Baked Ground Chicken Taquitos
Hi, I’m Brooke! You have probably seen me on Social Media as Meals and Munchies. I’m a busy stay at home mom who loves sharing easy, family-friendly meals that come together fast—because let’s be honest, we don’t always have time for complicated. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, working from home, or just trying to get dinner on the table after work without a fuss, you’re in the right place. Meals and Munchies is where I share real-life recipes that are quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Easy recipes for every day life- let’s get cooking!Whether you’re juggling naptime, homework, or just trying to make it to bedtime with dinner on the table, these easy recipes are here to save the day. No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients—just real-life meals you can make fast, with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Because easy doesn’t mean boring! These recipes are all beginner friendly and are so easy, anyone can make them! In fact, I often do them with a baby in my arms. If you are looking for the ultimate weeknight crowd-pleaser, these Easy Baked Ground Chicken Taquitos check every single box. Packed with a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly spiced chicken filling, this recipe delivers all the satisfying, crunchy texture of traditional Mexican taquitos without the mess or extra oil of deep frying. By baking them at a high temperature, you get a beautifully golden, shatteringly crisp shell every single time. The secret to this recipe's incredible flavor lies in the filling. Lean ground chicken is seasoned with a robust blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and onion powder, then combined with softened cream cheese and salsa. This creates an ultra-creamy, savory base that keeps the chicken perfectly juicy while it bakes. Rolled tightly in warm flour tortillas and finished with an optional, decadent garlic-butter brush right out of the oven, these taquitos are practically guaranteed to disappear from the platter.
Equipment
- 1 baking sheet, with parchment paper
- 1 skillet
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded Mexican blend or cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, optional
- 10-12 small flour tortillas
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken and cook, breaking it apart, until fully cooked (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from the heat and mix in the cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, and cilantro until creamy and combined.
- Warm tortillas for 15–20 seconds in the microwave.
- Spoon about 1/4 cup filling onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Optional Garlic Butter Finish
- Mix 2 tbsp melted butter, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tbsp chopped parsley. Brush over the taquitos immediately after baking.
Serve With
- Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, queso, cilantro-lime rice, or Mexican rice. Reheat leftovers in a 375°F air fryer for 4–5 minutes.