Crunchy Heaven: Easy Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

Crispy baked chicken taquitos refine ordinary meal nights into exciting culinary adventures.

Perfectly golden and crunchy, these rolled delights pack serious flavor into every single bite.

Home cooks adore how simple ingredients can create such a crowd-pleasing dish that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Tortillas wrap around seasoned chicken with expert precision, promising a satisfying crunch that makes taste buds dance.

Every bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and robust seasonings that elevate this classic Mexican-inspired appetizer.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, these taquitos represent the perfect balance between convenience and deliciousness.

Families and friends will eagerly gather around the table, anticipating the irresistible golden-brown treats waiting to be savored.

How to Roll and Bake Crispy Chicken Taquitos

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C).

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a silicone mat.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Explosion

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• Ground cumin
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder
• Smoked paprika

Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper.

Mix until everything dances together perfectly.

Step 3: Tortilla Magic

Warm tortillas in the microwave with a damp paper towel for about 30 seconds.

This trick makes them super flexible and prevents cracking.

Step 4: Roll and Prepare

Scoop a generous dollop of chicken mixture onto each tortilla.

Roll tightly, tucking in the sides.

Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Crisp to Golden Perfection

Lightly spray or brush the rolled taquitos with cooking oil.

Slide into the hot oven.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and get delightfully crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Let the taquitos cool for a few minutes.

• Chopped cilantro
• Diced onions
• Fresh lime juice

Dig in and enjoy your crispy creation!

Tips for Crunchy Shells and Juicy Filling

• Prevent Tortilla Cracks: Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave with a damp paper towel to increase flexibility and reduce breakage during rolling.
• Achieve Maximum Crispiness: Spray or brush taquitos lightly with oil before baking to help create a golden, crunchy exterior that's irresistibly crisp.
• Balance the Filling: Use a precise 2-tablespoon measure for consistent filling, ensuring each taquito has the perfect chicken-to-tortilla ratio.
• Seal the Deal: Place taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet to prevent unraveling and maintain a tight, compact shape during baking.
• Customize Your Flavor: Experiment with different cheese blends or add a pinch of jalapeños to the chicken mixture for a personalized spice kick that elevates the classic taquito recipe.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Refrigerate: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual taquitos tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness.
• Reheat Oven: Restore crispiness by baking frozen or refrigerated taquitos at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even heating.

Salsas and Sides to Pair with Chicken Taquitos

• Pair with Zesty Salsa: Complement the crispy taquitos with a vibrant, homemade salsa that cuts through the richness and adds a fresh, tangy kick.
• Serve with Cool Sour Cream Dip: Balance the warmth of the spices with a creamy, cooling sour cream dip that enhances the taquitos' flavor profile.
• Match with Refreshing Mexican Beer: Crack open a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cleanse the palate and provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the crunchy taquitos.
• Create a Side of Cilantro-Lime Rice: Prepare a light, herbal rice dish that echoes the taquitos' Mexican-inspired flavors and adds a complementary texture to the meal.

Chicken Taquito Variations You’ll Love to Try

• Seafood Sensation: Replace chicken with succulent shrimp or flaky white fish, adding a zesty lime and cilantro marinade for a coastal-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Venture: Swap chicken with black beans, roasted corn, and diced bell peppers, creating a protein-packed plant-based alternative that's equally crispy and satisfying.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and a dash of hot sauce into the filling for those who crave an extra kick of heat and bold flavor profiles.
• Breakfast Bonanza: Stuff taquitos with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon bits, and cheddar cheese for a morning-friendly spin that transforms the classic recipe into a breakfast favorite.

Why Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos Are a Family Favorite

• Crunch-Packed Delight: These baked taquitos deliver an irresistible crispy exterior that crackles with every bite, offering a satisfying texture without deep-frying.
• Quick and Effortless Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a simple method for creating restaurant-style appetizers using minimal ingredients and basic kitchen skills.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: The spice blend of cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika creates a versatile base that can be easily adjusted to suit personal taste preferences or accommodate dietary needs.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, casual dinners, or kid-friendly meals, these taquitos offer a crowd-pleasing option that appeals to both children and adults with their handheld convenience and delicious taste.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Taquitos

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Tender and flavorful base for taquitos, preferably using white meat for leaner texture.
• Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Adds creamy richness and helps bind ingredients together.

• Ground Cumin: Provides warm, earthy depth to the chicken filling.
• Garlic Powder: Offers subtle, aromatic flavor without fresh garlic chunks.
• Chili Powder: Brings mild heat and traditional Mexican-inspired taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, slightly sweet undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall seasoning and balancing flavors.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional wrapper that provides authentic texture and corn flavor.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve crispy exterior and golden brown color.

• Chopped Cilantro, Diced Onion, Lime Juice: Fresh additions that brighten and complement the taquitos' flavor profile.

Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Crispy baked chicken taquitos deliver Mexican-inspired comfort with golden tortillas packed with tender shredded chicken and melty cheese. Perfectly seasoned and crisped to perfection, these taquitos promise a delightful crunch you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (preferably breast or thigh meat)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 12–16 corn tortillas

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking and Optional Ingredients:

• Cooking spray or oil, for coating
• Optional: chopped cilantro
• Optional: diced onion
• Optional: lime juice (for added flavor)

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Instructions

1. Activate the oven to a searing 400°F, positioning the rack in the center to ensure uniform heat distribution.
2. Drape a parchment liner across the baking sheet, creating a non-stick surface for the taquitos.
3. Craft the flavor-packed filling by amalgamating tender, shredded chicken with melted cheese in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Incorporate a medley of aromatic spices – cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, and smoked paprika – to elevate the chicken’s profile.
5. Season the mixture with a delicate balance of salt and pepper, stirring until the ingredients meld into a cohesive blend.
6. Render the tortillas supple by enveloping them in a damp paper towel and warming briefly in the microwave, preventing potential fracturing during rolling.
7. Generously distribute the spiced chicken mixture along the tortilla’s length, ensuring an even spread of flavors.
8. Execute a precise, tight roll for each taquito, positioning them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet to maintain structural integrity.
9. Mist the taquitos with a light coating of cooking spray, promoting a golden, crisp exterior.
10. Transfer the tray to the preheated oven, allowing the taquitos to transform into a crunchy, bronzed delicacy over 15-20 minutes.
11. Extract from the oven and permit a brief cooling period to prevent molten fillings from causing burns.
12. Embellish with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a zesty lime squeeze to heighten the culinary experience.

Notes

• Dip into culinary adventure with these crunch-packed taquitos that transform leftover chicken into a crowd-pleasing snack.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding extra smoked paprika for a smoky kick.
• Freeze unbaked taquitos between parchment layers for quick future meals, ensuring crispy texture when baked directly from frozen state.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg