If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful bite that’s perfect for sharing or meal prepping, this Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is an absolute winner. With tender shredded chicken wrapped in crispy corn tortillas and baked to golden perfection, every bite bursts with savory spices, melty cheese, and just the right amount of heat. It’s a simple dish that transforms everyday ingredients into a fiesta of textures and tastes, making it a beloved staple for weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is straightforward but essential for hitting those delicious notes of flavor and texture. Each component plays a critical role, whether providing a smoky warmth, a creamy binder, or a bright contrast that elevates the entire dish.
- Olive oil: Use it to sauté the veggies gently, adding a subtle, fruity richness.
- Sweet onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth while softening in the pan.
- Red bell pepper (finely diced): Offers vibrant color and a mild sweetness that balances the spices.
- Jalapeño (finely diced): Brings a lively kick; adjust according to your heat preference.
- Garlic (crushed): Infuses the filling with aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- Cooked, shredded chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base giving the taquitos their satisfying bite.
- Salsa (medium): Moistens the filling with a tangy tomato foundation and subtle spice.
- Cumin: Lends a warm, earthy note essential in Mexican-inspired dishes.
- Paprika: Adds smoky depth and beautiful color.
- Cayenne pepper: Provides just the right hint of heat to wake up your taste buds.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Offers gentle heat and complexity.
- Corn tortillas: The crisp, golden shells that hold the filling tightly when baked.
- Coconut oil: Used for warming the tortillas; it adds a subtle, mellow richness.
- Refried black beans: Spread inside each tortilla for creamy texture and a mild earthy flavor.
- Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully to bind the filling and add gooey, savory goodness.
How to Make Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, then add finely diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and crushed garlic. Sauté these until they soften and release their sweetness, about 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a fragrant and flavorful base for your filling.
Step 2: Mix in the Chicken and Spices
Next, add the shredded chicken along with salsa, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 3 to 4 minutes so the spices fully meld with the chicken and vegetables, giving you a juicy, perfectly spiced filling.
Step 3: Warm the Tortillas
While the filling is cooking, warm the corn tortillas by lightly frying them in coconut oil a few at a time. About 45 to 60 seconds per side is sufficient to make them pliable and slightly browned. This step ensures they roll smoothly without cracking and crisp nicely once baked.
Step 4: Assemble the Taquitos
Spread a tablespoon of refried black beans down the center of each warmed tortilla, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and sprinkle with shredded cheese. Roll each one up tightly and place them seam-side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch to guarantee crisp edges.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tray into a preheated 400-degree oven and bake for 24 to 26 minutes. When they emerge, the taquitos should have golden, crunchy edges, a slight chew from the cheese, and an inviting aroma that promises something wonderful. This baking method results in a healthier, less greasy version than frying but keeps all the texture you love.
How to Serve Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can take your Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe from great to unforgettable. Freshly chopped cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the flavors beautifully. Guacamole or homemade salsa also pairs flawlessly, offering creamy or zesty contrasts that compliment the crunchy, savory taquitos.
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, consider serving with Mexican rice, a crisp salad, or black bean salad. These sides balance the richness of the taquitos and add layers of texture and nutrition. For a fun party platter, throw in some sliced avocado, pickled jalapeños, and a colorful corn salad for a vibrant spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, arrange the taquitos vertically in a mason jar or a rustic earthenware pot with dipping sauces scattered around. This makes serving easy and visually inviting for gatherings. You can also cut each taquito in half on the diagonal for bite-sized snacks perfect for sharing at a casual get-together or game night.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover taquitos store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep them separated with parchment paper to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess. Simply reheat before serving to bring back that fresh-baked crunch.
Freezing
This Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe freezes exceptionally well, making it a stellar option for meal prep or busy weeknights. Lay the rolled taquitos on a tray and freeze them uncovered until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They keep their quality for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen with a slightly longer cook time.
Reheating
To reheat and revive that crispy texture, place taquitos in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make tortillas soggy. A toaster oven or an air fryer also works wonderfully to bring back the perfect crunch and melty cheese inside.
FAQs
Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?
You can, but corn tortillas provide a more authentic texture and flavor. Flour tortillas tend to be softer and less crispy when baked, so if you prefer flour, warming them well and baking until very crisp helps achieve a similar result.
How spicy are these taquitos?
The recipe includes jalapeño and a dash of cayenne, offering moderate heat. If you prefer milder taquitos, reduce or omit the jalapeño and cayenne. For more heat, add extra jalapeño or a hotter pepper variety.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the shredded chicken with sautéed mushrooms, sautéed jackfruit, or even seasoned tofu. Keep the spices and other ingredients the same for maximum flavor.
What cheese works best in Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe?
Cheddar is the classic choice, but Monterey Jack melts beautifully and offers a creamier texture. A blend of both can also provide a delicious balance of sharpness and meltiness.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?
Warming the tortillas briefly in coconut oil softens them and makes rolling easier without cracking. Make sure they are warm and pliable right before filling and rolling.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe is truly a kitchen hero—easy to prepare, endlessly versatile, and universally loved because it delivers crispy texture and vibrant flavor without the fuss of frying. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a tasty meal prep idea, these taquitos bring the joy of Mexican-inspired comfort food straight to your table. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite snack or dinner go-to!
Print
Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 16 taquitos
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Baked Chicken Taquitos are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for a crowd. Filled with a savory mix of shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, warm spices, refried black beans, and melted cheese, they’re rolled in lightly toasted corn tortillas and baked until golden. A healthier alternative to fried taquitos, they pair beautifully with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for a festive and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Filling Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 sweet onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 3 ½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
- ½ cup salsa (medium)
- ½ tsp. cumin
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- â…› tsp. cayenne pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- ½ cup refried black beans
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, or Monterrey Jack cheese)
Other Ingredients
- 16 corn tortillas
- 3–4 Tbsp. coconut oil
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the taquitos until crispy and golden.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add finely diced onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, and crushed garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their flavors.
- Cook Chicken Mixture: Add shredded cooked chicken, salsa, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the pan. Stir well and cook over medium heat for another 3-4 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Toast Tortillas: In another large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of coconut oil over medium heat. Lightly cook 3 corn tortillas for 45-60 seconds on each side until they start to brown slightly. Repeat this process, adding more coconut oil as needed, for all 16 tortillas. Drain the warmed tortillas on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Assemble Taquitos: Spread about 1 tablespoon of refried black beans down the center of each tortilla. Add 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of shredded cheese on top. Roll up each tortilla as tightly as possible, placing them seam-side down on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch.
- Bake Taquitos: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the taquitos for 24-26 minutes until the edges are slightly browned and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with sides like homemade salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping. Enjoy your delicious baked chicken taquitos!
Notes
- Warming the tortillas before rolling helps prevent cracking and makes them more pliable.
- Adjust the jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispiness, brush the taquitos lightly with additional coconut oil before baking.
- Use any shredded cheese of your choice if you prefer a different flavor profile.
- These taquitos can be made ahead and frozen; bake directly from frozen adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
