Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe: Family Favorite

Sizzling with flavor and packed with mouthwatering crispy baked chicken taquitos goodness, these golden rolls promise a delightful twist on traditional Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Every bite delivers a crunchy exterior that gives way to tender, seasoned chicken inside.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of spices and a clever baking technique that locks in moisture while creating an irresistible crisp.

Rolling these taquitos is easier than you might expect, with simple ingredients found in most kitchen pantries.

The aroma of melted cheese and spices will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table.

Serve these delectable taquitos as a quick appetizer or satisfying main dish that’s sure to impress.

Get ready to savor a restaurant-quality treat straight from your own oven.

Tools Needed for Chicken Taquitos

• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining all filling ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Essential for creating crispy, golden taquitos.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for balanced flavor.
• Microwave-Safe Towel: Softens tortillas without drying them out.
• Cooking Spray or Brush: Ensures a crispy, golden exterior.
• Sharp Knife: Optional for precise cutting and garnishing.

Cooking Method for Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Flavor Foundation

Create a zesty chicken mixture by blending shredded chicken with bold spices and melty cheese, ensuring every bite bursts with southwestern charm.

• Tortilla Transformation

Gently warm soft tortillas to make them flexible and ready for rolling, preventing any unwanted cracking during preparation.

• Rolling Technique

Carefully spread the spiced chicken mixture across each tortilla, rolling tightly to form compact, delicious cylinders that promise crunch and satisfaction.

• Baking Magic

Place rolled taquitos on a lined baking sheet, giving them a light oil spritz to help achieve that irresistible golden exterior and crispy texture.

• Serving Style

Remove taquitos from the oven when they reach a beautiful amber color, letting them rest briefly before garnishing with fresh herbs or a bright citrus squeeze.

Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos: Flavor Notes

• Flavor Boosters: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or monterey jack for a spicy kick or a more melty texture.
• Protein Swap: Try shredded beef, pulled pork, or black beans as alternative fillings to keep things interesting and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the taquitos ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-7 minutes to the cooking time for a quick and convenient meal.
• Dipping Delights: Elevate your taquitos with homemade or store-bought sauces like salsa verde, sour cream, guacamole, or a zesty chipotle crema for an extra flavor explosion.
• Healthier Twist: Use whole wheat tortillas, add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to the filling, and opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost nutrition without sacrificing taste.

Serving Tips for Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Party Platter Paradise: Arrange taquitos on a large wooden board with vibrant dipping sauces like salsa verde, creamy guacamole, and zesty sour cream for a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
• Fiesta Feast Companion: Pair these crispy taquitos with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a fresh corn salad to create a complete and satisfying meal that bursts with southwestern flavors.
• Breakfast Twist Delight: Transform leftover taquitos into a morning sensation by topping them with a sunny-side-up egg, crumbled queso fresco, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a delicious breakfast upgrade.
• Game Day Champion: Serve these golden taquitos as an irresistible finger food during sports events, movie nights, or casual gatherings, ensuring your guests will come back for seconds and thirds.

Storage Details for Chicken Taquitos

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Wrap cooled taquitos in aluminum foil or place in an airtight container. They'll stay fresh for 3-4 days, ready for quick reheating whenever hunger strikes.
• Freezer Friendly Approach: Stack taquitos between parchment paper layers inside a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 2 months for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Crispiness Technique: Restore original crunchiness by using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture. Cooking spray helps maintain that delightful golden exterior.
• Batch Cooking Wisdom: Prepare double the recipe and separate into meal-sized portions. This smart strategy saves time and ensures delicious taquitos are always within reach for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos

• Shredded Cooked Chicken: Rich, tender meat that brings hearty flavor and protein to your taquitos, with breast or thigh meat offering the most succulent texture.
• Cheddar or Mexican Blend Cheese: Melty goodness that adds creamy richness and helps bind the filling with its smooth, tangy character.

• Ground Cumin: Earthy, warm spice that delivers a deep, smoky undertone to the chicken filling.
• Garlic Powder: Provides a punchy, aromatic kick without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic.
• Chili Powder: Introduces a gentle heat and vibrant red color to elevate the overall taste profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and gorgeous reddish hue to the mixture.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and intensify all other ingredients.

• Corn Tortillas: Traditional, sturdy vessels that crisp beautifully and provide authentic Mexican texture.
• Cooking Spray or Oil: Helps achieve that golden, crunchy exterior during baking.
• Cilantro, Onion, Lime Juice: Optional flavor boosters that can brighten and freshen the final dish.

Irresistible Baked Chicken Taquitos

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mexican-inspired crispy baked chicken taquitos deliver a crowd-pleasing appetizer packed with flavor. Corn tortillas cradle seasoned shredded chicken, promising a crunchy exterior that satisfies hungry guests at any gathering.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (breast or thigh meat)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
• 12–16 corn tortillas
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika
• salt and pepper to taste
• cooking spray or oil (for coating)
• cilantro, chopped (optional)
• onion, diced (optional)
• lime juice (optional, for added flavor)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to 400°F and position the rack centrally for consistent heat circulation.
2. Preparation Surface: Layer a parchment sheet across the baking tray to prevent adherence.
3. Flavor Foundation: Blend shredded chicken with melted cheese, integrating cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a harmonious mixture.
4. Tortilla Transformation: Soften tortillas using a damp paper towel in the microwave, creating a pliable canvas for rolling.
5. Assembly Technique: Distribute the seasoned chicken mixture evenly along each tortilla’s length, rolling tightly with the seam positioned downward on the prepared baking surface.
6. Crisp Enhancement: Delicately mist the rolled taquitos with cooking spray to encourage a golden, crunchy exterior.
7. Baking Process: Slide the tray into the preheated oven, allowing the taquitos to roast and crisp for 15-20 minutes until achieving a rich, bronzed finish.
8. Finishing Touch: Remove from the oven, let cool momentarily, and garnish with fresh cilantro, diced onions, or a vibrant lime accent to elevate the dish’s sensory experience.

Notes

• Warm Tortillas Wisely: Softening tortillas in a damp paper towel prevents cracking, ensuring smooth, easy rolling without splitting.
• Seal Taquitos Securely: Position rolled taquitos seam-side down to prevent unraveling during baking, maintaining their perfect cylindrical shape.
• Crisp Up Smartly: Lightly spraying with cooking spray creates a golden, crunchy exterior that elevates the texture and visual appeal.
• Spice Balance Matters: Blend spices thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly, transforming simple chicken into a taste-packed filling that excites the palate.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg