Taquitos, Rolled and Baked Chicken or Beef Tacos

By
Chelsie Kenyon
Chelsie Kenyon
Chelsie Kenyon, author of "Knack Mexican Cooking," is a former freelance writer and recipe developer with more than 10 years' experience in Mexican cuisine.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 02/10/23
Rolled and baked tacos recipe

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Prep: 25 mins
Cook: 35 mins
Total: 60 mins
Servings: 4 to 8 servings
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
358 Calories
14g Fat
40g Carbs
20g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 358
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 14g 18%
Saturated Fat 5g 24%
Cholesterol 47mg 16%
Sodium 1475mg 64%
Total Carbohydrate 40g 15%
Dietary Fiber 6g 22%
Total Sugars 12g
Protein 20g
Vitamin C 12mg 61%
Calcium 251mg 19%
Iron 2mg 12%
Potassium 603mg 13%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

Baked tacos are great for dinner or a hearty snack, and they make excellent party food, too. You can use just one type of meat each time you make these or make some of both for variety.

Rolled tacos are easily dipped in your favorite ​guacamole, table sauce, or salsa, so make sure that you have plenty available—ideally of two or more kinds.

2:17

Click Play to See This Taquitos Recipe Come Together

 

Ingredients

  • 2 large chicken breasts

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced

  • 1/2 cup water

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

  • 2 tablespoons chile powder

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced, or 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 2 cups prepared chile sauce

  • 2 cups shredded queso fresco, or mozzarella

  • 16 corn tortillas

  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil

  • Fresh salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or hot sauce, for serving

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Ingredients for rolled and baked tacos
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Start by preparing the filling. If using chicken, put the chicken breasts in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Boil the chicken, covered, for 15 to 20 minutes until it is cooked through.

    Prepare chicken
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Drain the liquid and use 2 forks to shred the chicken and add to a large bowl.

    Drain chicken liquid
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. In a sauté pan, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the chopped onions. Cook until the onions are slightly translucent.

    Add olive oil and onions
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Add 1/2 cup water, cumin, chile powder, and garlic to the chicken. Turn heat to low and simmer until all liquid is absorbed. Let mixture cool for 15 minutes.

    Add water and spices
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Place mixture into a bowl and add the chile sauce and shredded cheese. Toss mixture in a bowl until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

    Place mixture into bowl
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  7. Preheat oven to 450 F.

  8. To roll the tacos, first brush each tortilla with a light coat of oil and warm it on a hot comal or griddle until the tortilla is quite pliable but not too hot to handle.

    Roll tacos
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  9. Place 3 to 4 tablespoons of filling lengthwise in the tortilla.

    Place filling in taco
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  10. Roll the tortilla around it.

    Roll taco
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  11. Place seam-side down in a baking dish.

    Place seam side down
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  12. When all the tortillas have been rolled and placed in a single layer in the dish, put them in the oven and let them bake until they are crispy approximately 15 minutes.

    Line rolled tacos
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  13. Use tongs to place hot baked tacos briefly on paper towels to drain a little, if necessary.

    Put on paper towels
    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  14. Serve 4 per person for a main dish, or 2 each for an appetizer. Serve with fresh salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and/or your favorite Mexican table sauce or other condiments.

    Rolled and baked tacos recipe

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Tip

  • Red chile sauce is recommended for beef, while green chile sauce is recommended for chicken.

Recipe Variation

  • If using beef, brown 1 pound of ground beef in a medium-sized pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions when the meat is about half cooked; continue to cook until beef is no longer pink. Drain off any grease. Then continue with the instructions starting with adding water, cumin, chile powder, and garlic.