Crispy Baked Chicken Taquitos

These baked chicken taquitos are a crispy, flavorful delight filled with tender shredded chicken and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, appetizer, or snack, they bring the satisfying crunch of traditional fried taquitos but are lighter and easier to prepare thanks to baking or air frying. Using a simple chicken filling seasoned with taco spices and salsa keeps the flavors vibrant and approachable.

I first made these taquitos when I had leftover Instant Pot chicken, and now my family asks for them whenever we want a quick Mexican inspired dinner that feels special without much fuss.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: fresh and lean for tender shredding
• Taco seasoning: the key to that signature Mexican flavor profile use your favorite blend or homemade if you can
• Salsa: adds moisture and a tangy spice that keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful
• Shredded cheddar cheese: melts perfectly to bind everything together
• Corn tortillas: authentic texture and flavor warming them is essential to prevent cracking when rolling
• Vegetable oil: for brushing the taquitos before baking to help achieve an irresistibly crispy exterior

Instructions

Filling the Chicken:

Add chicken breasts, taco seasoning, and salsa into an Instant Pot with 1/2 cup of water. Cook under high pressure for 12 minutes if fresh or defrosted, or 17 minutes if frozen. Use two forks to shred the chicken thoroughly, then stir it well in the salsa to coat evenly.

Warming Tortillas:

Wrap the corn tortillas in a clean kitchen towel and microwave for 60 seconds. This step softens them to prevent breaking when you roll the taquitos.

Rolling the Taquitos:

Lay the warmed tortillas flat on a clean surface. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the chicken mixture on the center of each tortilla. Top with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and place seam side down on a baking sheet.

Brushing and Baking:

Lightly brush or spray the rolled taquitos with vegetable oil to encourage browning. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for roughly 20 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.

Serving:

Serve these taquitos hot out of the oven with your favorite dipping sauces such as guacamole, fresh salsa, or a creamy queso dip.

My favorite part about these taquitos is the mix of spicy, tangy salsa infused chicken combined with melted cheddar cheese. These flavors remind me of weekend family gatherings where everyone crowds the kitchen sharing plates and stories while nibbling on these addictive bites.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, an oven or air fryer helps bring back the crisp texture better than microwaving. For longer storage, freeze cooked taquitos in a single layer until firm, then transfer to a freezer safe container or bag for up to three months. Heat directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to cook.

Ingredient Substitutions

Pulled pork, carnitas, or shredded beef work wonderfully as filling alternatives. For cheese, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack add a nice melt and subtle spice. If you prefer a softer tortilla, flour tortillas can be used but will change the texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Guacamole, restaurant style salsa, or a fresh white queso dip each make excellent companions that elevate the taquitos flavor. A light side salad or Mexican street corn salad balances the richness for a complete meal.

These baked taquitos are an easy crowd pleasing option that you can customize and freeze for later. They reheat well and stay crisp when warmed in the oven or air fryer.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep tortillas from cracking when rolling?

Warm corn tortillas wrapped in a towel and microwaved for about a minute become pliable and less likely to crack when rolling.

→ What filling can be used besides chicken?

Besides shredded chicken, you can use taco meat, carne asada, carnitas, or leftover pulled pork for varied flavor profiles.

→ Can these taquitos be cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, brush with oil and cook at 400ºF for 5-6 minutes per side for a crisp finish without deep frying.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.

→ What dips pair best with these taquitos?

Guacamole, homemade salsa, or white queso dip complement the crispy taquitos and enhance their flavors.