prevent unraveling during baking, maintaining their perfect cylindrical shape.
- Crisp Up Smartly: Lightly spraying with cooking spray creates a golden, crunchy exterior that elevates the texture and visual appeal.
- Spice Balance Matters: Blend spices thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly, transforming simple chicken into a taste-packed filling that excites the palate.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg