Description
Crispy Mexican taquitos bring zesty flavors from golden tortillas packed with tender chicken and melted cheese. Crunchy, cheesy goodness awaits you in this simple yet irresistible dinner favorite that delivers authentic southwestern comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)
Cheese and Spices:
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Tortillas and Coating:
- 12–16 corn tortillas
- Cooking spray or oil (for coating)
Optional Garnish:
- Chopped cilantro
- Diced onion
- Lime juice
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 400°F and positioning a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
- Create a flavorful filling by thoroughly mixing shredded chicken with cheese, blending in aromatic spices, and incorporating optional ingredients like fresh cilantro or diced onions for enhanced taste complexity.
- Soften corn tortillas in the microwave using a damp paper towel, ensuring flexibility and preventing potential cracking during the rolling process.
- Carefully lay each tortilla flat, strategically positioning the chicken mixture near one edge, then tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
- Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining a slight distance between each to promote even crisping.
- Lightly coat the taquito exteriors with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to encourage a golden, crisp exterior during baking.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, monitoring the taquitos until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges.
- Remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period to prevent immediate burning, then serve alongside complementary dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or creamy sour cream for a delightful culinary experience.
Notes
- Rescue leftover chicken from the fridge to transform into crispy, golden taquitos that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.
- Microwave tortillas briefly with a damp paper towel creates magical flexibility, preventing annoying cracking during rolling.
- Customize your filling by experimenting with different cheese blends, spice combinations, or sneaking in extra herbs for a personal flavor explosion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg