Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe Everyone Loves

Golden, crispy baked chicken taquitos represent a delightful twist on traditional Mexican-inspired fare.

These rolled tortilla delicacies promise a satisfying crunch that changes ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Lean protein meets vibrant seasonings, creating a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

Home cooks adore these handheld treats for their versatility and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Minimal preparation meets maximum satisfaction in this straightforward recipe that elevates weeknight dining.

The magic happens when simple ingredients combine with smart cooking techniques to produce something truly spectacular.

You’ll fall in love with how easily these taquitos come together, delivering restaurant-quality results from your own kitchen.

Helpful Tips for Rolling and Filling Taquitos

• Control Tortilla Moisture: Wrap corn tortillas in a slightly damp paper towel before microwaving to prevent cracking and make rolling easier.
• Seal Taquitos Securely: Roll the tortillas tightly and place them seam-side down to prevent unraveling during baking.
• Enhance Crispiness: Lightly spray or brush olive oil on the exterior to achieve a golden, crunchy surface.
• Balance Filling Quantity: Use exactly 2 tablespoons of mixture to prevent overstuffing, which can cause tearing.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with different cheese blends, spices, or add chopped jalapeños for a personalized kick.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Taquitos Without Soggy Shells

• Refrigerate: Cool taquitos completely, then store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual taquitos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated taquitos in a preheated 375°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crunchy texture. Flip halfway through heating for even crispness.

Salsa and Sides That Pair with Chicken Taquitos

• Crisp and Cool Dip Companions: Pair these golden taquitos with fresh homemade guacamole, tangy salsa verde, and creamy sour cream for a burst of complementary flavors that enhance the crispy texture.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve with an ice-cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona, or a zesty margarita to cut through the richness of the chicken and cheese filling.
• Bright Side Salad Complement: Create a light cilantro-lime coleslaw or fresh tomato and cucumber salad to balance the crispy taquitos with a refreshing, crunchy counterpoint that adds nutrition and vibrant color to the meal.
• Spice-Up Sauce Boost: Elevate the experience with a homemade chipotle crema or jalapeño ranch dressing that adds a creamy, spicy kick to each bite of the taquitos.

Taquito Fillings You Can Use to Mix It Up

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle powder, and a dash of cayenne to the chicken mixture. Top with pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy punch.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Option: Replace chicken with seasoned black beans and roasted corn. Mix in diced bell peppers and use queso fresco for a plant-based alternative that's packed with flavor.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Swap traditional seasonings with oregano, garlic, and feta cheese. Include chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-style taquito that offers a unique taste profile.
• Breakfast Morning Roll: Transform the recipe by using scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese. Serve with a side of salsa verde for a morning meal that breaks away from traditional breakfast options.

Baked Chicken Taquitos That Are Crispy and Easy

• Craft Quick Crispy Delights: These baked chicken taquitos transform simple ingredients into a crunchy, golden meal that's ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families craving Mexican-inspired flavors.
• Customize with Easy Swaps: The recipe allows endless personalization by switching proteins, adding different cheeses, or experimenting with spice levels, making it adaptable for picky eaters and adventurous cooks alike.
• Master Foolproof Technique: Rolling and baking these taquitos requires minimal cooking skills, ensuring even novice home chefs can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Starter: Small, handheld, and irresistibly crispy, these taquitos work brilliantly as game day snacks, kid-friendly appetizers, or casual dinner options that everyone will love dipping and munching.

What Goes Into Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Chicken: Shredded cooked meat that forms the main filling, preferably tender and well-seasoned breast or thigh cuts.
• Cheese: Melty cheddar or Mexican blend that adds richness and helps bind the filling together.

• Cumin: Warm, earthy spice that provides depth and authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic background note without raw garlic intensity.
• Chili Powder: Introduces mild heat and complexity to the chicken mixture.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes a subtle smoky undertone and vibrant color.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional, soft tortillas that become crispy when baked, perfect for taquitos.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve golden, crunchy exterior and prevents sticking.

• Cilantro, Onion, Lime Juice: Fresh ingredients that can brighten and add extra layers of flavor to the final dish.

Oven Directions for Crunchy Baked Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for super easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Delicious Filling

• Shredded chicken
• Crumbled cheese
• Zesty spice blend
• Chopped fresh herbs
• Diced onions

Mix everything until well-combined. Add a splash of lime juice for extra flavor kick.

Step 3: Prepare Tortilla Magic

Soften corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds to make them flexible and prevent cracking.

Step 4: Roll and Assemble Taquitos

Place a tortilla flat on your workspace. Spoon filling onto the bottom third of the tortilla. Roll tightly, tucking in edges. Position each taquito seam-side down on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Crisp and Shine

Lightly spray or brush taquitos with cooking oil. This helps create a golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until taquitos turn golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Let taquitos cool briefly. Serve with your favorite dips like guacamole, salsa, or sour cream. Perfect for game day or a quick snack!

Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Mexican taquitos bring zesty flavors from golden tortillas packed with tender chicken and melted cheese. Crunchy, cheesy goodness awaits you in this simple yet irresistible dinner favorite that delivers authentic southwestern comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)

Cheese and Spices:

• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Tortillas and Coating:

• 12–16 corn tortillas
• Cooking spray or oil (for coating)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onion
• Lime juice

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by setting the temperature to 400°F and positioning a baking sheet with parchment paper for effortless cooking and cleanup.
2. Create a flavorful filling by thoroughly mixing shredded chicken with cheese, blending in aromatic spices, and incorporating optional ingredients like fresh cilantro or diced onions for enhanced taste complexity.
3. Soften corn tortillas in the microwave using a damp paper towel, ensuring flexibility and preventing potential cracking during the rolling process.
4. Carefully lay each tortilla flat, strategically positioning the chicken mixture near one edge, then tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, creating a compact cylindrical shape.
5. Arrange the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining a slight distance between each to promote even crisping.
6. Lightly coat the taquito exteriors with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to encourage a golden, crisp exterior during baking.
7. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes, monitoring the taquitos until they transform into a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges.
8. Remove from the oven and allow a brief cooling period to prevent immediate burning, then serve alongside complementary dipping sauces like guacamole, salsa, or creamy sour cream for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Rescue leftover chicken from the fridge to transform into crispy, golden taquitos that’ll make everyone’s taste buds dance.
• Microwave tortillas briefly with a damp paper towel creates magical flexibility, preventing annoying cracking during rolling.
• Customize your filling by experimenting with different cheese blends, spice combinations, or sneaking in extra herbs for a personal flavor explosion.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg