The Best Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Recipe Ever Made

Crispy, golden baked chicken and cheese taquitos have become my weekend comfort obsession.

Rolling tortillas around savory fillings brings pure culinary joy to our table.

My kitchen always smells incredible when these little flavor bombs are sizzling.

Cheesy interior meets perfectly crunchy exterior in each delightful bite.

Minimal effort delivers maximum satisfaction with this simple yet impressive appetizer.

Quick assembly means you can whip up these taquitos faster than ordering takeout.

These crowd-pleasing treats will have everyone asking for seconds before the first plate is empty.

Baked Chicken Cheese Taquitos That Are Crisp And Fun

• Family-Friendly Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy cheese, zesty ranch, and tender chicken, these taquitos appeal to both kids and adults, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that guarantees clean plates.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Easily scale the recipe for game day, movie nights, or casual gatherings, serving as a delightful appetizer or main course that impresses guests with minimal effort.
• Customizable Cooking Adventure: Swap chicken for other proteins, experiment with different cheese blends, or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe a flexible culinary canvas.

What Fills Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos

• Chicken Breast: Tender and lean protein base for the taquitos, best when fully cooked and shredded finely.
• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and helps bind the filling together, room temperature works best.

• Colby Jack Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor with a smooth melting quality, pre-shredded cheese works well.
• Hidden Valley Sweet Chili Ranch Dressing: Delivers tangy and slightly spicy flavor profile, adds moisture to the filling.

• Flour Tortillas, Corn Tortillas: Wrap the filling, flour tortillas are more pliable and easier to roll.
• Scallions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that adds brightness to the filling.
• Lime Juice: Adds bright, citrusy note and helps balance the richness.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and provides a light seasoning on the exterior.

• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Ensures crispy exterior and prevents sticking.
• Aluminum Foil: Helps with easy cleanup and even baking.

Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos – Preparation Instructions

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C) so it’s perfectly ready for our tasty taquito adventure.

Step 2: Prepare Baking Surfaces

Grab two baking sheets and line them with aluminum foil.

Give each sheet a quick spritz of non-stick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Transform your cooked chicken breast into delicate, fine shreds using a food processor, stand mixer, or high-powered blender.

No processor?

Simply dice or shred by hand.

Step 4: Create Flavor Fusion

• Shredded chicken
• Cream cheese
• Hidden Valley® Sweet Chili Ranch dressing
• Fresh lime juice

Stir everything until it becomes a harmonious mixture.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded Colby Jack cheese
• Chopped scallions

Mix until perfectly blended.

Step 6: Roll Your Taquitos

• For flour tortillas: 2 tablespoons per tortilla
• For corn tortillas: 1 tablespoon per tortilla

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, keeping the seam underneath.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheets

Position the rolled taquitos on prepared baking sheets, ensuring some space between each roll.

Step 8: Prep for Baking

Lightly spray taquitos with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheets into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes.

Watch for golden, crispy tortillas with beautifully browned edges.

Step 10: Serve and Devour

Pull out your sizzling taquitos and get ready to enjoy your culinary creation!

Taquito Tips With Cheesy Chicken Wrap

• Use a food processor or stand mixer to achieve ultra-fine, uniform chicken shreds for better texture and even distribution in taquitos.
• Roll tortillas gently and tightly, starting from the bottom edge, to avoid splitting; warm tortillas slightly beforehand for increased flexibility.
• Spray taquitos with non-stick cooking spray and sprinkle kosher salt before baking to create a golden, crunchy exterior that elevates the entire dish.
• Experiment with different cheese blends or swap Sweet Chili Ranch dressing for alternative sauces to create unique taste variations that suit your preferences.
• Prepare chicken mixture in advance and store in refrigerator for quick assembly; these taquitos can be assembled ahead and frozen for convenient future meals.

Reheating Chicken Taquitos for Crispy Crunch Again

• Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual taquitos in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture.
• Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated taquitos at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer for even heating.
• Quick reheat works best for immediate eating, but may soften the tortilla. Microwave for 30-45 seconds, then finish with 1-2 minutes in a toaster oven to crisp up.

What Works With Chicken Taquitos

Craving Cool Companions: Perfect Pairings for Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos

• Zesty Salsa Sidekick: Whip up a fresh pico de gallo or quick salsa verde to add bright, tangy flavors that cut through the richness of the cheesy taquitos.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Blend sour cream with extra ranch dressing and a dash of lime for a cool, velvety dipping sauce that complements the crispy exterior.
• Refreshing Beverage Boost: Pour a crisp Mexican lager or a chilled margarita to balance the savory, cheesy taquitos with a light, refreshing touch.
• Fresh Veggie Crunch: Serve alongside a simple cucumber and avocado salad dressed with lime and cilantro to add freshness and balance to the meal.

Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Remixes

• Vegetarian Veggie Taquitos: Replace chicken with black beans, roasted sweet potatoes, or mixed bell peppers for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Taquitos: Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Southwest Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños, replace ranch with chipotle sauce, and sprinkle cayenne pepper for extra heat and bold southwestern flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap Taquitos: Substitute traditional tortillas with cauliflower wraps or lettuce leaves to reduce carbohydrate content and create a lighter version of the recipe.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of tortillas?

Yes, you can use flour or corn tortillas. Flour tortillas work best for easier rolling, while corn tortillas may require extra care to prevent tearing.

• Is it necessary to use a food processor for the chicken?

No, you can use hand-shredded, diced, or pre-shredded chicken if you prefer. The goal is to have finely chopped chicken that mixes well with other ingredients.

• Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if they’re cold.

• What can I do if my taquitos keep unrolling?

Use toothpicks to secure the seam, or place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Ensure you’re not overfilling the tortillas and roll them tightly but gently.

Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy Baked Chicken and Cheese Taquitos bring Mexican street cuisine straight to your kitchen, offering a perfect blend of shredded chicken, melted cheese, and crunchy tortilla edges. Packed with flavor and easy to prepare, these golden rolls deliver a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups (227 grams) shredded Colby Jack cheese

Flavor Enhancers and Seasonings:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 6 tablespoons Hidden Valley Sweet Chili Ranch
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) lime juice
• 1 tablespoon New Mexico chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for topping taquitos)
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Tortillas and Cooking Ingredients:

• 20 small flour tortillas (6 each) or 40 small corn tortillas
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Warm the kitchen oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C), preparing for crispy taquito magic.
2. Drape aluminum foil across two baking trays, misting with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
3. Transform cooked chicken breast into fine, delicate shreds using a food processor or blender, ensuring uniform texture.
4. Blend shredded chicken with velvety cream cheese, zesty Hidden Valley® Sweet Chili Ranch dressing, and a tangy splash of lime juice in a spacious mixing vessel.
5. Incorporate shredded Colby Jack cheese and freshly chopped scallions, mixing until ingredients harmonize completely.
6. Arrange four tortillas, spreading a generous dollop of chicken mixture across the lower third of each wrap (adjusting quantity for corn tortillas).
7. Carefully roll tortillas into tight cylinders, maintaining structural integrity and preventing potential tears.
8. Position rolled taquitos seam-side down on prepared baking sheets, allowing slight separation between each morsel.
9. Delicately mist taquitos with non-stick spray and sprinkle a whisper of kosher salt for enhanced flavor.
10. Slide trays into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until tortillas transform into golden, crispy perfection with beautifully bronzed edges.
11. Present these delectable taquitos immediately, ready to delight eager taste buds.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth mixing and better flavor blending.
• Choose flour tortillas for easier rolling and a softer texture, or corn tortillas for a more traditional crunch.
• Prevent taquitos from unraveling by securing them with toothpicks before baking or using a slightly dampened edge to seal.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar to customize flavor profiles and add excitement to the dish.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 375
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg