Baked Chicken Taquitos – Plain Chicken

Chicken Taquitos Recipe – Packed with savory shredded chicken, Mexican spices, cheese, and wrapped in crispy corn tortillas, they’re a flavor-packed delight for any occasion. Perfect for game day snacks, family dinners, or party appetizers, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re baked to crispy perfection for a healthier twist on the classic favorite.

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Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Stop what you are doing and add these Chicken Taquitos to your menu ASAP! They are so easy to make and taste great! Tender shredded chicken and shredded cheese, seasoned with Mexican spices and nestled inside a crispy corn tortilla shell. The baking process ensures a satisfying crunch without the excess oil, allowing the savory flavors of the chicken to shine through. Each bite offers a delightful combination of savory goodness and satisfying crunch, making these taquitos an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether enjoyed as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty main dish, these baked chicken taquitos are sure to impress!

How to Make Chicken Taquitos in the Oven

This recipe is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together chopped chicken, cream cheese, salsa, lime juice, cilantro, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese.

Wrap corn tortillas in wet paper towels and microwave until pliable. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla. Roll it up as tight as you can.

Place the taquitos seam-side down on the baking sheet topped with a wire rack. Spray with cooking spray and sprinkle with kosher salt.

Bake in a preheated oven until crispy. 

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

• I use corn tortillas. If you don’t like corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas. 
• I like to use rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken in this recipe, but you can use any cooked chicken that you have on hand. Cooked chopped chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins all work fine.
  • Can substitute leftover holiday turkey or ground beef.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
  • Adjust the spices in the filling to your personal preference.
• I use pepper jack cheese, but cheddar cheese, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack would be great, too!
• Our favorite store-bought salsas are Pace Picante Sauce, Mateo’s, Kylito’s, and Pace Restaurant-Style Salsa.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Salsa: https://www.plainchicken.com/superior-grill-salsa/
• Variations/Additions:
  • onions
  • bell peppers
  • chipotles in adobo sauce
  • olives
  • black beans
  • corn kernels
• Can I make Chicken Taquitos in the air fryer? Yes. You can air fry the taquitos at 400ºF for 8 to 10 minutes or until crispy.
• Can I freeze Chicken Taquitos? Yes! You can freeze the taquitos before you bake them. Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place taquitos in a freezer bag and freeze for up to one month.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and place frozen taquitos on a large baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer or oven.

What to Serve with Crispy Chicken Taquitos

These crispy taquitos are a staple at our house! I always have the ingredients on hand to whip them up at a moment’s notice. They are great for parties and an easy weeknight meal.

When it comes to what to serve alongside this dish, I have some delicious ideas for you. Start by serving up bowls of salsa or pico de gallo, jalapeno ranch dressing, or creamy guacamole for dipping. For a heartier accompaniment, consider a side of Mexican rice or refried beans, providing a satisfying contrast to the crispy texture of the taquitos. And let’s not forget about a refreshing salad, tossed with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing, to balance out the richness of the dish. To top it all off, offer a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a final touch of indulgence. With these delicious sides, your chicken taquitos are sure to be the star of the meal!

Looking for more side dish ideas? Here are some popular recipes from the website:

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Baked Chicken Taquitos

Yield: 18 taquitos

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 18 minutes mins

Total Time 28 minutes mins

Chicken Taquitos Recipe – Packed with savory shredded chicken, Mexican spices, cheese, and wrapped in crispy corn tortillas, they’re a flavor-packed delight for any occasion. Perfect for game day snacks, family dinners, or party appetizers, these taquitos are sure to be a hit with everyone. Plus, they’re baked to crispy perfection for a healthier twist on the classic favorite.

• 4 -oz cream cheese softened
• ¼ cup salsa
• 1 Tbsp lime juice
• 2 Tbsp taco seasoning
• 3 Tbsp chopped cilantro optional
• 2½ cups cooked shredded chicken
• 1½ cups shredded pepper jack cheese
• 18 small corn tortillas
• kosher salt
• cooking spray

• Preheat oven to 425ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil and top with a wire rack.

• Combine cream cheese, green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder, minced garlic, cilantro, chicken and shredded cheese.

• Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave 30-60 seconds, until warm and pliable.

• Place 2-3 tablespoons of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla. Roll it up as tight as you can.

• Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.

• Bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown.

• I use corn tortillas. If you don’t like corn tortillas, you can use flour tortillas. 
• I like to use rotisserie chicken for the cooked chicken in this recipe, but you can use any cooked chicken that you have on hand. Cooked chopped chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenderloins all work fine.
  • Can substitute leftover holiday turkey or ground beef.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-taco-seasoning/
  • Adjust the spices in the filling to your personal preference.
• I use pepper jack cheese, but cheddar cheese, Mozzarella, or Monterey Jack would be great, too!
• Our favorite store-bought salsas are Pace Picante Sauce, Mateo’s, Kylito’s, and Pace Restaurant-Style Salsa.
• Here is our recipe for Homemade Salsa: https://www.plainchicken.com/superior-grill-salsa/
• Variations/Additions:
  • onions
  • bell peppers
  • chipotles in adobo sauce
• Can I make Chicken Taquitos in the air fryer? Yes. You can air fry the taquitos at 400ºF for 8 to 10 minutes or until crispy.
• Can I freeze Chicken Taquitos? Yes! You can freeze the taquitos before you bake them. Place the taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place taquitos in a freezer bag and freeze for up to one month.
  • When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and place frozen taquitos on a large baking sheet. Spray with nonstick cooking spray and bake for 15 to 20 minutes.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
  • Reheat in the microwave or in the air fryer or oven.

Steph