Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos
Crunchy Oven-Baked Chicken Taquitos feature tender shredded chicken wrapped in tortillas and baked to golden, crispy perfection. This flavorful, family-friendly snack or meal offers a healthier alternative to frying, with a deliciously seasoned filling and a satisfying crunch perfect for any occasion.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
For the Filling
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons salsa or hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for mixing)
For Assembly
- 10–12 corn or flour tortillas
- Olive oil spray
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Optional: lime wedges, crumbled queso fresco, shredded lettuce (for serving)
- Prepare the Chicken Filling: Cook chicken breasts until tender, then shred finely. In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with shredded cheese, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and salsa or hot sauce. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Warm the tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Lay each tortilla flat and spread an even amount of the chicken mixture along one side. Roll the tortilla tightly into a tube to enclose the filling. Use toothpicks if necessary to secure the shape.
- Get Ready to Bake: Place the rolled taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray each taquito with olive oil to promote crispness during baking.
- Bake Until Golden and Crunchy: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Bake the taquitos for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Serve Warm with Tasty Extras: Remove toothpicks carefully. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm with your favorite dips such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or queso. Add lime wedges or crumbled queso fresco if desired.
Notes
- Use warm tortillas to make rolling easier and prevent cracking.
- Don’t overfill the tortillas to avoid bursting while baking.
- Light olive oil spray helps achieve an even crispy texture without excess grease.
- Flip the taquitos halfway through baking for consistent golden crunch on all sides.
- Let taquitos rest a few minutes after baking to improve texture and flavor melding.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 taquitos
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken taquitos, oven baked taquitos, crispy chicken taquitos, healthy taquitos, Mexican appetizers, gluten free snacks