Baked Chicken Taquitos

Baked Chicken Taquitos are crispy, flavorful, and packed with a savory chicken filling, all wrapped in a golden-brown tortilla without the need for deep frying. Stuffed with shredded chicken, gooey melted cheese, and a blend of bold spices, these taquitos make the perfect snack, appetizer, or easy weeknight meal.

I first made Baked Chicken Taquitos when I wanted a lighter alternative to the traditional fried version, and they turned out even better than expected! The tortillas crisp up beautifully in the oven, and the cheesy, spiced chicken filling stays perfectly moist and flavorful. What I love most about this recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is—just roll, bake, and enjoy!

What’s great about these taquitos is their versatility. You can add black beans for extra heartiness, drizzle them with sour cream or guacamole, or even spice them up with jalapeños. Whether served with salsa, a side of Mexican rice, or enjoyed on their own, these Baked Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, cheesy, and utterly delicious dish that everyone will love!

Perfect for:

Game day snacks
Family dinners
Meal prepping
Kid-friendly meals
Party appetizers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why these Baked Chicken Taquitos will become a household favorite:

Crispy Without Frying: Baking makes them golden and crispy without excess oil.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and minimal prep make this a quick go-to meal.
Packed with Flavor: Seasoned chicken filling delivers bold, delicious taste.
Healthier Alternative: Less oil means a lighter yet satisfying dish.
Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze for a convenient snack or meal.
Kid-Approved: A fun, handheld meal that even picky eaters will love.
Customizable Fillings: Add beans, cheese, or veggies to switch things up.
Dippable & Shareable: Perfect for pairing with guacamole, salsa, or queso.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for casual dinners, parties, or lunchboxes.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 35 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 250-300 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 18g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 8g

Ingredients

For the Taquitos:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1 teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend)
¼ cup cream cheese, softened
¼ cup salsa
10 small corn tortillas
Cooking spray or olive oil for brushing

Optional Garnishes:

Chopped cilantro
Sour cream
Salsa
Guacamole
Crumbled queso fresco

Ingredient Highlights

Shredded Chicken: A lean protein base that absorbs flavors well.
Cheese Blend: Adds creamy, melty goodness to every bite.
Spices: Create a bold and smoky depth of flavor.
Corn Tortillas: Provide a traditional, crisp texture when baked.
Salsa: Enhances the filling with a tangy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Filling:

Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Seasonings: In a large bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Combine Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, shredded cheese, cream cheese, and salsa to the seasoning mixture. Stir until well combined.

Assemble the Taquitos:

Soften Tortillas: Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them pliable.
Fill and Roll: Place 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto each tortilla, roll tightly, and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Brush with Oil: Lightly brush or spray with olive oil to help them crisp up.

Bake the Taquitos:

Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until crispy and golden brown.
Cool Slightly: Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Serve:

Garnish & Enjoy: Serve with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving ideas for Baked Chicken Taquitos:

With Dips: Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Topped with Cheese: Sprinkle with crumbled queso fresco.
As a Main Dish: Serve with a side salad or rice.
For Kids: Cut into smaller pieces for a fun, bite-sized meal.
With Hot Sauce: Add a spicy kick with your favorite hot sauce.
As a Party Appetizer: Arrange on a platter for easy sharing.
With Mexican Rice & Beans: Make it a complete meal.
For Breakfast: Serve with eggs and avocado.
With Fresh Pico de Gallo: Add a refreshing touch.
As a Taco Alternative: Enjoy as a handheld taco-style snack.

Additional Tips

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and easy filling, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s flavorful and saves time on cooking the chicken from scratch.
Don’t Overfill: Make sure to use just enough filling to avoid overstuffing the tortillas. This prevents them from bursting open while baking.
Crispiness Boost: To achieve extra crispiness, lightly spray the taquitos with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil before baking.
Adjust Spices: Feel free to tweak the seasoning according to your preferences. Add more chili powder for heat or smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
Use Corn or Flour Tortillas: Both corn and flour tortillas work well, but if you want a more traditional flavor and texture, go with corn.
Cheese Variety: Try mixing different types of cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for extra flavor and meltiness.
Chill Before Baking: After rolling your taquitos, chill them in the fridge for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps them hold their shape better.
Add Veggies: Add some finely chopped bell peppers, onions, or spinach to the filling for added nutrition and flavor.
Dip Options: Serve with a variety of dipping sauces, like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or even a creamy cilantro-lime dressing for extra deliciousness.
Serve Immediately: For the crispiest taquitos, serve them right after baking. If you need to store them, reheat in the oven to maintain their crunch.

Recipe Variations

Buffalo Chicken Taquitos: Swap the traditional seasoning for buffalo sauce and ranch dressing to create a tangy, spicy kick.
Cheesy BBQ Chicken Taquitos: Mix in some shredded cheddar cheese and your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky twist.
Crispy Avocado Chicken Taquitos: Add some mashed avocado to the filling for a creamy texture and a fresh flavor.
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Taquitos: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the chicken mixture for an extra burst of heat.
Mexican Street Corn Chicken Taquitos: Mix in roasted corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro for a deliciously sweet and savory flavor.
Sour Cream & Green Chili Chicken Taquitos: Add a tangy twist by incorporating sour cream and diced green chilies into the filling.
Mango Chicken Taquitos: Combine diced mango with the chicken for a sweet and savory contrast, perfect with a little lime juice.
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Chicken Taquitos: For a rich, creamy variation, mix in spinach and artichoke hearts with the chicken and cheese.
Chipotle Chicken Taquitos: Spice up the filling with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, flavorful kick.
Pineapple and Teriyaki Chicken Taquitos: Mix shredded chicken with sweet pineapple chunks and teriyaki sauce for an Asian-inspired flavor profile.

Special Equipment

Baking Sheet – For baking the taquitos evenly in the oven.
Parchment Paper – Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Large Mixing Bowl – For combining the chicken, cheese, and seasonings.
Rolling Pin – To flatten tortillas for a crispier texture.
Brush – To apply oil or butter on the taquitos before baking.
Measuring Spoons – For precise measurements of spices and ingredients.
Shredded Chicken – A meat shredder or fork to easily pull apart cooked chicken.
Tongs – For flipping the taquitos halfway through baking.
Cooking Thermometer – To check the internal temperature of the taquitos to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Food Processor – For finely chopping any vegetables or ingredients you want to mix into the filling.

FAQ Section

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the taquitos and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze them?
Absolutely! Freeze baked taquitos in an airtight container and reheat in the oven.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes.
Can I use flour tortillas?
Yes, but they may not get as crispy as corn tortillas.
How do I make them spicier?
Add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend work well.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Do I need to flip them while baking?
It’s optional, but flipping ensures even crispiness.
What’s the best dip for these?
Salsa, guacamole, queso, or sour cream all pair perfectly.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.

Conclusion

Baked Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion! Shredded chicken is mixed with savory spices, gooey melted cheese, and a hint of creaminess, then rolled into tortillas and baked until golden and crunchy. These taquitos deliver all the crunch without the deep frying, making them a lighter yet satisfying option.

Customize them by adding roasted peppers, black beans, or a spicy kick with jalapeños. Serve with guacamole, salsa, or a drizzle of sour cream for the ultimate dipping experience. Perfect for meal prep, game day, or a fun family dinner!

I can’t wait to see how your Baked Chicken Taquitos turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations! And don’t forget to leave a comment letting me know how you made this recipe your own!