If you’re on the lookout for a flavorful, crispy snack or a fun dinner idea, this Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe is absolutely one to bookmark. I love this recipe because it combines tender shredded chicken and melty cheese wrapped in golden, baked corn tortillas, all topped off with a zesty, creamy sriracha sauce that brings just the right amount of kick. Trust me, once you try these taquitos, you’ll be making them again and again — they’re that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy without frying: Baking the taquitos makes them lighter but still satisfyingly crunchy.
- Simple, everyday ingredients: You probably have most of what you need right in your fridge or pantry.
- Customizable heat level: The sriracha cream lets you dial up or down the spice to suit your taste perfectly.
- Great for family and guests: Kids and adults alike go crazy for these—always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients You’ll Need
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how these simple ingredients all come together in such a delicious way. Make sure to use good-quality corn tortillas—they hold up best and give that authentic flavor—and fresh cheese for the creamiest filling.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Using leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.
- Cream cheese: Adds that smooth, tangy richness to the filling.
- Grated cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings flavor depth.
- Canned mild green chilis: Offers a subtle smoky kick without too much heat.
- Mild chili powder: Ground spices elevate the filling with warmth.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and aromatic, a must for that unmistakable Tex-Mex flavor.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- Salt: Balances the flavors.
- Corn tortillas: Choose fresh, small (6-inch) ones for easy rolling.
- Vegetable oil: For brushing tortillas to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Sour cream: For both the sriracha cream sauce and serving.
- Sriracha hot sauce: The star of the cream sauce, giving your taquitos their signature spicy kick.
- Fresh cilantro: A bright topping that cuts through the richness.
- Mild salsa: Optional but adds a refreshing contrast on the side.
Variations
I love experimenting with this Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe to suit different moods and occasions. You can easily tweak it to match your family’s preferences or what you have on hand—flexibility is a big plus here.
- Spicy Variation: Adding diced jalapeños or swapping mild chili powder for chipotle chili powder ups the heat just the way I like it on taco night.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute shredded chicken with roasted veggies or beans—I’ve done this, and it’s surprisingly satisfying.
- Cheese Swaps: Mixing mozzarella with cheddar can give a milder, creamier melt if sharp cheddar feels too intense.
- Gluten-Free Approach: These taquitos are naturally gluten-free thanks to corn tortillas—just check your sriracha and spices for any weird additives.
How to Make Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling with Love
Start by combining your cooked shredded chicken with cream cheese, grated cheddar, canned mild green chilis, and all your spices—chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt—in a medium bowl. I like to mash everything together with a fork or a potato masher until it’s well blended and creamy. This step is where your flavor base builds, so don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning if needed. When I first tried this, I under-seasoned and learned it’s best to be generous here for the fullest flavor.
Step 2: Soften Your Tortillas
Wrap your corn tortillas in stacks of two between damp paper towels and microwave them on high for about 20 seconds. This little trick makes rolling much easier and cuts down on cracking. I remember trying to roll the tortillas cold, and they shattered—don’t skip this step!
Step 3: Roll ‘Em Up Tight
Place about two heaping tablespoons of the chicken filling on one end of each softened tortilla. Roll it tight, like a long cigar, so the filling holds together well. A small cookie scoop can help portion this evenly and keep your hands clean. Once rolled, brush them lightly all over with vegetable oil to help them crisp up beautifully in the oven. Place them seam-side down on a lightly oiled rimmed baking sheet. You’ll get about 18 to 20 taquitos, which is perfect for a family meal or party platter.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your taquitos in a preheated 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden-brown color and crispy edges. If some tortillas crack, don’t fret—you can always remake those few or just enjoy the rustic look. What I’ve learned is that baking them immediately after rolling really reduces cracking and keeps the taquitos intact while still delicious either way.
Step 5: Whip Up the Sriracha Cream Sauce
While the taquitos bake, mix together sour cream and sriracha hot sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust—if you like it extra spicy, add a little more sriracha. I find making the sauce ahead of time lets the flavors meld, and it keeps well in the fridge for a few days, which is great for leftovers or quick snacks.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your baked chicken taquitos hot and crispy, drizzled or dipped in that luscious sriracha cream sauce. Fresh cilantro, sour cream, and mild salsa on the side round out the meal beautifully. My family literally begs for seconds when I bring these out!
Pro Tips for Making Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe
- Softening Tortillas: Always warm your corn tortillas before rolling—it prevents cracking and makes the baking process smoother.
- Even Filling Portions: Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to keep each taquito the same size, which helps them cook evenly in the oven.
- Brush Generously: Don’t skimp on the oil brush—it’s what delivers that crispy golden exterior without frying.
- Bake Promptly: Don’t let rolled taquitos sit too long before baking; otherwise, tortillas may dry and crack more.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe
Garnishes
I like to top my taquitos with freshly chopped cilantro—it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that balances all the richness. A dollop of cool sour cream on the side is always a hit, and if you want to get fancy, a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco is a delicious option too.
Side Dishes
Pair these taquitos with a bright, fresh salad like Mexican street corn salad or a simple avocado and tomato salad for a refreshing contrast. My family also loves serving them alongside a bowl of mild salsa or pico de gallo to add freshness and extra flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, I like to arrange these taquitos upright in a tall glass or basket lined with parchment paper—super cute and easy for guests to grab. I’ve also served them on a big platter with small bowls of sriracha cream, salsa, and guacamole for a festive taco bar vibe that always impresses.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I pop leftover baked chicken taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge, and they stay tasty for up to three days. When I’m short on time, these make excellent next-day lunches or snacks.
Freezing
If I want to save some for later, I freeze the baked taquitos on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This way, they don’t stick together, and I can grab just the right amount. They keep well for about a month.
Reheating
To reheat, I throw frozen or refrigerated taquitos on a baking sheet at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until crispy and warmed all the way through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crispiness intact—that’s key!
FAQs
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Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the taquitos a day in advance, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake them just before serving. This makes your mealtime prep super easy and stress-free.
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What if I don’t like spicy food?
Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the cream sauce. The taquitos themselves are fairly mild, so leaving out or cutting back on the hot sauce keeps it kid-friendly and delicious without the heat.
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Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
You can, but the recipe is more traditional and crispier with corn tortillas. If using flour, make sure they’re small and roll carefully to avoid sogginess, but I recommend sticking with corn for the best texture.
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What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
I usually use my hands to shred warm cooked chicken—it’s quick and easy. You can also use two forks or even toss it into a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for super fast shredding!
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Can I bake these on a wire rack?
Absolutely! Placing the taquitos on a wire rack over a baking sheet helps air circulate and can make them even crispier. Just be sure to oil the rack so the tortillas don’t stick.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe truly holds a special place in my kitchen rotation. It’s approachable, tastes amazing, and always brings smiles around the table. Whether you’re feeding your family, throwing a casual party, or just craving comfort food with a spicy twist, these taquitos deliver every time. I’m confident once you give them a try, you’ll love how effortlessly you can create something that feels restaurant-worthy from your own oven. Happy baking and even happier eating!
Print
Baked Chicken Taquitos with Sriracha Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 18 to 20 taquitos (4 to 5 servings) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Baked Chicken Taquitos are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavorful shredded chicken mixed with cream cheese, cheddar, and mild green chilis. Perfectly seasoned with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder, these taquitos are baked to golden perfection for a healthier twist on a classic Mexican appetizer or snack. Served with a creamy Sriracha sauce, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Taquitos:
- 2 cups (about 1 pound) cooked shredded chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup (4 ounces) grated cheddar cheese
- 4 ounces canned mild green chilis
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 18 to 20 (6-inch) corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Mild salsa
Sriracha Cream Sauce:
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Make the taquito mix: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, canned mild green chilis, mild chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended. Taste and adjust seasonings if desired.
- Prep the tortillas: To make the corn tortillas more flexible and prevent cracking when rolling, wrap them in stacks of two between damp paper towels and microwave on high for 20 seconds.
- Assemble the taquitos: Place about two heaping tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, then tightly roll them up like cigars. Use a small cookie scoop for even portions if preferred. Immediately brush each rolled tortilla with vegetable oil to help with crisping and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all filling is used.
- Bake the taquitos: Bake the rolled taquitos in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden brown. Some tortillas may crack slightly; this is normal and they can still be enjoyed.
- Make the Sriracha cream sauce: While the taquitos bake, mix together the sour cream and Sriracha hot sauce in a small bowl. Adjust the spiciness to your liking. This sauce can be made ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator for a few days.
- Serve: Serve the baked chicken taquitos immediately with the Sriracha cream sauce, fresh cilantro, sour cream, and mild salsa. Leftovers can be frozen up to one month and reheated in a warm oven.
Notes
- To keep tortillas flexible and avoid cracking, warm them before rolling.
- If some tortillas crack badly, don’t hesitate to re-roll the filling in a new tortilla.
- Use mild chilis and mild chili powder for a kid-friendly version; increase spice levels to suit personal preference.
- Leftover taquitos freeze well; reheat in the oven for best texture.
- The cream sauce can be customized by varying the amount of Sriracha to control heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 taquitos
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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