An Easy and Cheesy Chicken Taquitos Casserole

If you’re looking for a fun, easy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that the whole family will go crazy for, this Cheesy Chicken Taquitos Casserole is your answer.

It’s a brilliant and delicious mashup of two beloved dishes: crispy taquitos and a saucy enchilada-style bake.

This recipe is all about layering textures and classic Tex-Mex flavors. We’ll be nestling crispy, store-bought taquitos into a bed of zesty enchilada sauce.

Then, we’ll top it all with a generous blanket of gooey, melted cheese. It’s a simple concept that results in a dish that is wonderfully crunchy on top, soft and saucy on the bottom, and cheesy all the way through.

This is the ultimate shortcut meal for a busy weeknight. It’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole that comes together with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep. Let’s get baking!

Essential Tools

• 9×13 inch Baking Dish
• Large Bowl
• Spatula or Large Spoon
• Can Opener
• Cheese Grater

Quick Recipe Snapshot

Here’s a quick look at how incredibly fast this family-friendly meal comes together.

Ingredients

This super-easy casserole uses smart shortcuts to get a delicious dinner on the table fast.

For the Casserole:

• Frozen Chicken & Cheese Taquitos: 1 large box (about 20-24 taquitos).
• Red Enchilada Sauce: 1 large (28 oz) can. Choose your favorite mild, medium, or hot variety.
• Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened to room temperature.
• Diced Green Chiles: 1 (4 oz) can, drained.
• Shredded Mexican Blend or Cheddar Cheese: 2-3 cups.

For Serving (Optional):

• Sour Cream or a Drizzle of Crema
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro
• Diced Avocado or Guacamole
• Sliced Jalapeños or Black Olives

The Flavor Architects A Look at the Ingredients

• Frozen Taquitos: This is the ultimate shortcut and the star of the show. Using pre-made, frozen taquitos provides the crispy texture, the chicken filling, and the tortilla all in one easy, ready-to-use component.
• Enchilada Sauce: A good quality canned sauce is another fantastic shortcut that provides all the complex, savory, and chile-infused flavor needed to bring the casserole together and create that classic enchilada taste.
• Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient that elevates the sauce. Whisking softened cream cheese into the enchilada sauce creates a wonderfully rich, creamy, and slightly tangy base that beautifully complements the crispy taquitos.
• Shredded Cheese: This is the delicious finishing touch. A generous layer of a good melting cheese is essential for that signature gooey, cheesy pull and a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Cooking Instructions

This crowd-pleasing casserole is one of the easiest baked dishes you can make, with just a few minutes of active prep time.

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Sauce and Pan

First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large mixing bowl, it is important to start with your cream cheese fully softened to room temperature. Pour about half of the can of enchilada sauce into the bowl with the cream cheese.

Use a whisk to mix them together vigorously until the cream cheese has broken down and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Once it is smooth, whisk in the remaining enchilada sauce and the can of drained diced green chiles.

Step 2: Assemble the Casserole

Pour about one cup of the creamy enchilada sauce mixture into the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it around to coat the bottom. This prevents the taquitos from sticking and ensures the bottom layer gets nice and saucy.

Arrange the frozen taquitos in a single, snug layer in the baking dish on top of the sauce. Depending on the size of your dish and your taquitos, you may have two long rows.

Step 3: Smother and Top with Cheese

Once your taquitos are arranged in the dish, pour the rest of the creamy enchilada sauce all over the top of them.

Use a spatula to gently spread the sauce out, making sure that all the taquitos are completely covered and smothered in the sauce. This is important to ensure they soften nicely on the bottom while staying crispy on top.

Step 4: Bake to Bubbly, Golden Perfection

Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly all over the top of the sauced taquitos, covering them from edge to edge. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes.

The casserole is done when the sauce is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese on top is completely melted and a beautiful golden-brown. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Recipe Variations

This easy casserole is a perfect template for your own favorite Tex-Mex flavors.

• Make it Spicy: For a spicier casserole, use a “hot” enchilada sauce, add a can of diced jalapeños along with the green chiles, and use a pepper jack cheese for the topping.
• Hearty Add-ins: To make the casserole even more substantial, you can add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or corn to the sauce before pouring it over the taquitos.
• Different Taquitos: This recipe works perfectly with beef taquitos as well. Feel free to use your favorite brand or flavor of frozen taquitos.

Serving Suggestions

This is a hearty, all-in-one meal that is perfect served on its own.

• Top it Off: The best way to serve this casserole is to set out a “toppings bar” of small bowls containing sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado or guacamole, and sliced jalapeños so everyone can customize their own portion.
• Simple Green Salad: A crisp and simple green salad with a zesty cilantro-lime vinaigrette is the perfect fresh and light accompaniment to the rich, cheesy casserole.
• Mexican Rice: While the casserole is very filling, a side of simple Mexican-style rice is a classic pairing.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Leftovers of this casserole are delicious, though the taquitos will soften.

• Storage: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot. To reheat a larger portion, place it in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can fully assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

When you’re ready to eat, you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the total baking time since it’s starting from cold.

Do I need to cook the taquitos before putting them in the casserole?

No, you do not. The beauty of this recipe is that you use the taquitos straight from frozen. They will cook through completely as the casserole bakes in the oven.

Can I make a smaller version of this casserole?

Yes, absolutely. You can easily halve all of the ingredients and bake it in a smaller 8×8 or 9×9 inch square baking dish. The cooking time should be about the same, just keep an eye on it.

Enjoy Your Ultimate Shortcut Casserole!

You are now ready to make a fun, cheesy, and incredibly easy taquitos casserole that the whole family will love.

It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a comforting and satisfying meal without a lot of effort. Enjoy!