Golden Crunchy Chicken Taquitos

This crispy chicken taquitos recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crunchy, creamy delight that's become my go-to solution for both weeknight dinners and last-minute entertaining. The oven-baked method delivers that satisfying crunch without deep-frying, while the creamy chicken filling stays moist and flavorful.

I first created these taquitos when hosting an impromptu game night with friends. With just a rotisserie chicken and pantry staples, I impressed everyone with these crispy treats. Now they've become our Friday night tradition, with my husband requesting them weekly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken The foundation of our filling. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds rich flavor.
• 4 oz cream cheese softened Creates that irresistible creamy texture. Make sure it's fully softened for easy mixing.
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese Adds gooey stretch and savory depth. Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
• ¼ cup salsa Provides moisture and instant flavor. Choose your preferred spice level.
• ½ tsp garlic powder Offers aromatic depth without overpowering.
• ½ tsp chili powder Adds warmth and subtle heat.
• ½ tsp cumin Brings that authentic Mexican flavor profile.
• Salt and black pepper to taste Essential for balancing all flavors.
• 8 small flour or corn tortillas The wrapper that becomes perfectly crispy. Fresh tortillas fold better.
• Cooking spray or oil The key to achieving that golden exterior.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior while maintaining a tender filling.

Mix The Filling

Combine the shredded chicken with cream cheese, shredded cheese, salsa, and all seasonings in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until completely integrated. The cream cheese should coat every piece of chicken, creating a cohesive mixture that will stay put when rolled.

Prepare Tortillas

Warm your tortillas in the microwave for about 20 seconds, covered with a damp paper towel. This crucial step prevents cracking when rolling. Work with one tortilla at a time, keeping the others covered to maintain pliability.

Fill And Roll

Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on the lower third of each tortilla, then roll tightly from bottom to top. The key is not overfilling, which can cause splitting or filling leakage during baking.

Position For Baking

Arrange your rolled taquitos seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don't touch each other. This placement prevents unrolling during baking and allows for even crisping on all sides.

Prepare For Crisping

Lightly brush each taquito with oil or use cooking spray to coat them evenly. This thin layer of fat is essential for achieving that golden-brown, crispy exterior that makes taquitos irresistible.

Bake To Perfection

Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching for that perfect golden color. For extra crispiness, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to prevent burning. Look for a uniform golden-brown color across all surfaces.

Serve While Hot

Transfer immediately to a serving plate and offer with your favorite toppings. The contrast between the hot, crispy exterior and creamy filling is best experienced fresh from the oven.

Bookmark

The cream cheese is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered this by accident when I was short on ingredients one night and needed to stretch a small amount of leftover chicken. The cream cheese not only adds richness but also keeps the filling moist even after baking, preventing that dry texture that plagues many baked taquitos.

Make-Ahead Options

These taquitos are perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble them completely, place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen taquitos to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply bake from frozen, adding about 5-7 minutes to the baking time. No thawing necessary makes this perfect for busy weeknights when dinner planning falls through.

Tortilla Talk

While both flour and corn tortillas work beautifully in this recipe, they each offer different benefits. Flour tortillas are easier to roll without cracking and deliver a softer texture with the crispy exterior. Corn tortillas provide a more authentic flavor and crispier finish, but require more careful handling. If using corn tortillas, I recommend warming them individually in a dry skillet for a few seconds per side before filling, which makes them significantly more pliable and resistant to cracking.

Serving Suggestions

Transform these taquitos from a simple appetizer to a complete meal by serving them with Mexican-inspired sides. A simple cabbage slaw dressed with lime juice and cilantro adds freshness, while refried or black beans provide substance. For presentation, arrange the taquitos on a bed of shredded lettuce and surround with small bowls of salsa, guacamole, and sour cream for dipping. This creates an interactive dining experience that's especially popular with children.

Recipe Q&A

→ Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour?

Yes! Corn tortillas work great and make these taquitos gluten-free. Just be sure to warm them thoroughly before rolling to prevent cracking. Microwave them between damp paper towels for about 30 seconds to make them more pliable.

→ How do I make these taquitos spicier?

To add more heat, mix diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the chicken filling. You can also use a spicy salsa instead of mild, increase the chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix.

→ Can these taquitos be frozen?

Absolutely! These taquitos freeze beautifully. Prepare them up to the baking step, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftover taquitos?

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover taquitos in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or in an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. While microwaving works in a pinch, it won't maintain the crispy texture that makes taquitos so delicious.

→ What can I serve with chicken taquitos?

Taquitos pair perfectly with dipping sauces like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. For a complete meal, serve alongside Mexican rice, refried beans, a simple salad with cilantro-lime dressing, or elote (Mexican street corn). A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the taquitos adds a bright finish.

→ Can I use different meat for these taquitos?

Definitely! While chicken works wonderfully, you can substitute shredded beef, pork carnitas, or even seasoned ground turkey or beef. For a vegetarian version, try black beans mixed with sautéed peppers and onions instead of meat.