Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Name: Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Mexican blend); 1/4 cup salsa or canned green chilies; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp salt; 12 corn or flour tortillas; Cooking spray or oil, for brushing; Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro

Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a flavorful, healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version. These rolled tortillas are filled with a savory shredded chicken mixture, then baked until golden and crispy. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish, these taquitos are easy to prepare and bursting with Tex-Mex flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These taquitos are baked—not fried—so you can enjoy all the crunch with less oil. They’re family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and endlessly customizable with your favorite fillings. Whether you’re serving them for game day, a weeknight dinner, or a party platter, these taquitos are a crowd-pleasing dish that’s quick to assemble and delicious every time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cooked, shredded chicken
Cream cheese or sour cream
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
Salsa or canned green chilies
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cumin
Salt
Corn or flour tortillas
Cooking spray or oil (for brushing)
Optional toppings: guacamole, sour cream, salsa, chopped cilantro

Directions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream cheese (or sour cream), shredded cheese, salsa or green chilies, and seasonings until well combined.
Warm the tortillas slightly in the microwave or on a skillet to make them pliable.
Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto one side of each tortilla and roll tightly.
Place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
Lightly brush or spray the tops with oil to help them crisp up.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Let cool for a few minutes before serving with your favorite toppings or dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 taquitos.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 4 (3 taquitos per serving)

Variations

Spicy version: Add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling.
BBQ twist: Mix shredded BBQ chicken with cheese for a smoky variation.
Veggie-packed: Add sautéed onions, bell peppers, or black beans.
Different meats: Substitute chicken with shredded beef, ground turkey,
Cheese-only: Make vegetarian cheese taquitos with beans or extra veggies.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 5–6 minutes until crisp.
They can also be frozen after baking; reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and refrigerate them up to a day in advance before baking.

Can I freeze taquitos before baking?

Absolutely. Roll them up, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

What’s the best tortilla to use?

Corn tortillas offer traditional flavor and extra crispness, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.

How do I keep taquitos from unrolling?

Place them seam-side down and avoid overfilling. Warming the tortillas also helps them hold shape.

Can I air fry these?

Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7–9 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

What’s a good dipping sauce?

Sour cream, guacamole, salsa, chipotle mayo, or queso dip all pair wonderfully.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Definitely. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.

Can I make them dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese and skip the cream cheese or substitute with a non-dairy spread.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Brush with oil and bake on a wire rack to allow air circulation around the taquitos.

Are they gluten-free?

Use corn tortillas and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Conclusion

Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are a fast, fun, and flavorful dish that satisfies cravings for something crispy and cheesy—without the mess of deep frying. With simple ingredients and tons of flexibility, this recipe is a reliable go-to for busy weeknights, entertaining, or meal prep. Once you try them, they’ll quickly earn a regular spot on your menu.

Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating