Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe with a Kick

Crispy, golden taquitos packed with tender chicken and zesty spices create a mouthwatering appetizer that never disappoints.

These baked chicken taquitos deliver a delightful crunch with every single bite.

Rolled tortillas stuffed with seasoned meat turn an ordinary evening into a fiesta of flavors.

The simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Cheese melts beautifully inside each taquito, adding a rich, creamy texture that complements the savory chicken.

Serve these delectable bites with your favorite salsa or creamy dipping sauce for an irresistible snack that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this easy recipe and watch these taquitos become an instant crowd-pleaser at your next meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 5

All Ingredients For Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides the hearty core of the taquitos, opt for fresh, high-quality cuts for maximum tenderness.
• Cream Cheese: Creates a silky, rich filling that helps bind the chicken and adds luxurious creaminess.

• Green Chiles: Introduces a mild, zesty kick and vibrant green color to the filling, choose fire-roasted for deeper complexity.
• Salsa: Infuses the chicken with tangy, spicy notes and helps keep the filling moist and flavorful.
• Taco Seasoning: Delivers a classic Mexican-inspired blend of spices that transforms the chicken into a crave-worthy filling.
• Cilantro: Brings a fresh, bright herb element that cuts through the richness and adds an authentic touch.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional wrapper that provides authentic texture and classic taquito structure, warm slightly for easier rolling.
• Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy, golden exterior when brushed on the taquitos before baking.
• Sour Cream: Optional cool, creamy topping that balances the spicy and crispy elements of the dish.

What Tools You Need For Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Baking sheet: Large, flat metal pan for even cooking.
• Parchment paper: Non-stick surface to prevent taquitos from sticking.
• Mixing bowl: Medium-sized for combining chicken and ingredients.
• Shredding fork or two forks: To pull apart cooked chicken.
• Kitchen tongs: For rolling and handling taquitos.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise ingredient measurements.
• Sharp knife: For chopping herbs or slicing chicken if needed.

Cooking Instructions For Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Oven Warmup

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect cozy environment for crispy taquitos.

• Baking Surface Prep

Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray of cooking oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent any sticky situations.

• Tortilla Transformation

Lay out your soft tortillas and generously fill them with shredded chicken, creating plump little rolls that promise delicious bites.

• Sealing Magic

Carefully roll each tortilla tightly, securing the filling inside, and place them seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet.

• Golden Crunch

Brush the taquitos with a light layer of oil to help them achieve that irresistible golden-brown exterior that’ll make mouths water.

• Oven Sizzle

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the magic happen, cooking until the edges turn crisp and the surface becomes a beautiful golden color.

• Cooling Moment

Once out of the oven, let the taquitos rest for a few minutes, allowing them to set and become perfectly crunchy.

• Serving Delight

Plate these golden treasures with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or quick meal.

Tips For Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Perfect Crispiness Hack: Pat chicken completely dry before shredding to ensure maximum crunch and prevent soggy taquitos. This simple step helps achieve that irresistible golden-brown exterior.
• Protein Swap Magic: Replace chicken with shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans for exciting flavor variations that keep the recipe flexible for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Brilliance: Assemble taquitos up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Just pop them in the oven when ready to serve, saving precious time during busy weeknights.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use corn tortillas instead of flour for a naturally gluten-free version. Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable for easier preparation.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by choosing mild or hot salsa, adding diced jalapeños, or incorporating chipotle powder. This allows you to customize the taquitos' spiciness to suit every family member's taste buds.

Serving Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Fiesta Fresh Plating: Arrange taquitos on a colorful platter with fresh cilantro sprigs and lime wedges for a vibrant presentation that pops with Mexican-inspired charm.
• Cool Companion Dips: Serve alongside zesty salsa verde, creamy guacamole, or tangy sour cream for delicious dunking that enhances every crispy bite.
• Meal Companion Magic: Pair with Mexican rice, black beans, or a crisp green salad to transform these taquitos into a complete and satisfying meal that'll make everyone at the table happy.
• Quick Crowd-Pleaser Setup: Create a DIY taquito bar with various toppings like diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and shredded cheese, letting guests customize their plate and enjoy interactive dining.

Storage Plan For Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Quick Fridge Storage: Keep leftover taquitos in an airtight container for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freezer-Friendly Batch: Wrap individual or grouped taquitos tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispy texture by baking frozen or refrigerated taquitos at 375F for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through for even heating.
• Prep-Ahead Strategy: Assemble uncooked taquitos up to 24 hours before baking, storing them covered in the refrigerator to save time during busy weeknights.

Crispy Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican chicken taquitos delight with crispy, golden rolls packed with shredded chicken and melted cheese. Crunchy exterior and savory filling make this simple recipe a crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• 12 small corn or flour tortillas
• ¼ cup (60 ml) salsa or enchilada sauce
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) cream cheese or sour cream
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil (for brushing or spraying)
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) ground cumin
• ½ tsp (2.5 ml) chili powder
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) salt
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) black pepper
• Salsa (for serving)
• Guacamole (for serving)
• Sour cream (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), creating an optimal environment for achieving crispy taquitos.
2. Filling Creation: Combine shredded chicken with cream cheese, blending until smooth, then incorporate shredded cheese, green onions, jalapeños, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring a well-distributed and flavorful mixture.
3. Tortilla Preparation: Gently warm tortillas to enhance pliability, then carefully place a measured portion of the chicken mixture near the edge of each tortilla.
4. Rolling Technique: Craft tight, compact cylinders by rolling the tortillas with precision, positioning them seam-side down on a parchment-lined or lightly oiled baking sheet.
5. Pre-Baking Finish: Delicately brush the exterior of each taquito with olive oil to promote a golden, crisp exterior and ensure even browning.
6. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake until the edges transform into a rich, golden-brown color and achieve a satisfying crispness.
7. Serving: Allow taquitos to rest briefly after removing from the oven, then serve immediately alongside salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for an enhanced dining experience.

Notes

• Prevent Tortilla Cracking: Warm tortillas briefly before filling to increase flexibility and reduce breakage during rolling.
• Balanced Filling Distribution: Use a measured scoop or spoon to ensure even filling in each taquito, avoiding overstuffing.
• Crispy Exterior Technique: Brush taquitos with olive oil and arrange seam-side down to achieve a golden, crunchy surface.
• Temperature Control: Let taquitos rest after baking to help them maintain structural integrity and enhance texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg