Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These taquitos deliver all the crunch and flavor of traditional fried versions—but without the mess or extra oil. They’re oven-baked to golden perfection, easy to assemble, and customizable with your favorite fillings. Great for quick dinners, snacks, or even freezer meals, these chicken taquitos hit the sweet spot between convenience and comfort. Plus, you can make a big batch in under 40 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.
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Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos: Crispy, Flavor-Packed Bites Without the Fryer
- Total Time: 33 mins
- Yield: 10–12 taquitos
- Diet: Halal
Description
These Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and bursting with Mexican-inspired flavor — a healthier, easy-to-make alternative to traditional fried taquitos.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 10–12 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- Fresh cilantro and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray or brush with olive oil.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, and seasonings (garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper). Mix well until creamy and evenly coated.
- Warm tortillas slightly in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to make them pliable.
- Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture onto the lower third of each tortilla, then roll tightly and place seam-side down on the baking sheet.
- Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil to help them crisp in the oven.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.
- Serve with sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for dipping, and garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use corn tortillas and bake them on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet.
- Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicier kick.
- These freeze beautifully — bake first, then freeze and reheat in the oven for a quick snack.
- Great as an appetizer, lunch, or family dinner option.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 18 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Shredded Cooked Chicken
The star of the filling—use leftover chicken, rotisserie, or poached breasts for quick prep.
Cream Cheese
Adds creaminess and helps bind the filling together for that perfect taquito texture.
Shredded Cheese
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend works best for meltiness and flavor.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
Gives the filling a tangy creaminess that balances the spice.
Taco Seasoning
A mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and paprika for that signature Mexican flavor.
Diced Green Chiles
Add a subtle kick and depth of flavor without being overly spicy.
Corn or Flour Tortillas
Corn tortillas are classic and extra crispy when baked, while flour tortillas are softer and easier to roll.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray
Helps the taquitos crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Fresh Lime Juice
Adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the filling.
Salt and Black Pepper
For seasoning to taste.
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray it with oil.
- Make the Filling: In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheese, sour cream, green chiles, taco seasoning, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Warm the Tortillas: Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20–30 seconds to make them pliable and prevent cracking when rolling.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Spoon 2–3 tablespoons of the filling onto one edge of each tortilla, then roll tightly. Place seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush or Spray with Oil: Lightly brush each taquito with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to promote crispness.
- Bake: Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through for even browning.
- Serve: Let cool slightly, then serve with salsa, guacamole, or creamy cilantro lime dip.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 12 taquitos (serves 4–6 people) and takes about 35 minutes total—15 minutes prep time and 20 minutes baking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat and keep them crispy, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes or reheat in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes. You can also freeze uncooked taquitos for up to 2 months—just bake directly from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cook time.
Variations and Customizations
Buffalo Chicken Taquitos
Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy, tangy twist.
BBQ Chicken Taquitos
Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and cheddar cheese for a smoky, sweet flavor.
Spicy Jalapeño Version
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Vegetarian Option
Swap chicken for black beans, corn, and sautéed bell peppers for a hearty meat-free version.
Breakfast Taquitos
Fill with scrambled eggs, cheese, and crumbled bacon or sausage for a morning favorite.
Chipotle Lime Taquitos
Add chipotle peppers in adobo and a squeeze of lime for a smoky, zesty punch.
Greek Chicken Taquitos
Use feta, spinach, and tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
Creamy Poblano Version
Roast poblano peppers and blend them into the filling for a bold, earthy flavor.
Cheesy Loaded Taquitos
Double the cheese and add sautéed onions for an ultra-rich filling.
Low-Carb Option
Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps to reduce carbs while keeping the flavor.
FAQs
Can I air fry these taquitos?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for extra crunch.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, just drain and shred it well before mixing into the filling.
How do I prevent tortillas from cracking?
Warm them before rolling and keep them covered with a damp towel while assembling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Definitely—assemble and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours or freeze for later.
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn?
Yes, but the texture will be softer—great if you prefer a tender bite.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend melts perfectly for creamy texture.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake on a wire rack set over your baking sheet to allow air circulation.
What can I serve with taquitos?
Salsa, guacamole, queso dip, or a side salad are all perfect pairings.
Can I use leftover roast chicken?
Absolutely—it’s a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Can I make them spicier?
Add hot sauce or extra chili powder to the filling for a fiery kick.
Conclusion
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos are the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and flavorful—without the hassle of deep frying. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and baked to golden perfection every time. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or main course, these taquitos deliver big flavor in every bite. With their satisfying crunch and savory filling, they’re proof that comfort food can be both delicious and simple to make—just roll, bake, and enjoy!
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