Description: Make these crispy oven baked Chicken Taquitos filled with tender shredded chicken and served with fresh Guacamole Salsa. Perfect for Game Day Appetizers, Quick Weeknight Dinners, or Family Friendly Meals—easy, golden, and delicious.
Oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa have quickly become a favorite among American households looking for quick, wholesome, and delicious meals. These golden, crispy taquitos offer all the comfort of traditional fried favorites—minus the extra oil. Perfect for game day gatherings, casual parties, or quick weeknight dinners, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. The creamy, zesty guacamole salsa adds a refreshing balance that keeps everyone reaching for more. If you’re craving something crunchy, flavorful, and easy to make, follow along to discover the secrets behind the perfect oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa.
Why Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos with Guacamole Salsa Win Every Time
A Family Favorite for Game Day Gatherings
There’s something about the excitement of a football game and the aroma of delicious food baking in the oven that turns an ordinary night into a family tradition. I remember preparing my first batch of oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa for a Sunday game—everyone gathered in the living room, the timer ticking down, and the scent of shredded chicken seasoned with spices filling the air. The moment the taquitos emerged golden and crisp, the room fell quiet except for that first satisfying crunch.
These oven baked chicken taquitos have since become our go-to for both game day appetizers and quick weeknight dinners. They offer the same irresistible texture of fried taquitos but skip the mess of splattering oil. Each bite feels like a little celebration—warm tortillas packed with flavorful chicken, gooey cheese, and all the comforting aromas of a homemade meal. Pairing them with fresh guacamole salsa adds a creamy, tangy contrast that cuts through the richness perfectly. Whether you serve them to a crowd of sports fans or a hungry family on a Tuesday night, they fit every occasion with ease and flavor.
Baking instead of frying truly changes the experience. It keeps the chicken taquitos golden, evenly crisp, and lighter while still satisfying that craving for something crunchy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you wonder why you haven’t been baking taquitos all along—fewer dishes, less grease, and no standing over hot oil.
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Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos with Guacamole Salsa
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos 1x
Description
These golden, crispy chicken taquitos are baked instead of fried for a lighter twist on a classic appetizer. Served with a fresh, creamy guacamole salsa, they make a perfect crowd-pleasing snack or quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheese, onion, garlic powder, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave until pliable.
4. Place about two tablespoons of the chicken mixture on each tortilla and roll tightly, placing seam-side down on the baking sheet.
5. Lightly brush each taquito with oil to ensure golden crispness.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until taquitos are golden and crisp, broiling 1 to 2 minutes if extra browning is desired.
7. While taquitos bake, mash avocados with tomato, onion, jalapeno, lime juice, cilantro, salsa verde, and salt to make guacamole salsa.
8. Remove taquitos from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving with the guacamole salsa on the side.
9. Serve garnished with cilantro leaves and lime wedges if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: tex-mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 400
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 45
Keywords: oven baked chicken taquitos, guacamole salsa, game day appetizers, quick weeknight dinners, crispy chicken taquitos, healthy taquitos, baked taquitos
Healthier, Faster, and Just as Crispy
One of the biggest advantages of oven baked chicken taquitos is how they strike the perfect balance between convenience and taste. When life gets busy—between work, school, and everything else—these taquitos come to the rescue. They take minimal prep time, bake beautifully in under 25 minutes, and still achieve that crave-worthy crisp you’d expect from a restaurant version.
For families striving to eat a bit healthier, switching from fried to oven baked chicken taquitos means a significant cut in oil and calories without compromising flavor. The guacamole salsa adds healthy fats and freshness, making every bite both nourishing and indulgent. Even beginners in the kitchen can master this recipe quickly—it’s straightforward, forgiving, and ideal for anyone trying to cook more at home.
These taquitos aren’t just for dinners. They make an excellent addition to school lunches, potluck spreads, or meal prep menus. Want to plan ahead? Freeze a batch of rolled taquitos and bake them straight from the freezer on busy nights. They’re every bit as crispy, with that same irresistible crunch and creamy guacamole salsa ready on the side.
Ingredients, Prep, and Tools for Oven Baked Chicken Taquitos with Guacamole Salsa
Simple Ingredients for Big Flavor
The beauty of oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa lies in their simplicity. Each component—crisp tortillas, juicy shredded chicken, melted cheese, and refreshing guacamole salsa—comes together to create a dish that feels gourmet but is incredibly easy to assemble. Below is a complete ingredient list to help you get started:
| Taquito Filling | Guacamole Salsa |
|---|---|
| 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover) | 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted |
| 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese | ½ cup diced tomato |
| ¼ cup diced onion | ¼ cup chopped red onion |
| 1 teaspoon garlic powder | 1 jalapeño, chopped (optional for spice) |
| ½ teaspoon cumin | Juice of 1 lime |
| ½ teaspoon chili powder or smoked paprika | ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped |
| Salt and black pepper, to taste | Salt to taste |
| 10–12 small corn or flour tortillas | 2–3 tablespoons salsa verde or tomatillo sauce (for blending) |
Ingredient Notes and Variations:
- Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works best for convenience, but leftover grilled or poached chicken also delivers wonderful flavor.
- Cheese: Use Monterey Jack for mild meltiness or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas yield classic, crispy taquitos. For a softer version, use flour tortillas.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute black beans or sautéed vegetables for chicken, and follow the same rolling method.
- Flavor Boosters: Add diced chipotle peppers in adobo or a pinch of smoked cayenne for a bolder punch.
When preparing these oven baked chicken taquitos, freshness truly matters. The crisp outer shell highlights the creamy filling and tangy guacamole salsa underneath. For family servings, plan for about two to three taquitos per person; they disappear fast!
Must-Have Tools for Easy Prep
A few simple kitchen tools will make assembling oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa incredibly easy and mess-free:
- Baking Sheet: Use a heavy-duty sheet for even browning and crisp edges.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat: Prevents sticking and ensures a golden crust without excess oil.
- Mixing Bowls: Perfect for tossing the chicken with cheese and spices.
- Tongs: Ideal for handling hot tortillas.
- Oven Thermometer: Ensures the oven is hot enough for the crispiest results.
- Food Processor or Mortar and Pestle: Blend or mash your guacamole salsa to your preferred texture.
Time-Saving Prep Tips:
- Warm the tortillas briefly so they’re flexible and won’t crack when rolled.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) for even, golden baking.
- Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling to keep them secure.
- Place seam-side down when baking for perfect shape and crispness.
- Freeze unbaked taquitos for future quick dinners or game day appetizers.
By having the right tools ready and prepping efficiently, you’ll breeze through the process and ensure every detail—from the melt of the cheese to the vivid green guacamole salsa—comes together perfectly. That extra attention to warmth, rolling pressure, and even oven heat transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa.
Step-by-Step Baking and Serving Ideas
Step-by-Step Baking Directions for Perfect Crispiness
Once your ingredients and tools are prepped, it’s time to bring these oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa to life. The process is easy, quick, and designed to give you that perfect golden crunch every time. Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a tray of crisp, flavorful taquitos ready to serve in under 30 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Combine shredded chicken, cheese, and spices; adjust seasoning.
- Warm tortillas briefly until pliable.
- Fill and roll each tortilla tightly, placing seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Brush or spray lightly with oil for golden texture.
- Bake 20–25 minutes until crisp and lightly browned. Broil briefly for extra crunch if desired.
- Cool for a few minutes before serving.
| Oven Type / Tortilla | Temperature | Bake Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conventional, Corn | 425°F | 22–25 min | Crisp texture and rich color |
| Convection, Corn | 400°F | 18–20 min | Evenly baked surface |
| Conventional, Flour | 425°F | 20–22 min | Soft-crisp edges |
| Convection, Flour | 400°F | 17–19 min | Uniform crispness |
Extra Tips: Secure with toothpicks if unrolling, dust lightly with chili powder before baking, and never overcrowd the pan.
How to Serve and Store with Guacamole Salsa
The joy of oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa lies in their versatility. Serve them as appetizers, main dishes, or party favorites—each way looks stunning and tastes incredible.
- Presentation: Arrange taquitos on a platter and drizzle guacamole salsa over the top or serve it separately for dipping.
- Garnishes: Add cilantro, lime wedges, or cotija cheese for freshness.
- Dips: Offer salsa verde, pico de gallo, or sour cream alongside guacamole salsa for variety.
- Pairings: Complement with sides like rice, corn salad, or green salad. Perfect for game day spreads!
Storage & Reheating:
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days. Keep the guacamole salsa covered tightly to prevent browning.
- Freeze: Layer cooled taquitos between parchment, freeze up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry 5–6 minutes for crispness.
- Refresh Salsa: Stir in lime juice or olive oil to revive color and flavor.
With these storage and serving ideas, your oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa will stay delicious and crisp from the first serving to the last bite—making them perfect for busy families or weekend entertaining.
FAQs and Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble a day ahead, refrigerate, or freeze unbaked taquitos. Bake straight from frozen, adding a few minutes to bake time.
How do I keep them crispy when reheating?
Reheat in a 400°F oven or air fryer for a few minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunch.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken works best, though grilled or poached options also taste great once seasoned properly.
Can I air fry instead of bake?
Yes. Air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crisp results.
How long does guacamole salsa last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge with plastic wrap pressed against the surface to reduce oxidation.
Conclusion – Bringing It All Together
Oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa prove that you don’t need deep frying or complicated steps to enjoy truly satisfying comfort food. Each crunchy, golden taquito filled with savory chicken and paired with cool, creamy guacamole salsa delivers the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether for game day, family dinner, or a quick weeknight craving, this recipe shines every time.
They’re easy, family-friendly, and irresistibly delicious—so grab your baking sheet, preheat the oven, and bring home the perfect mix of crunch and cream with these oven baked chicken taquitos with guacamole salsa.
