You can make delicious and easy-to-prepare oven-baked taquitos with a mild and flexible filling, using shredded chicken, cheese, and seasonings, and then baking them to crispy perfection in your oven, allowing you to enjoy a hands-off and stress-free meal preparation experience.
Understanding Jamie Oliver Taquitos
Before exploring into Jamie Oliver’s oven-baked taquitos recipe, it’s important to understand what taquitos are. Taquitos are a type of Mexican dish that consists of a filling, typically meat or cheese, wrapped in a tortilla and then baked or fried.
Origin and Cultural Significance
For many, taquitos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and their origin dates back to the traditional Mexican dish, tacos. Taquitos have become a popular dish worldwide, and their cultural significance is evident in their versatility and adaptability to different fillings and cooking methods.
Types of Oven Baked Taquitos
For instance, you can find various types of taquitos, including chicken, beef, and veggie options. Some common types of taquitos include:
Chicken taquitos: filled with shredded chicken and cheese
Beef taquitos: filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese
Veggie taquitos: filled with sautéed vegetables and cheese
Assume that you can experiment with different fillings to create your own unique taquitos recipe.
Type of Taquitos
Description
Chicken taquitos
Filled with shredded chicken and cheese
Beef taquitos
Filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese
Veggie taquitos
Filled with sautéed vegetables and cheese
Cheese taquitos
Filled with melted cheese and optional fillings
Breakfast taquitos
Filled with scrambled eggs, cheese, and optional fillings
For instance, you can try making chicken taquitos with shredded chicken, cheese, and mild green chilis. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. Assume that you can adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less sriracha or hot sauce.
Ingredient Spotlight
Clearly, the ingredients you choose will greatly impact the flavor and texture of your taquitos, so it’s crucial to select high-quality components, including shredded chicken, cream cheese, and mild green chiles, to create a delicious and kid-friendly dish.
Key Ingredients for Healthy Taquitos
With a focus on traditional Tex-Mex flavors, you’ll need corn tortillas, cheddar cheese, and seasonings like cumin and chili powder to bring your taquitos to life, and by using these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a crispy and golden brown exterior and a flavorful and creamy interior.
Optional Add-ins and Substitutes
An array of additional ingredients can enhance your taquitos, such as diced veggies or different proteins, which can be added to the filling to suit your taste preferences, and by doing so, you’ll be able to create a unique and personalized dish that suits your needs.
This flexibility in ingredients allows you to experiment with various combinations, making the recipe highly adaptable to your dietary needs and preferences, and as you explore different options, you’ll find that the cream cheese and shredded chicken provide a rich and creamy base that can be easily customized with your favorite ingredients, resulting in a delicious and satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again.
Tips for Preparation
For a successful taquitos recipe, consider the following:
Use fresh ingredients
Avoid overfilling the tortillas
Knowing these tips will help you achieve the perfect taquitos.
Marinating Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Clearly, marinating the chicken is vital for maximum flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings and spices to give your chicken a unique taste.
Choosing the Right Tortillas
To achieve the perfect taquitos, you need to choose the right tortillas. Look for corn tortillas that are flexible and easy to roll.
Tortillas are a critical component of taquitos. When selecting tortillas, consider the size and texture. You want tortillas that are large enough to hold the filling, but not so large that they become difficult to roll. Additionally, choose tortillas with a soft and pliable texture to ensure they can be rolled and baked without cracking.
Balancing Fillings for Texture and Taste
Right from the start, it’s vital to balance your fillings for optimal texture and taste. Combine ingredients like chicken, cheese, and vegetables to create a delicious and satisfying filling.
Fillings can make or break your taquitos. When preparing your fillings, consider the flavors and textures you want to achieve. A good balance of protein, cheese, and vegetables will provide a satisfying and delicious taquitos experience. Be sure to season your fillings with spices and herbs to add depth and complexity to your taquitos.
Step-by-Step Method
Unlike other recipes, this one is easy to follow. Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
Step
Description
1
Prepare the chicken filling
2
Assemble the taquitos
3
Bake for perfect crispiness
You will find the details of each step below.
Preparing the Chicken Filling
Chicken is the main ingredient in this recipe. You will need to mash together shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green chilis, and seasonings. Mix them well and adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Assembling the Crispy Taquitos Without Frying
Assuming you have prepared the chicken filling, you can now assemble the taquitos. Add two heaping tablespoons of the chicken filling to each corn tortilla and wrap tightly. Brush the tortillas with vegetable oil to prevent cracking.
It is crucial to handle the tortillas with care, as they can crack easily. To make them more flexible, wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 20 seconds. This will help you roll them tightly without breaking.
Baking for Perfect Crispiness
Some people may find it challenging to achieve the perfect crispiness. To bake the taquitos, place them seam-side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Assembling the taquitos and baking them immediately will help prevent the tortillas from cracking too much. If some of your tortillas crack badly, you can try again with a new tortilla and transfer the filling over. Don’t worry if a few cracks appear, as the taquitos will still be delicious and can be picked up and eaten easily.
Jamie-style Flavor Boosters
Once again, you’ll find that adding a few simple ingredients can elevate your taquitos to the next level, with fresh herbs and spices playing a key role in enhancing the flavor.
Incorporating Fresh Herbs
For a burst of freshness, you can add chopped cilantro or scallions to your taquitos, which will add a nice depth of flavor and texture to your dish, making it more appealing to your taste buds.
Zest and Spice Applications
Incorporating zest and spices into your taquitos can add a nice kick of flavor, with options like lime zest and cumin being great additions to your recipe, allowing you to experiment with different flavors.
Flavor profiles can be greatly enhanced by the use of zest and spices, as they add a unique and aromatic flavor to your taquitos, making them more enjoyable to eat, and you can adjust the amount of zest and spices to your liking, allowing you to personalize your recipe.
Complementary Sauces
Some of the best sauces to serve with your taquitos include sour cream and sriracha, which add a nice cooling and spicy contrast to your dish, making it more interesting and flavorful.
Understanding the importance of complementary sauces can help you to elevate your taquitos to the next level, as they add a rich and creamy element to your dish, and you can experiment with different sauce combinations to find the one that works best for you, allowing you to create a truly delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
To make your Jamie Oliver Oven Baked Taquitos a complete meal, consider adding some delicious sides and dips. You can serve them with a variety of options, such as salads, beans, or grilled vegetables.
Creating a Flavorful Platter
Now that you have your taquitos ready, it’s time to create a flavorful platter. You can add some fresh cilantro, sour cream, and mild salsa to give it a boost of flavor.
Dips and Accompaniments
Any good taquito deserves a great dip to go with it. You can serve your taquitos with a variety of dips, such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa.
To take your taquitos to the next level, try making a Sriracha Cream Sauce by mixing together sour cream and Sriracha hot sauce. This sauce is a great addition to your taquitos and can be made in advance.
Presentation Tips
Drizzle your taquitos with some vegetable oil and sprinkle with fresh cilantro to make them look appealing. Here are some tips to present your taquitos:
Use a colorful plate to add visual appeal
Add some fresh vegetables on the side
Drizzle with Sriracha Cream Sauce for extra flavor
Recognizing the importance of presentation, you can make your taquitos look appetizing and delicious.
Suggestions for presenting your taquitos include using a theme-based plate or adding some garnishes such as fresh herbs or edible flowers. Here are some tips to present your taquitos:
Use a themed plate to match your occasion
Add some garnishes such as fresh herbs or edible flowers
Drizzle with Sriracha Cream Sauce for extra flavor
Recognizing the importance of presentation, you can make your taquitos look appealing and delicious, and your guests will appreciate the extra effort you put into making them look special.
Make-Ahead Strategies
Not only are Jamie Oliver’s oven-baked taquitos delicious, but they also offer several make-ahead strategies that can save you time and effort. You can prepare the filling and store it in the fridge for later use, or assemble the taquitos and freeze them for up to a month.
Freezing Homemade Taquitos Jamie Style
Freezing the taquitos is a great way to preserve them for later use. You can freeze them flat on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and remove as much air as possible. This will help prevent freezer burn and keep the taquitos fresh for a longer period.
Reheating Instructions
Even if you freeze the taquitos, you can still reheat them to perfection. You can reheat frozen taquitos in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or in the microwave on high for 90 seconds. However, be aware that reheating in the microwave may result in a soggier texture.
Strategies for reheating the taquitos include using a conventional oven or a microwave. When using the oven, make sure to preheat it to the correct temperature and reheat the taquitos for the recommended time. This will help prevent overcooking or undercooking the taquitos.
Meal Prep Ideas
Ideas for meal prep include preparing the filling and assembling the taquitos in advance, then freezing them for later use. You can also prepare a batch of taquitos on the weekend and reheat them throughout the week for a quick and easy meal.
Instructions for meal prep include preparing the filling and assembling the taquitos, then freezing them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat them, simply reheat the taquitos in the oven or microwave and serve with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream and salsa.
Nutritional Information
All the ingredients in Jamie Oliver’s oven-baked taquitos contribute to a relatively balanced nutritional profile. You can expect a mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates in each serving.
Healthier Alternatives
On the topic of healthier alternatives, you can consider using low-fat cheese and whole-wheat tortillas to reduce the calorie and fat content of your taquitos.
Caloric Breakdown
You will find that the caloric breakdown of these taquitos is relatively moderate, with approximately 250-300 calories per serving. This makes them a satisfying snack or light meal option.
Alternatives to traditional taquitos can include using baked instead of fried methods, which significantly reduces the calorie count. Additionally, you can experiment with different fillings, such as vegetarian or vegan options, to cater to various dietary needs.
Fat Content Comparison
Breaking down the fat content, you can compare the following:
Fat Type
Amount per Serving
Saturated Fat
5-6g
Trans Fat
0g
This comparison highlights the relatively low levels of unhealthy fats in these taquitos.
Understanding the fat content is vital to making informed decisions about your diet. By choosing baked taquitos and using healthy fats like avocado or olive oil, you can enjoy a guilt-free snack that is both delicious and nutritious.
Sustainability Considerations
Many of you are likely considering the environmental impact of your food choices, and this recipe is no exception. As you prepare Jamie Oliver’s oven-baked taquitos, think about the ways you can reduce waste and make eco-friendly choices.
Reducing Food Waste
Sustainably, you can reduce food waste by using leftover chicken and vegetables in your taquitos, and by planning your meals carefully to avoid buying too much food that may go to waste. According to the USDA, about 30-40% of the food supply in the United States goes uneaten, so making a few small changes can have a big impact.
Eco-friendly Practices
Assuming you want to make your taquitos as eco-friendly as possible, you can start by choosing locally sourced and organic ingredients whenever possible. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of your meal and support local farmers.
The key to making eco-friendly taquitos is to be mindful of your ingredient choices and cooking methods. Using energy-efficient appliances and turning off the oven when not in use can also help reduce your environmental impact. By making a few simple changes, you can enjoy delicious taquitos while also doing your part for the planet.
Sourcing Ingredients
There’s no need to sacrifice flavor or quality when sourcing ingredients for your taquitos. Look for responsibly sourced chicken and cheese, and choose seasonal vegetables to reduce your environmental impact. You can also consider buying in bulk and planning your meals around what’s on sale to reduce food waste and save money.
Ecofriendly ingredient sourcing is all about making conscious choices that benefit both you and the planet. By choosing high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, you can enjoy delicious taquitos while also supporting local farmers and reducing your carbon footprint. Remember to always check the labels and look for certifications like “organic” or “free-range” to ensure that you’re getting the best ingredients for your meal.
Pros and Cons of Baking Taquitos
After considering your options, you can weigh the advantages and disadvantages of baking taquitos in the following table:
Pros
Cons
Healthier alternative
May lack crispy texture
Easier to make in large quantities
Can be dry if overcooked
Less messy than frying
May not be as flavorful
You can decide what works best for your needs.
Benefits of Baking vs. Frying
Some of the benefits of baking taquitos include a healthier alternative to frying, as it uses less oil and is easier to make in large quantities. This method also produces a less messy cooking process.
Potential Drawbacks
Potentially, baking taquitos can result in a less crispy texture compared to frying, and if overcooked, they can become dry. However, with the right techniques, you can achieve a delicious and crispy texture.
Another consideration is that baking taquitos may not produce the same flavorful results as frying, but you can experiment with different seasonings and ingredients to enhance the taste. By understanding these potential drawbacks, you can take steps to mitigate them and achieve the best results.
Taste and Texture Comparison
Frying and baking taquitos have distinct differences in terms of taste and texture, as shown in the following table:
Taste
Texture
Richer flavor when fried
Crispier when fried
Lighter flavor when baked
Softer when baked
You can choose the method that best suits your preferences.
Texture plays a significant role in the overall experience of eating taquitos. When you bake taquitos, they can become softer and more prone to breaking, but they can still be delicious and enjoyable. On the other hand, frying taquitos produces a crispier exterior, but it can also be messier and more calorie-dense. By considering these factors, you can decide which method works best for you and your taste preferences.
People Also Ask
Your questions about Jamie Oliver’s oven-baked taquitos are addressed below, including air-frying, cheese substitutes, and gluten-free options.
Can I Air-Fry These?
Little do you know, air-frying is a great alternative to baking, and you can achieve a crispy exterior with much less oil, making it a healthier option.
Best Cheese Substitutes?
Frequently, you may wonder what cheese substitutes work well in taquitos, and the answer is that you can use Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack as great alternatives to cheddar.
To make the best cheese substitutes, you can also experiment with blending different cheeses to achieve the perfect flavor, and don't forget to consider lactose-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Gluten-Free Options?
There's no need to worry about gluten-free options, as you can easily use gluten-free tortillas made from corn or other gluten-free ingredients, ensuring that everyone can enjoy these delicious taquitos.
Plus, when using gluten-free tortillas, you can still achieve a crispy texture by brushing them with vegetable oil and baking them in the oven, and don't forget to check the ingredient labels to ensure that all the ingredients are gluten-free.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Despite the simplicity of Jamie Oliver’s oven-baked taquitos recipe, you can still encounter some issues if you’re not careful. To ensure your taquitos turn out perfectly, you should be aware of common mistakes to avoid, such as overstuffing, improper tortilla preparation, and incorrect baking times and temperatures.
Overstuffing Taquitos
Taquitos can be finicky, so be careful not to overfill them, as this can cause them to burst open in the oven, resulting in a messy and unappetizing dish. You should fill them with just the right amount of filling to ensure they cook evenly and retain their shape.
Not Prepping Tortillas Properly
Now, when it comes to preparing your tortillas, you need to make sure you’re doing it correctly. You should wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave them for 20 seconds to make them more flexible and easier to roll. This step is important to prevent cracking and ensure your taquitos turn out perfectly.
Another important aspect of preparing your tortillas is to brush them with vegetable oil after rolling the taquitos. This will help prevent them from drying out and cracking, resulting in a crunchy and golden-brown exterior.
Jamie Oliver-Inspired Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos in 30 Minutes
Baking Times and Temperatures
Now, to achieve the perfect bake, you should be aware of the correct baking times and temperatures. The following table outlines the ideal baking conditions:
Baking Time
Temperature
20-25 minutes
350°F
You should bake your taquitos at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re crispy and golden brown.
Prepping your taquitos for baking is also critical. You should place them seam-side down on a lightly oiled baking sheet to prevent them from sticking and to ensure they cook evenly. The following table outlines the key steps to follow:
Step
Action
1
Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet
2
Brush with vegetable oil to prevent drying out
By following these steps and using the correct baking times and temperatures, you’ll be able to achieve perfectly cooked taquitos that are crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Keep in mind that you can experiment with different fillings and seasonings to create your own unique taquitos recipes. You can try adding spicy peppers or smoky paprika to give your taquitos a bolder flavor.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Veering towards plant-based options, you can replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or black beans to create a delicious and healthy vegetarian or vegan taquitos recipe. This way, you can enjoy the same crispy and cheesy texture without the meat.
Creative Flavor Combinations
Now that you have the basic recipe down, you can start experimenting with new and exciting flavor combinations. Try adding different types of cheese or herbs to create a unique taste experience.
To take your taquitos to the next level, consider combining smoky and spicy flavors with fresh and herby notes. This will add depth and complexity to your dish, making it a hit with your family and friends.
Global Takes on Taquitos
There’s a world of inspiration out there when it comes to taquitos. You can draw from international cuisines like Korean or Indian to create fusion taquitos that are both adventurous and delicious.
Combinations like Korean BBQ beef or Indian-spiced vegetables can add a unique twist to your taquitos. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new ingredients to create a dish that’s both authentic and innovative. With a little creativity, you can turn your taquitos into a global culinary experience.
Conclusion
Summing up, you now have a simple recipe for Jamie Oliver Oven Baked Taquitos that is easy to prepare and delicious to eat. You can customize your taquitos with your favorite fillings and freeze them for later use, making it a great option for your meals.
1 small (115 g / 4 oz) can mild diced green chiles, drained
½ tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili powder (or to taste)
Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For rolling & baking
12 small corn tortillas (6-inch), fresh and pliable
1–2 Tbsp neutral vegetable oil (for brushing or spritzing)
Jamie-style flavour boosters (optional but recommended)
Zest & juice of ½ lime
1 Tbsp chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) or scallions
Pinch smoked paprika or extra chili flakes for heat
Serving / dip suggestions
Greek yoghurt or sour cream + a dash of sriracha (quick “sriracha cream”)
Pico de gallo or mild salsa
Smashed avocado / guacamole
Instructions
Prep the filling
In a bowl mash together shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, lime zest/juice, coriander, salt & pepper until evenly combined.
Soften tortillas
Stack tortillas, wrap in a damp paper towel and microwave 20 sec (or warm briefly on a dry skillet) until flexible.
Fill & roll
Place about 2 heaping Tbsp of filling along the lower third of each tortilla; roll up tightly into a cigar shape.
Oil & arrange
Brush or mist each taquito lightly with vegetable oil and line them seam-side down on a lightly-oiled baking sheet, leaving space between.
Bake
Bake at 350 °F / 175 °C for 20–25 min, flipping once after 12 min, until tortillas are golden and crisp.
Serve
Finish with an extra squeeze of lime and scatter of coriander. Serve hot with yoghurt-sriracha drizzle, salsa, and/or guacamole.
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James is the home-cook and food writer behind JamieOliverRecipes.com. For the past decade he’s tested, photographed and translated more than 30 of Jamie Oliver’s dishes for the American kitchen—converting metric weights, adding imperial temperatures and sourcing US-market ingredients. Every recipe links back to Jamie Oliver’s original instructions and features step-by-step photos James shoots in his New Jersey studio kitchen.