If you’re craving a snack that’s bursting with bold flavors, irresistible crunch, and cheesy goodness, you’re going to love this Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe. These taquitos are crispy on the outside, tender and savory on the inside, making them the perfect handheld delight for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a tasty treat, this recipe combines simple ingredients, vibrant spices, and melty cheese into something truly special that’ll have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe is in its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role. From the aromatic spices to the creamy cheese, every element brings something unique to the table, ensuring each bite is packed with texture and flavor.
- Olive oil spray: Keeps the taquitos crisp without adding extra calories.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle yet essential aroma that enhances the chicken.
- Cumin (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings a warm, earthy depth to the filling.
- Kosher salt (1 ¼ teaspoons): Balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Chili powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that wakes up the taste buds.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Lends a slightly herbal note that rounds out the spices.
- Ground chicken (1 pound, 93% lean): The hearty protein base that makes these taquitos filling.
- Yellow onion (½ small): Sweetness and moisture that complements the spices beautifully.
- Tomato sauce (4 ounces): Simmered with the chicken for a rich, saucy consistency.
- Water (¼ cup): Keeps the filling moist and tender as it cooks.
- Flour or corn tortillas (16 of 6-inch): The crispy vessel for all that delicious filling.
- Mexican cheese blend (4 ounces or 1 cup): Melts wonderfully to bind the filling and add richness.
- Shredded iceberg lettuce (4 cups): Adds crunch and freshness when serving.
- Pico de gallo (1 cup, drained): A bright, zesty topping that cuts through the richness.
- Guacamole or sour cream (optional): Perfect creamy accompaniments to elevate the flavor experience.
How to Make Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which is just the right temperature to give your taquitos that perfect golden crunch. Line a sheet pan with foil and lightly spray it with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and help the tortillas crisp up beautifully during baking.
Step 2: Mix the Seasonings
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, and dried oregano. This blend creates a vibrant flavor base that’s fragrant and full of zest. Having the spices mixed beforehand makes cooking the seasoned chicken a breeze.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray it with olive oil. Add the ground chicken and cook it thoroughly, breaking it up into small pieces as it browns. Once the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, sprinkle the seasoning mix over it and stir well so every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 4: Simmer with Onion and Tomato Sauce
Next, add the finely chopped yellow onion, tomato sauce, and water to your skillet. Bring the heat down to low and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken into a tender, juicy filling.
Step 5: Soften the Tortillas
To make rolling a breeze, warm your tortillas in batches by placing three between two paper towels and microwaving them for 30 seconds. This step ensures the tortillas are soft and pliable so they won’t crack when you roll the filling inside.
Step 6: Roll Up the Taquitos
Lay a warm tortilla flat, then spoon about 2 tablespoons of the savory chicken filling onto the bottom third, topping it with a tablespoon of the cheesy blend. Carefully roll the tortilla up tightly from the bottom, encasing the filling snugly. Place the rolled taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet and repeat until all the filling is used.
Step 7: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Give the tops of the taquitos a quick spray with olive oil to help them get extra crispy as they bake. Pop your sheet pan into the oven for about 15 minutes, until you see the tortillas turn beautifully golden and crunchy, just waiting to be devoured.
How to Serve Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Serving these taquitos with fresh garnishes like shredded iceberg lettuce and pico de gallo adds a clean crunch and bright contrast to the richness of the filling. For an extra touch, a dollop of guacamole or sour cream on the side elevates the creaminess and balances out the spices wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Pair your taquitos with simple Mexican-inspired sides like a light black bean salad, cilantro lime rice, or even crunchy jicama slaw. These accompaniments complement the bold flavors and bring freshness to the plate, making for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Arrange your taquitos standing up in a festive serving basket or on a colorful platter lined with lettuce leaves for a rustic, inviting presentation. Sprinkle with some extra cheese or fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color, and maybe add small bowls of salsa varieties for dipping fun.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of this Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days and maintain their flavor and texture remarkably well.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the uncooked rolled taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. This method lets you bake fresh taquitos anytime with minimal effort. Frozen taquitos keep well for up to two months.
Reheating
To reheat, place leftover or frozen taquitos on a baking sheet and warm in a 375°F oven until heated through and crisp, usually about 10-12 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep their signature crunch!
FAQs
Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?
Absolutely! Corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option and add a slightly different flavor. Just make sure to warm them properly to prevent cracking when rolling your taquitos.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The spice level is mild and approachable, thanks to the measured use of chili powder and cumin. If you like more heat, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the filling.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You sure can! Substitute the ground chicken with sautéed beans, cooked lentils, or even seasoned mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian twist that still delivers great texture and flavor.
Is it better to fry or bake these taquitos?
Baking is a healthier way to achieve a crispy texture without excess oil, but if you prefer extra crunch and richness, shallow frying them works beautifully too—just be sure to drain them well on paper towels.
What can I serve with guacamole for extra flavor?
Guacamole pairs excellently with fresh lime wedges, chopped cilantro, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili powder. These add exciting layers of flavor that will make each bite more dynamic.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about this Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It’s a blend of familiar flavors and textures that feels just right whether you’re making a festive appetizer or a casual weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite you reach for time and time again.
Print
Chicken and Cheese Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Savor these crispy and flavorful Chicken Taquitos made with lean ground chicken, a blend of spices, and melted Mexican cheese wrapped in warm tortillas. Baked to golden perfection, they’re perfect as a snack or a satisfying meal served with fresh lettuce, pico de gallo, and your choice of guacamole or sour cream.
Ingredients
Seasoning Blend
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Chicken Filling
- 1 pound 93% lean ground chicken
- ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
- ½ (8-ounce) can tomato sauce (4 ounces)
- ¼ cup water
Taquito Assembly
- 16 6-inch flour tortillas (or corn tortillas, check labels for gluten-free)
- 4 ounces Mexican cheese blend (about 1 cup shredded)
- Olive oil cooking spray
For Serving
- 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1 cup pico de gallo, drained
- Guacamole or sour cream (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and coat it lightly with cooking spray; set aside. This will help the taquitos bake evenly and prevent sticking.
- Mix the Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, cumin, kosher salt, chili powder, and dried oregano. This spice blend will add depth and warmth to the chicken filling.
- Cook the Ground Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and spray lightly with oil. Add the ground chicken, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Add the seasoning mix and stir well to coat the meat evenly.
- Add Vegetables and Simmer: Stir in the finely chopped onion, tomato sauce, and water. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and excess liquid to reduce.
- Soften Tortillas: Working in batches, stack 3 tortillas between two paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds until they become warm and pliable, which makes them easier to roll without cracking.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay one warmed tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken filling onto the bottom third of the tortilla and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese. Carefully roll the tortilla tightly around the filling into a tube shape, placing each rolled taquito seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake until Crispy: After assembling all taquitos, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven. Bake in the preheated oven for around 15 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked taquitos from the oven. Serve immediately topped with shredded iceberg lettuce, drained pico de gallo, and optional guacamole or sour cream for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, substitute flour tortillas with certified gluten-free corn tortillas.
- You can prepare the chicken filling ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier filling, add some chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- Make sure not to overfill the tortillas to ensure easy rolling and even cooking.
- Using cooking spray on the baking sheet and tops of taquitos helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
