Easy Chicken Taquitos
Learn how to make crispy homemade chicken taquitos with easy baking method. Quick appetizer recipe with cilantro, cheese, and jalapeños.
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 small corn tortillas, 6-inch size
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray for the baking sheet
Instructions
- 1
Heat a medium skillet over medium heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil to the pan.
- 2
Sauté the diced yellow onion for three to four minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces become translucent and begin to soften.
- 3
Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño to the skillet and cook for another 45 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese into the skillet with the aromatics.
- 5
Season the chicken mixture with ground cumin, chili powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and black pepper, then stir everything together over medium heat for two minutes until the cheeses melt completely.
- 6
Remove the pan from heat and fold in the fresh chopped cilantro, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- 7
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- 8
Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for 30 seconds to make them pliable and easier to roll.
- 9
Place approximately two tablespoons of the warm chicken filling along the center of each tortilla, positioning it slightly off-center toward one edge.
- 10
Roll each tortilla tightly from the filled edge toward the opposite side, then place the seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- 11
Lightly brush the remaining tablespoon of olive oil across all the taquitos, covering both the tops and sides evenly.
- 12
Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn golden brown and the edges become crispy.
- 13
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the taquitos cool for two minutes before transferring them to a serving platter.
- 14
Serve the warm taquitos immediately with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, salsa verde, or pico de gallo on the side.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corn tortillas | Whole wheat or spinach flour tortillas | Increases fiber content and adds nutrients while maintaining structural integrity for rolling |
| Frying in oil | Baking with light oil brushing | Dramatically reduces overall fat and calorie content while maintaining the desired crispy exterior |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | Shredded turkey breast or plant-based chicken alternative | Turkey is leaner with lower saturated fat, or use plant-based for vegetarian option with added fiber |
| Full-fat Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses | Reduced-fat or sharp aged cheeses (use less quantity) | Reduced-fat versions cut calories and saturated fat while aged cheeses provide more flavor per ounce |
| Cream cheese | Greek yogurt or cashew cream | Adds protein and probiotics (Greek yogurt) or creaminess while reducing dairy fat content |
| Sea salt to taste | Salt-free seasoning blend or additional fresh lime juice | Reduces sodium intake while enhancing flavor through acidity and spice complexity |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 325 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Saturated Fat | 6g |
| Cholesterol | 58mg |
| Sodium | 480mg |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Protein | 28g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
