Short Description

Homemade Chicken Taquitos are a crispy, savory snack or appetizer made with tender shredded chicken, flavorful spices, and melted cheese wrapped in a warm tortilla. Baked to golden perfection, these taquitos are ideal for game days, casual dinners, or anytime you crave a satisfying finger food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken taquitos are quick, versatile, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or light meal, they deliver crunchy texture and bold flavor with every bite. The ingredients are simple, the preparation is easy, and they’re baked rather than fried — making them a healthier alternative to traditional taquitos.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup salsa
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
12 small flour tortillas
Cooking spray

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, chopped cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Place a spoonful of the chicken mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly to form a taquito.
Arrange the taquitos seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray to promote crisping.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy.
Serve hot with your favorite dips such as guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Bake Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes

Variations

Spicy Chicken Taquitos: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Cheese Blend: Use a mix of Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different cheese profile.
Add Veggies: Stir in finely chopped bell peppers, corn, or spinach for added nutrition.
Use Corn Tortillas: For a gluten-free version, substitute flour tortillas with small corn tortillas.
Fry Instead of Bake: For a more traditional texture, fry the rolled taquitos in oil until golden and crisp.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze baked taquitos in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes or in an air fryer for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crisp texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option and adds great flavor to the filling.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the taquitos and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking.

What type of salsa works best?

Use a thick salsa (chunky or restaurant-style) to avoid excess moisture that can make the taquitos soggy.

How do I prevent the taquitos from unrolling while baking?

Place them seam side down on the baking sheet and avoid overfilling. You can also secure them with toothpicks if necessary.

Can I make these taquitos vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the chicken with black beans, seasoned tofu, or a mix of vegetables and cheese.

Can I use corn tortillas?

Yes, but soften them first by warming briefly so they roll without cracking.

What dips pair well with these taquitos?

Popular options include sour cream, guacamole, queso dip, and various salsas.

Do I need to spray with oil before baking?

Yes, a light spray of cooking oil helps them brown and crisp in the oven.

Can I air fry the taquitos?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I keep taquitos warm for serving?

Place them on a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven until ready to serve.

Conclusion

Homemade Chicken Taquitos are a simple, satisfying dish that can serve as a snack, appetizer, or light meal. With crispy exteriors and a flavorful filling, they’re guaranteed to become a household favorite. Perfect for entertaining or weeknight dinners, these taquitos deliver on taste, texture, and convenience every time.

Homemade Chicken Taquitos

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Author: Douaa
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 4–6 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These crispy Homemade Chicken Taquitos are a quick and easy snack or dinner option packed with shredded chicken, cheese, and bold seasonings. Baked to golden perfection and ideal for dipping in guacamole, salsa, or sour cream, they’re a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup salsa
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 small flour tortillas
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, salsa, cilantro, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Assemble Taquitos:
Spoon the chicken mixture onto each tortilla and roll tightly.
Place rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake:
Lightly spray the tops of the taquitos with cooking spray.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Serve hot with sour cream, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

Substitute corn tortillas for a gluten-free version.
• Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the filling for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
• Great for meal prep or party appetizers.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired