If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, you’re going to adore this Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a touch of zesty salsa verde all rolled up in crispy corn tortillas. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a satisfying bite any day, these taquitos bake up golden and crunchy without the hassle of frying. Get ready to fall in love with a new kitchen favorite that’s simple, savory, and oh-so-delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients straightforward is key to this recipe’s charm. Each item is chosen to build layers of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, with textures that ensure every bite has that perfect balance of crisp and gooey. These essentials work beautifully together to create a mouthwatering experience, and you probably have most of them already in your pantry or fridge.
- Shredded rotisserie chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds a tender, savory base to the filling.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese brings a luscious creaminess that binds the filling together wonderfully.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a melty, flavorful punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salsa verde: This green salsa brings a zesty, slightly tangy kick that freshens up the overall taste.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the filling.
- Small corn tortillas: These are the perfect size for rolling taquitos, and warming them makes them pliable for easy rolling.
- Oil for brushing: A light coating helps the taquitos crisp up beautifully in the oven without deep frying.
You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.
How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 425°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat is the secret to achieving that irresistible golden crisp on the outside while keeping the filling tender and cheesy inside.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa verde, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and evenly mixed, making sure every bite is packed with flavor and creamy goodness.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
To prevent cracking and make rolling easier, warm the small corn tortillas. You can microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20-30 seconds or gently heat them in a skillet, just until they become soft and pliable.
Step 4: Roll the Taquitos
Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken filling near the edge of each warm tortilla. Roll it up tightly, ensuring the filling is snug inside. This tight roll helps keep everything together during baking for the perfect little taquito.
Step 5: Arrange and Brush
Place each rolled taquito seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush the tops with oil – this step is what helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven without frying.
Step 6: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown and are crisp to the touch. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn but get that satisfying crunch you want.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, allow the taquitos to cool for a few minutes before serving. This little pause helps everything settle and makes them safer (and easier) to eat right off the baking sheet.
How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro, diced avocado, or a dollop of sour cream on top. A squeeze of lime juice adds just the right zing, elevating the flavors and making each bite fresher and more vibrant.
Side Dishes
These taquitos pair wonderfully with a simple Mexican-style rice, refried beans, or a fresh and crispy salad. The contrast between the crunchy taquitos and softer, lighter sides makes for a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking your taquitos upright in a basket lined with a colorful cloth napkin for a fun finger food presentation. You can also serve them with an array of dipping sauces like guacamole, queso dip, or extra salsa verde for friends and family to customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping them sealed well prevents the crispy texture from getting soggy and ensures they stay fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the taquitos before baking by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until firm, about 1 hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to eat, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven for around 10 minutes or until they’re heated through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve their crunch, though a quick zap can work in a pinch.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas for this Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Absolutely! Flour tortillas can work well and tend to be more pliable, making rolling easier. Just keep in mind they may not get as crispy as corn tortillas when baked.
Is it necessary to use rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient choice because it’s pre-cooked and packed with flavor, but you can use any cooked chicken, such as leftover roasted chicken or shredded grilled chicken.
Can I make these taquitos gluten-free?
Yes! Using corn tortillas makes this recipe naturally gluten-free, but always check your salsa verde and seasonings to be sure they don’t contain gluten additives.
What is the best oil to brush on the taquitos?
A neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil works best for crisping without imparting extra flavor. You can also try light olive oil for a subtle taste twist.
Can I add other fillings or spices in the Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced jalapeños, chopped onions, or black beans for extra texture and flavor. Adjust the seasoning to your liking to make it your own.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe has earned a special place in my heart because it’s as simple as it is delicious. The crispy exterior combined with the creamy, flavorful filling makes it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether you’re whipping these up for a quick weeknight dinner or for guests, they bring warmth and joy to the table. I can’t wait for you to try them and see how quickly they become a staple in your kitchen, too!
PrintEasy Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
These Easy Baked Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer perfect for any occasion. Made with shredded rotisserie chicken, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and salsa verde, these taquitos are rolled in soft corn tortillas then baked until golden and crunchy. Ready in just 35 minutes, they offer a delicious and simple way to enjoy Mexican-inspired flavors with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa verde
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Taquitos
- 12 small corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons oil for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salsa verde, garlic powder, and salt. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined into a creamy filling.
- Warm the tortillas: To make the tortillas pliable and easy to roll, warm them in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for about 20-30 seconds, or heat each tortilla briefly in a skillet.
- Fill and roll taquitos: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture near the edge of each warmed tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito.
- Place on baking sheet: Arrange each rolled taquito seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This helps prevent them from unrolling during baking.
- Brush with oil: Lightly brush the tops of the taquitos with the 2 tablespoons of oil. This will help them crisp up nicely in the oven.
- Bake until crispy: Bake the taquitos in the preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and serve: Allow the taquitos to cool slightly before serving so they firm up and are easier to eat.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation time and adds great flavor.
- Make sure to warm tortillas well to avoid cracking when rolling.
- You can substitute salsa verde with your favorite salsa or hot sauce for different flavors.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil them for 1-2 minutes at the end but watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve with guacamole, sour cream, or extra salsa on the side for dipping.
