Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos

Golden, crispy, and packed with flavor, these Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos are a mouthwatering twist on a classic Mexican-inspired favorite. Instead of deep frying, they’re baked to perfection, offering a lighter and less greasy alternative without sacrificing the crunch. The tortillas are filled with juicy, seasoned shredded chicken and a mix of melty cheese, rolled tightly, and oven-baked until they hit that ideal crispness.

These taquitos are ideal for quick weeknight dinners, party platters, or meal prep lunches. Served with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, they’re a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion. Best of all, you can whip up a batch in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• Crunchy outside with a savory, cheesy chicken filling.
• Healthier than fried versions, yet just as satisfying.
• Quick to prepare with minimal ingredients.
• Perfect for family dinners, parties, or snacking.
• Freezer-friendly and easy to reheat.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before getting started, make sure you have everything ready. The essential tools you’ll need are:

• Baking Sheet: A large one ensures the taquitos bake evenly without crowding.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Mat: Prevents sticking and helps with even browning.
• Mixing Bowl: To combine the chicken filling thoroughly.
• Tongs or Spatula: For flipping or removing taquitos safely.
• Oven: Preheat to 425°F for the crispiest results without frying.

Having these tools prepped makes the whole process smoother and quicker.

Preparation Tips

Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken breast to speed things up. Make sure the tortillas are warmed slightly before rolling to prevent cracking—wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. Don’t overfill each tortilla; about 2-3 tablespoons of filling is perfect. Tightly roll each one and place them seam-side down to keep them secure while baking. Brush the tops lightly with oil or spray with cooking spray for that golden crisp without frying.

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Ingredients for This Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend (or cheddar, Monterey Jack)
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup salsa (your choice of mild, medium, or hot)
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
• Olive oil or cooking spray (for brushing)

Optional for serving:

• Salsa
• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Fresh cilantro or lime wedges

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Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and encourage even crisping.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, shredded cheese, softened cream cheese, salsa, chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is well incorporated and the filling is creamy and evenly seasoned.

Step 3: Warm the Tortillas

To avoid cracking while rolling, wrap the tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds. This makes them soft and pliable for rolling.

Step 4: Fill and Roll the Taquitos

Place about 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture near one edge of each tortilla. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling and place it seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with olive oil or spray them with cooking spray. This step helps them brown and crisp up in the oven.

Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crisp on the edges. No flipping required unless your oven has hot spots.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra flavor boost.

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Notes

You can make the filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before assembling the taquitos. These taquitos are also freezer-friendly—just roll them up, freeze on a baking sheet, and transfer to a freezer bag for later. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some cheese over the taquitos during the last 5 minutes of baking.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overfilling the tortillas: This can lead to the filling spilling out and the taquitos unrolling while baking.
• Skipping the tortilla warm-up: Cold tortillas tend to crack, especially corn ones. Always warm them up before rolling.
• Under-seasoning the filling: Make sure your chicken mixture is well-seasoned. Bland filling results in bland taquitos.
• Overbaking: Keep an eye on them in the last few minutes to avoid burning.
• Placing them too close together: Give space between each taquito for optimal browning and crispiness.

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Storage Instructions

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 8–10 minutes or until crispy again. You can also reheat them in an air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes. Freezing? Let them cool completely, then wrap individually in foil or store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 taquitos
• Calories: 310
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 17g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes! Corn tortillas work well and provide a traditional flavor. Just make sure to warm them before rolling to avoid cracks.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Absolutely. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the taquitos for about 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.

Can I use other meats?

Yes, ground beef, pulled pork, or shredded turkey all work great in this recipe.

Can I make them vegetarian?

You can! Substitute the chicken with black beans, refried beans, or seasoned vegetables.

How do I keep them from unrolling?

Make sure to place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet and don’t overfill them.

Can I make them spicy?

Add chopped jalapeños or use a spicier salsa in the filling. You can also mix in a dash of hot sauce.

What cheese works best?

A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack works beautifully, but you can use pepper jack for extra heat or mozzarella for a mild option.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Yes, assemble them ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake, or freeze for later use.

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Conclusion

Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos deliver everything you want from a crunchy, cheesy snack or meal—without the mess of frying. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and loved by both kids and adults. Whether you’re meal prepping, party planning, or just craving something crispy and satisfying, these taquitos will become a go-to in your recipe rotation.

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