If you’re craving something crispy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, these chicken taquitos are about to become your new obsession. Imagine golden, crunchy tortillas wrapped tightly around juicy seasoned chicken and melty cheese. One bite, and you hear that perfect crunch, like stepping on fresh autumn leaves. That’s the magic.
This isn’t just another recipe. This is the best chicken taquitos recipe ever. And yes, I mean it.
Table of Contents
Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush or oil spray
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or Mexican blend cheese
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 8-10 small corn tortillas
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil for brushing or spraying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, shredded cheese, salsa, cream cheese, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Warm the corn tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to make them flexible.
- Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto one side of each tortilla.
- Roll each tortilla tightly and place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray the tops of the taquitos with olive oil.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Why You’ll Love This Taquitos Recipe
Let’s be real, why settle for average when you can have amazing?
Crispy Outside, Cheesy Inside
The contrast is everything. Crunchy shell. Gooey cheese. Tender shredded chicken. It’s like a flavor symphony in your mouth.
Healthier Baking Option
Instead of deep frying, you can bake or air fry these chicken taquitos for that same crispiness with less oil.
Perfect for Parties and Meal Prep
Game night? Family dinner? Meal prep Sunday? These fit everywhere.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple ingredients. Big flavor.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
- 8-10 small corn tortillas
- ½ cup salsa
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional but recommended)
Seasonings That Make the Difference
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ons for Extra Flavor
- Jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime juice
- Hot sauce
How to Make the Best Taquitos
Ready? Let’s do this step-by-step.
Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix shredded chicken, cheese, salsa, cream cheese, and all seasonings. Stir until well combined. The mixture should be creamy but not watery.
Warm and Roll the Tortillas
Warm tortillas in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. This prevents cracking.
Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto one edge. Roll tightly like a cigar.
Bake or Fry to Crispy Perfection
Place seam-side down on a baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray with oil.
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Want extra crunch? Broil for the last 2 minutes.
Tips for Ultra Crispy Chicken Taquitos
Crispy is the goal, right?
Use Corn vs. Flour Tortillas
Corn tortillas deliver authentic flavor and crisp better.
Don’t Overfill
Too much filling = soggy taquitos. Keep it balanced.
Brush with Oil for Golden Crunch
A light oil coating creates that irresistible golden finish.
Air Fryer Taquitos Option
No oven? No problem.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Flip halfway through.
How to Prevent Dryness
Lightly spray with oil before cooking. It makes a huge difference.
Best Dipping Sauces for Taquitos
Taquitos without sauce? That’s like fries without ketchup.
Creamy Avocado Sauce
Blend avocado, lime juice, sour cream, garlic, and salt.
Sour Cream & Lime Drizzle
Simple but powerful. Add zest for brightness.
Salsa Roja or Pico de Gallo
Fresh tomatoes, onions, cilantro, classic perfection.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers? Lucky you.
Refrigerating Leftovers
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing for Later
Freeze before or after baking. They last up to 3 months.
Reheating Without Losing Crispiness
Reheat in oven or air fryer. Avoid microwave if possible, it softens them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfilling tortillas
- Skipping the warming step
- Not sealing seam-side down
- Overcrowding the baking sheet
Small mistakes. Big impact.
Variations of Taquitos
Want to switch it up?
Spicy Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese.
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and red onions.
Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos
Increase cream cheese for ultra creamy filling.
Serving Ideas
Serve with Mexican rice, refried beans, or a fresh green salad. Or stack them high on a platter for sharing, if you’re willing to share.
If you enjoy comforting chicken dinners like Easy Crock Pot Chicken and Gravy
you’ll appreciate how these taquitos also deliver rich flavor while staying simple and family-friendly.
For a more complete dinner spread, pair them with a creamy one-pot meal like
Ricotta Chicken Pasta with Tomatoes One Pot.
The contrast between crispy taquitos and creamy pasta makes the meal feel balanced and satisfying.
FAQs
Are taquitos healthy?
Baked chicken taquitos are lighter than fried versions. Because we use lean shredded chicken and bake instead of deep fry, they offer a balanced protein-rich option when paired with fresh sides.
Can I make chicken taquitos ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble them and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze them for longer storage.
How do you keep chicken taquitos from unrolling?
Place them seam-side down on the baking sheet. Also avoid overfilling and roll tightly. The melted cheese helps seal the filling during baking.
Can I use corn or flour tortillas for taquitos?
Yes. Corn tortillas create a more traditional crisp texture. However, flour tortillas roll more easily and give a softer bite. For ultra crispy chicken taquitos, I recommend corn.
What cheese melts best for chicken taquitos?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend work perfectly.
There’s something magical about homemade chicken taquitos. They’re simple yet impressive. Crunchy yet creamy. Easy yet unforgettable. Once you try this recipe, it’ll be on repeat in your kitchen. Trust me, your oven (or air fryer) is about to get busy.
